How far?

[Maxus12]

So with Hal's help I am loading 15/8oz of #9s in a 20ga. How far is to far if I'm putting 215 plus pellets in a 10" circle at 50 yards?

[hawglips]

There is the .7 rule of thumb that comes out really close, using average patterns.

It goes like this. You multiply your 10" pellet count by .7 for what you will be getting 10 yds further.

So, if you have 215 at 50 yds, then at 60 yds, you could expect about 150, and at 70 yds, you could expect about 105.

So, using number 9s, at 1090 fps MV, you get 1.25" penetration (my minimum standard for turkey heads and necks) at 72 yds (32 deg and 1000' alt).

Conclusion: you have a bonafide 70 yd rig if you can put the core of the pattern on his head and neck at that range. And your pattern viability/pellet penetration is almost perfectly matched, with no overkill either way.

[Maxus12]

That is great info. Not that I'll be taking 70 yard shots but figured you might have some math on the situation.
It begs the question.... Why carry a 7.5lb 12 when a 5.7lb 20ga will do!!

[hawglips]

That is great info. Not that I'll be taking 70 yard shots but figured you might have some math on the situation.
It begs the question.... Why carry a 7.5lb 12 when a 5.7lb 20ga will do!!

That's why my go-to turkey gun is a 28 ga...