Back before shotcups you might get a full .410 constriction to do 70% in 30" at 25 yds. Now, skeet and mod barrels do this. I've found at least one 3" shell that will do 65% at 40 yds through full. Worlds of difference.
So, the question has been a good one, the discussion interesting. If you look at some 10 to 15 yd patterns, particularly the 3" shells, you'll see the early attritition of scrubbed and setback pellets. Protected pellets go on to behave as though they came out of best quality 12 ga traploads.
Sam
