Does the load affect the pattern?

[Ackley Improved User]

Does the powder charge affect the quality of the overall pattern, when shooting trap or skeet - that is, can an excess or inadequate powder charge ruin the quality of the shot pattern? Stated differently - can too much or too little velocity (or pressure) affect the pattern?

It seems reasonable to assume that each individual shotgun will have a "one-best" load resulting in optimum pattern and velocity, resulting in the most efficient clay-bird breaking qualities and highest scores.

Is this true? Or, is the final score solely dependent on how you point the gun?

Any thoughts?

 

[Jim Watson]

Everything affects pattern. The shot hardness, the wad, the powder charge. A low velocity load will usually pattern tightly.
But I think if you use most any of the standardized target loads, the scores will be up to you.

W.W. Greener said they had to put in special measures during gun trials in the late 19th century when choke boring was new and wonderful. Lacking portable chronographs, shotguns were shot for penetration against a variety of materials, cardboard and the like; and shot for pattern in the traditional 30 inch circle at 40 yards. He said they had to put the penetration cards in the middle of the pattern circle so as to keep gunmakers from shooting hot loads for penetration and light loads for pattern.