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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Meadhall Range" data-source="post: 3815945" data-attributes="member: 43913">I notice that you didn't provide distance from target or I didn't see it for the gel results. I would also ask what you are considering a "good pattern" at 10 and 25. <img src="/images/smilies/smile.png"  class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)" data-shortname=":)" /> One other note is if you are doing gel testing where possible get real gel instead of the home made stuff, the properties are different. You might also utilize 2-4 layers of something like denim in front of the gel to account for "clothing". For the most part birdshot has way too much spread and lack of energy on a human at anything past 6 yards. #4 is Certainly better than birdshot at is what I (and others) would consider the BARE minimum for a self defense load. I personally prefer 00 8 pellet Flite Control for bloody good reason. Out of my mossy at 25 yards with flite control I get a pattern about the size of a double fist. I know where every single pellet goes and it is massively effective all the way out to 25. My issue with #4 is that is a lot of pellets flying at any distance and even if it is buffered that is a Very high chance of a flyer(s). I want Every single pellet landing on whatever my target is because every one that doesn't you are responsible for. As soon as shot pellets come out of the cup/wad most loads start banging pellets against each other which can give you flyers. Even with 9 pellet flite control you can get a 9th pellet flyer, it is 99% of the time still on the target but it isn't usually grouped with the rest. That is a chance at a flyer off target if your POI/POA is off. Now...having said that people need to pattern their gauge with the ammo they are going to use so they KNOW what that pattern is. Patterns can change from gun to gun and even between different lots of ammo.  Some barrels/guns really prefer certain ammo and get better patterns with it. KNOWING that pattern is important.As to using cut shells...please don't do that around me...Ever. That is a good way to end up with an overpressure situation in your gauge and blow it, and you, to hell. For those that like that kind of thing, hey good luck, but there has been a Lot of testing done on that myth...and all of it says it is dangerous to the user. <img src="/images/smilies/smile.png"  class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)" data-shortname=":)" /></blockquote>

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