Shotgun Point of Impact Test - .410 Gauge Shotgun - Part Two

In Part One of a simple test of point of impact and how well they patterned with different shotshell rounds for our .410 gauge shotguns, results of RW, Jr. were posted. I am now posting my results of the recent tests that were done with my H & R Topper Model 88 .410 gauge shotgun.

Using the same basic target rounds as RW, Jr., the first shotshells I used were the Remington Long Range Shotshells in #6. I used green colored targets for my targets instead of the black colored ones that RW, Jr. used. No mistake or confusion on the results that way.

I had a very good pattern on the 8 1/2 inch by 11 inch target with the Remington shotshells aiming at the center mark of the target from 50 feet. This was pretty much in line with what I thought would happen. I’ve made a point to make sure I know just what my firearms are capable of and what, if any, limitations there might be on the gun or my abilities.

I had similar results at 50 feet using the Winchester High Brass Shotshells in both the # 7 1/2 and # 6 shotshells. This was to be expected though. I have been using these loads for quite some time and they have always done well in my .410 shotgun. Good patterns were achieved when aiming at center target with all shotshell rounds (see pics above). I would feel very comfortable using either the Remington or Winchester shotshells, as both produced excellent results for me. It is important to remember that this was done with a stationary (fixed) target from a standing position (not the most stable platform). Moving targets are a whole different ball game.

Pictured above is a pellet from the 000 buckshot rounds that RW, Jr. dug out of the tree behind the target when repairing the tree damage. You should always make an attempt to repair any unintended damage done to the natural environment. This is a basic precept of good hunting, shooting and bushcraft skills.

From a distance of 75 feet, it penetrated the good oak tree about 1 1/4 inches and mushroomed very nicely to a little less than 1/2 inch in diameter. The pellets in the target went only slightly deeper but the old stump was fairly rotten. No surprise that they went a little deeper!

The buckshot rounds tested fairly well also. My first rounds were within a five inch circle but were slightly to the left of center and this was probably due to the fact that I’m right-handed but left eye dominant. If I cock my head ever so slightly, my rounds have a tendency to go left of center and down to the left. This depends upon how bad I cock my head when aiming. It takes a conscious effort on my part to keep my head straight. This is something my good friend Bitmap pointed out in the comments section of Part One. The position of your body will affect your aim. My second shot was even worse. I over compensated and my head was turned too much to the right. Hence the rounds went low and to the right.

I need to shoot more of the 000 buckshot before I make a definitive decision. This may be a while though. I can shoot a 25 round clip of .22lr for the cost of just one of the .410 buckshot rounds. I also need to mention that there was a minimal amount of additional recoil from the buckshot loads. Those of you out there that are of smaller stature don't need to worry about it.

If you don’t know for sure how your firearm performs, you may need to do a little practice yourself. Practice only makes you better and will give you more confidence in your own abilities. It’s too bad I don’t have any free rounds from a manufacturer to test out or I would be doing a lot more shooting!

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker