Miller,
I think you're assessment is accurate. I have done the core assessment. What I have found is that the .410 patterns are what you would expect from a load that contains two pellet populations. Each population seems to act normally (Gaussian), but the results end up looking as you describe. I am probably oversimplifying here, but there it is.
I believe this helps reconcile the apparent contradictions: that we can get good core density at 25 (mod) and 40 yds (full), yet see so few pellets in the outer rings.
Those who use a .410 with effect in the field are putting the core on the bird. Even so, I am also convinced that an effective 30 inch (not yds!) circle is largely unobtainium with any gauge and payloads of 1 oz or less.
Sam
Last edited by Samuel_Hoggson; 04/14/08 02:21 PM.
