Patterning: Does it save you money?

Patterning a shotgun can potentially save you money by helping you achieve better shot placement, optimizing your ammunition usage, and reducing the number of missed or wounded targets. Here's how:

1. Improved Shot Placement: Patterning a shotgun allows you to determine the spread and density of shot pellets at various distances. By understanding the pattern and knowing where the majority of pellets will hit, you can make more accurate shots. This leads to cleaner kills, reducing the chances of wounded birds escaping, which saves ammunition and minimizes the need for additional follow-up shots.
2. Optimal Ammunition Selection: Through shotgun patterning, you can test different ammunition types, loads, and choke combinations to find the most effective and efficient option for your specific hunting or shooting needs. By identifying the ammunition that provides a desirable pattern and consistent results, you can choose the best option for your intended target, minimizing the need for trial and error with different loads and potentially saving money on unnecessary or less effective ammunition purchases.
3. Reduced Wasted Shots: Understanding the pattern of your shotgun helps you gauge its effective range and the maximum distance at which you can deliver an ethical and effective shot. By knowing your shotgun's capabilities, you can avoid taking shots beyond its effective range, which reduces the likelihood of missed shots or poor hits. Fewer missed shots mean less wasted ammunition, leading to cost savings in the long run.
4. Avoidance of Accidental Damage: Patterning a shotgun also helps identify any issues with the gun, such as barrel alignment or irregular patterns caused by damaged or defective chokes. By detecting and addressing these issues early, you can prevent potential damage to your shotgun or wasted ammunition caused by an underperforming or malfunctioning firearm. Some guns come with shim kits to help get a better fit specifically for you, which will help your point of aim/point of impact.

While shotgun patterning itself may involve some upfront costs, such as ammunition and targets for testing, it can help you optimize your shooting performance and increase your chances of success, ultimately saving you money by reducing the need for additional shots, minimizing ammunition wastage, and enhancing your overall shooting experience while in the blind.