I did some testing for 12 gauge spreader loads back a few years ago. I loaded shells with polywad spreaders, the X spreader that BPI sells, and one other one that I have forgotten. The polywad gave much more consistent patterns than the others.
I wanted to use a f/m sxs on late season doves and I wound up using a load with an ounce of shot under the polywad and 1/4 oz over it. I found that if I just put the polywad over all the shot it left a hole somewhere in the pattern. Adding shot over the wad seemed to eliminate the hole. I got that idea from a guy on another forum who had done extensive testing with a 16 gauge.
It changed the performance of the gun from f/m to m/ic, and I didn't notice flyers being any worse than a normal shell. I wouldn't have been afraid to hunt over a dog with these shells. It does take a good bit of extra effort to load shells in this manner, so I wouldn't do it except for hunting purposes. I would think you could duplicate it with 20 gauge loads.
Last edited by coosa; 12/16/18 02:45 PM.
