How to pattern a shotgun.

Patterning your shotgun helps determine the spread and effectiveness of your shot. Make sure to follow safety precautions and choose an appropriate shooting range for these activities.
Gather Materials:

• Shotgun (no brainer)
• Target paper or cardboard (we personally prefer our targets.)
• range finder
• Permanent marker
• Shotgun shells of your preferred load and shot size

Set Up the Shooting Range:

• Find a suitable shooting range with enough distance for each designated pattern distance (20 yards, 30 yards, and 40 yards).
• Ensure a safe shooting environment and adhere to local shooting regulations.

Prepare the Target:

• Attach a large sheet of target paper or cardboard to a suitable backing.
• Measure and mark the center of the target.

Establish the Shooting Position:

• Stand at the desired distance for the first pattern (20 yards).
• Make sure you have a stable shooting position, such as a shooting bench or proper stance.

Shoot the Pattern:

• Load a shotgun shell of your preferred load and shot size.
• Aim at the center of the target and fire a single shot.
• NOTE: you will repeat this step for every one shot you take. One shot per target so you don’t get skewed results.

Evaluate the Pattern:

• Approach the target and examine the shot pattern.
• Use the C.A.D (Circle Assist Device) to draw a 30-inch circle around the densest part of the pattern.
• Circle the holes or shot marks inside and outside the circle to create a visible pattern.

Repeat for Different Distances:

• Move to the next designated distance (30 yards) and repeat steps 4 to 6.
• Move to the final designated distance (40 yards) and repeat steps 4 to 6.

Analyze the Patterns:

• Study the patterns to assess the pellet distribution and density. You’re looking for a consistent even pattern with in the 30-inch circle.
• Pay attention to the center of the pattern for a concentrated shot cluster.
• Note any areas of the pattern where pellets are missing or sparse.
• Once you do the math on all 3 targets, get the average percentage from them. You will use these averages to compare to all the other different loads to help determine your best shot.

Adjustments and Fine-Tuning:

• Based on your analysis, you may need to make adjustments to your shotgun choke, load, or shooting technique to achieve the desired pattern.
• Experiment with different chokes, shot sizes, or loads to optimize your pattern for waterfowl hunting.

Record and Repeat:

• Take notes or photographs of each pattern for future reference. If you are using Pattern Pros Targets, you can roll them back up and store them in their shipping tube. This will keep them organized if you are patterning a lot of shotguns.
• Repeat the process periodically or when you buy a new shotgun/choke tube to verify consistency and make any necessary adjustments.

Remember, patterns can vary based on shotgun, choke, ammunition, and individual shooting style. The goal is to achieve a well-distributed and effective pattern that provides sufficient pellet density to hunt waterfowl ethically and effectively at your desired distances.