I freely admit I have not shot near as many patterns as I should have over the years. However I have observed many pattern tests performed by & reported on by the American
Rifleman staff over the years. They have habitually used an 8 field target using a 21.2" inner circle (Half Diameter) inside the normal 30" circle. Observation has shown that increases in choke brings a higher % of the shot into the inner circle but with little change in the outer rim. The entire pattern is reduced in size with shot outside the 30" circle (totaly useless) being brought inside, while many in the outer rim are shifted into the inner circle. End result is a denser inner circle with little actual change of pellet count in the outer rim.
This will give you a longer range for a well centered hit, but precious little advantage on a hit outside that inner circle. I am thoroughly convinced this is why I saw no significant advantage to a cyl bore over the .010" choke of the gun I mentioned on either quail, woodcock or rabbits for which I used the same load with #6 shot substituted. This gun is quick to point, but with just enough weight & forward balance to swing smooth. It was pure poison on a rabbit coming across a clearing with his ears laying back which occurs from the air drag when he is really moving to gain distance from the pack of beagles pursuing him.
