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Was able to get some range time in yesterday with my new to me 20/.62 smoothbore rifle. I switched to the Skychief load and it was a definite improvement in my gun and I shot my best pattern to date. After about 10 shots it was proving to be consistently more dense than with the thick cushion wad under the shot. This is with 65grns, 3F Goex, 1/8” over-powder card, 1-1/8 #6 shot, thin overshot card, thick felt cushion wad soaked in olive oil. I can’t wait for spring…..

4D3306A3-A392-46C1-A330-243E77C1C153.jpeg
 
Was able to get some range time in yesterday with my new to me 20/.62 smoothbore rifle. I switched to the Skychief load and it was a definite improvement in my gun and I shot my best pattern to date. After about 10 shots it was proving to be consistently more dense than with the thick cushion wad under the shot. This is with 65grns, 3F Goex, 1/8” over-powder card, 1-1/8 #6 shot, thin overshot card, thick felt cushion wad soaked in olive oil. I can’t wait for spring…..

That'll work!

LD
 
Maybe try using 2f, lower pressure’s might help shrink up you pattern.

Lots of range time by tinkering with loads will keep you busy for sure, lighter in the wallet, and drive you crazy lol!!! Thats why we love them smoothies!!!
 
Was able to get some range time in yesterday with my new to me 20/.62 smoothbore rifle. I switched to the Skychief load and it was a definite improvement in my gun and I shot my best pattern to date. After about 10 shots it was proving to be consistently more dense than with the thick cushion wad under the shot. This is with 65grns, 3F Goex, 1/8” over-powder card, 1-1/8 #6 shot, thin overshot card, thick felt cushion wad soaked in olive oil. I can’t wait for spring…..

View attachment 164308
Add a bit more shot, same powder - the group will tighten up even more. Nice dead turkey!
 
Add a bit more shot, same powder - the group will tighten up even more. Nice dead turkey!
Not trying to hijack this op, but my fusil is throwing " donut" patterns
Haven't had a lot of time to really work on a load yet. Started out with 75 gr. Of 3 F Graf ( sheutzen) , 90 gr. ( By volume) of #4 shot.
After reading some of the replies here, I may reduce my charge by ten gr., and increase my shot by ten gr.
I was using a cushion wad on top , Sky Chief load. May try a pattern without it too and see how it performs.
 
Not trying to hijack this op, but my fusil is throwing " donut" patterns
Haven't had a lot of time to really work on a load yet. Started out with 75 gr. Of 3 F Graf ( sheutzen) , 90 gr. ( By volume) of #4 shot.
After reading some of the replies here, I may reduce my charge by ten gr., and increase my shot by ten gr.
I was using a cushion wad on top , Sky Chief load. May try a pattern without it too and see how it performs.
I think you are on the right track of reducing the charge. I use 2F in mine. Over powder cushion wad, over shot card. A bit heavier on shot like you are, just a bit lighter on the powder you should be fine...
 
Ok I’m new to the discussion and looking for a good turkey load in my 20 gauge I just bought. What is the skychief load ?
 
Not trying to hijack this op, but my fusil is throwing " donut" patterns
Haven't had a lot of time to really work on a load yet. Started out with 75 gr. Of 3 F Graf ( sheutzen) , 90 gr. ( By volume) of #4 shot.
After reading some of the replies here, I may reduce my charge by ten gr., and increase my shot by ten gr.
I was using a cushion wad on top , Sky Chief load. May try a pattern without it too and see how it performs.

What are you using for an over powder wad? Nitro cards gave me donuts, switched to overshot cards and the donut went away.
 
More powder than shot seems right but it’s not. Interestingly I tried using corn meal ( same volume as powder just cause it’s easy to measure) directly over the powder (gives a nice cushion) and shot over that with wadding holding it all in (I just use bits of paper towels) and get very nice results.
 
Was able to get some range time in yesterday with my new to me 20/.62 smoothbore rifle. I switched to the Skychief load and it was a definite improvement in my gun and I shot my best pattern to date. After about 10 shots it was proving to be consistently more dense than with the thick cushion wad under the shot. This is with 65grns, 3F Goex, 1/8” over-powder card, 1-1/8 #6 shot, thin overshot card, thick felt cushion wad soaked in olive oil. I can’t wait for spring…..

View attachment 164308
Sorry but that might be a crippling shot @25yds,left or right and not much hitting
 
More powder than shot seems right but it’s not. Interestingly I tried using corn meal ( same volume as powder just cause it’s easy to measure) directly over the powder (gives a nice cushion) and shot over that with wadding holding it all in (I just use bits of paper towels) and get very nice results.
I heard corn meal under the shot and a single card or wad over is a killer ,but it will wait until it hits 35 degrees /Ed
 
Not trying to hijack this op, but my fusil is throwing " donut" patterns
Haven't had a lot of time to really work on a load yet. Started out with 75 gr. Of 3 F Graf ( sheutzen) , 90 gr. ( By volume) of #4 shot.
After reading some of the replies here, I may reduce my charge by ten gr., and increase my shot by ten gr.
I was using a cushion wad on top , Sky Chief load. May try a pattern without it too and see how it performs.
Try 2F if you have some...
 
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