↬ When it comes to waterfowl hunting, the way a choke tube patterns is the building block of good marksmanship. It can mean the difference between bagging a bird or missing altogether. Luckily there are several revealing characteristics that can indicate if a choke tube is performing as it should.
Choke tube patterns are a measure of how much the shot spreads after it leaves the barrel of the shotgun. Interpreting a choke tube pattern correctly is key to fixing any deficiencies in choke, ammo, or shotgun. When patterning a shotgun for waterfowl, 80 percent of pellets within a 30-inch circle is considered sufficient.
In this guide, we’ll discuss examples of what a choke tube pattern should look like, common problems when patterning, and tips to correct them.
What does a good choke tube pattern look like?
A good choke tube pattern should have a consistent and even distribution of shot pellets within a specific area, with a density that is dense enough to ensure an effective shot while not being too dense as to create gaps in coverage. The pattern should match the shooting distance and intended game, providing optimal shot placement for a quick, humane kill.
Examples
These examples are the most common pattern results when using waterfowl ammo through various choke sizes. The best shotgun patterning technique for waterfowl requires a 30-inch diameter circle and a 3 shot average to adequately evaluate a given load. Typically, 80% or more of pellets inside the 30-inch circle, evenly distributed, qualifies as a passing choke tube score.
Ideal Pattern – Pellets are uniform, even distribution. The holy grail of patterning is the uniform pattern where pellets are evenly distributed, and no gaps are present that a bird could slip through. While achieving a pattern that is perfectly symmetrical is almost impossible, developing a consistent pattern with 80% or more of pellets inside a 30-inch circle at range is the benchmark to strive for. To get these results, use quality choke tubes, premium ammo, and spend time patterning your shotgun to fine tune the performance for when it matters in the field.
Blotchy Pattern – Large gaps, uneven distribution. Choke tube patterns with large gaps or spaces are the most common problematic result. Gaps in a pattern, especially those that are the size of a duck or goose, mean that birds can easily slip through, even if your aim is true. Poor quality ammo is usually the cause, with irregular pellet roundness and size being the contributing factors. Increase the quality of shot components to reduce these irregularities.
Blown Out Pattern – Pellets migrate to outside. Choke patterns that are blown out, or resemble a “donut”, are easy to spot as most of the pellets migrate outside of the point of aim, creating a ring. Naturally, this is a poor pattern for waterfowl with multiple areas a bird could slip through. The main cause of blown out patterns is a choke that is too tight and issues with separation of the wad and shot column. This condition can also arise with rifled choke tubes slinging the wad as it exits the barrel.
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Too Tight – Shot congregates at center of target. Choke tube patterns that are too tight result in a high density of pellets congregating at the center of the target. While this may be the goal for turkey hunting, it’s not ideal for waterfowl hunting, especially at the ranges you plan on shooting. A pattern that is too tight is unforgiving and requires more precision to hit fast moving targets consistently.
The main cause for patterns that are too tight are over-choked shotguns, pellet sizes too large, and high-density ammo. To correct this problem, open the choke up one or two sizes, use a smaller size pellet, or switch to less dense ammo, such as steel. For reloading, a spreader insert can be placed inside the shot column to aid with pellet expansion.
What distance should be used to pattern a shotgun?
The distance that should be used to pattern a shotgun is determined by the expected range of shots in the field. Patterning a shotgun for waterfowl hunting over decoys requires 30 to 40 yards of distance. Long range shots on geese up to 50 yards require longer patterning distances.For short ranges on flushing pheasants or quail, a 20 yard patterning distance is all that is required. For hunts with varying distances, conduct pattern testing at an average expected range. Having multiple choke tube sizes can allow you to switch them quickly in the field based on changing conditions.
Too Open – Shot expands outside of target area. Choke patterns that are too open cover a wide area outside of the general point of aim. This condition is not ideal because it wastes pellets that would otherwise be generally near the target. Patterns that are too open can be caused by under-choked shotguns and pellet sizes that are too small for the distance. To correct this condition, use a choke tube that is one or two sizes tighter or increase the pellet size one or two sizes.
Off Center – Shot pattern deviates from point of aim. Choke tube patterns that are off center are usually nothing to worry about, as it’s often just a case of flinching or some other outside force causing the inaccuracy. It’s also one of the reasons why the best practice of drawing a 30-inch circle on the patterning board should be completed after the shot has been fired. Just identify the densest part of the pattern as the center of aim. To correct more serious issues with off center patterns, examine the shotgun barrel and sight for alignment (may need a bore laser) and avoid patterning on windy days.
Understanding Choke Tubes
Choke tubes are one of the most important tools to developing good choke tube patterns. These inexpensive devices are quickly interchangeable and require very little maintenance to function properly.
But a choke tube can’t function properly without working in unison with a shotgun and shotshells. When each of these tools click, the results can produce uniform patterns that increase success while hunting.
The 3 Types of Choke Systems
Extended choke tubes – Elongated chokes, interchangeable. These types of choke tubes extend beyond the barrel of the shotgun when fully seated. Extended choke tubes can produce some of the best patterns for duck and goose hunting. The purpose of an extended choke tube is to provide an easy way to remove the choke by hand, adds functionality such as ports, creates an easy way to identify chokes, and protects the barrel from damage.
Flush choke tubes – Standard choke, short length, interchangeable. Flush chokes are shorter than extended chokes and sit even with or “flush” to the end of the shotgun barrel. These types of chokes are solid, do not contain ports or other features found on extended chokes, and may have to be removed to identify the size. Flush choke tubes are typically included as a set when you purchase a new shotgun. These chokes can produce adequate patterns, so they are always a good place to start before purchasing new chokes.
Fixed choke shotguns – Size dependent on barrel, non-interchangeable. The last type of shotgun choke is a fixed choke. Fixed chokes are found on older shotguns and single shot break open models. Fixed chokes are machined directly into the barrel itself, preventing the choke from being changed as you would if a choke system was installed. Most of the older shotguns with fixed chokes happen to be in Full choke diameter, which severely limits the type of shot and hunting scenarios it will excel at. Fixed choke shotguns will have the choke size listed on the barrel, but sizing with a digital caliper may be needed for shotguns without any markings.
SUMMARY
Choose an extended choke for maximum versatility, easy identification, and quick installation. Flush chokes sit even with the end of the barrel, which means they are more protected. Fixed chokes are not removable and are cut directly into the shotgun barrel itself.
Choosing the Right Choke Tube for Your Hunting Needs
When it comes to choosing the right choke tube, there are several factors to consider. The top three are hunting needs, choke size, compatibility. Each of these factors should be evaluated before determining which choke tube is best for a given situation.
Hunting needs – Driven by game animals and hunting conditions. Choosing the right choke for the type of hunting you will be doing should always be the first consideration. No choke tube is ideal for every hunting situation, so getting this aspect correct is important. Close shots on dove and upland game with small lead shot requires open chokes. Duck hunting over decoys using steel shot is most versatile with a modified choke. And turkey hunting requires tight full chokes for precision accuracy at long ranges.
Choke Sizes – Shot distances, range, and pattern density. Choke size is the second most important consideration, as it determines the effectiveness of the pattern at a given range. Choosing a choke that is too open can mean inadequate pattern density, resulting in wide pellet distribution away from the point of aim. Chokes that are too tight on the other hand can create excessive pattern density at the point of aim that can lead to missed shots. Knowing the efficiency of a pattern while taking into consideration range and choke size, is the key to evaluating acceptable pattern density.
Choke Compatibility – Pellet size, wad type, and choke system. The last aspect of choosing a choke is guided by the compatibility of it with your shotgun and ammo. A handy choke interchange guide can help you quickly find which chokes work with your shotgun. It’s also important to pay attention to the types of shot and wads that can be used with certain choke tubes. The manufacturer recommendations and warnings will be listed on the packaging. Some chokes are designed for lead shot only, while others aren’t compatible with certain wad designs. Never shoot buckshot through a full choke tube.
Improving Your Shooting Accuracy with Choke Tube Patterns
Patterning your shotgun is the best way to find out how it will perform in the field. Any deficiencies can then be addressed and corrected. Below is a list of the key steps for developing a system to increase shooting accuracy to develop better choke tube patterns:
- Practice patterning a lot and develop a system.
- Document your patterns to study and improve them.
- Select the right choke tube.
- Use quality duck hunting ammo.
- Understand what an acceptable pattern is.
- Reload your own shells.
- Get feedback from other hunters.
What determines a successful choke tube pattern is sufficient density and pellet distribution (at least 80%) in a 30-inch circle at a chosen range. The pattern should not be blotchy or have gaps that waterfowl can fly through.
Successful patterns should be able to be replicated on follow up shots. A three-shot average is the standard to determine if a certain waterfowl loads pattern is acceptable and will work well in the field. The three-shot average patterning test for duck hunting is the industry standard for determining if a duck load will pass or fail.
How to perform a 3 shot average patterning test:
- Set up a patterning board at a specified range.
- Shoot one round of ammo through the same shotgun and choke at the same spot on the patterning board.
- Choose the densest part of the pattern and draw a 30-inch circle around it.
- Count the number of pellets in the 30-inch circle and record the number.
- Write the load info on the patterning board and take a photo for future evaluation.
- Replaced the patterning board with new material and repeat the process for two more shots.
- Use a pellet count chart or cut open a shell to count how many pellets are in the load.
- Divide the number of pellets in the load by the number of pellets that hit within the 30-inch circle for each three rounds.
- Average the three results. If the number is 80% or above, without large gaps, the choke tube patterns sufficiently.
Bottom Line: 80% coverage inside a 30-inch circle is ideal
Hunters pattern their shotguns to understand how choke tubes work and analyze several key aspects to determine the best choke to use while hunting. Being able to examine pattern results and correct any deficiencies is the first step to improving accuracy.
When patterning a shotgun, the sufficient percentage of pellets within a 30-inch circle is 80%. A uniform choke tube pattern, absent of gaps or holes, is the ideal result for duck and goose hunting. Patterns that are too tight or too open can easily be corrected by selecting the correct choke tube for the distance. Blotchy patterns typically suffer from poor ammo selection, while off-center patterns can be nothing more than a slight of accuracy.
When patterning new loads, always use the 3 shot average test to accurately gauge its effectiveness. Developing a system to pattern your shotgun can pay dividends and save time. Always pattern test with the same shotgun, ammo, and choke you plan to hunt with, as results can change if any of the three are modified.
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