Last word on barrel length + lead & TSS shot, please

[DartonJager]

I apologize if this subject has been beaten to death in past posts, but I am getting quite a bit of conflicting opinions and need some fact based information to educate myself and settle this argument once and for all.

As it applies to 12 gauge 3" and 3.5" shotguns, with the advancements in turkey shells and chokes both specifically designed for maximum effective pattern densities does barrel length matter to any degree that would be regarded as significant advantage to the added length? I'm referring to specific length differences of 20" VS 23-24".

In other words if you were going to buy a 835 Ultimag would one see significantly better pattern density from the 24" barrel VS the 20" barrel model?

Lastly if you are using TSS shells again does barrel length matter?

Thanks,
Arthur.

 

[DartonJager]

Well did some more research and found some very interesting data based on actual test firings with different shotguns and chokes and per this data with 12 gauge shotguns the optimal balance between performance/patterning, maneuverability and barrel length seams to be at 24-26" anything longer than 26" you get diminished returns on performance and anything shorter than 23-24" and you patterning performance begins to suffer. This data was with both copper clad lead as well as non lead heavy shot.
Just so happens my friend has a basically unused 835 Ultimag with a 24" barrel he will sell me for less than 1/3rd of new as it has a badly (his fault) cracked stock. I will outfit it with a laminate thumb hole in green forest camo from Boyde's along with forearm.
It will likely be some weeks before I have it ready for the range, but when I do will pattern it with 3.5" 2oz #5's Winchester LB/XR's and compare the results with my 870 Super Mag shooting the same shells.

 

[Clay Target Guy]

Those pattern well, but have a bad reputation for kicking like a rented mule.
I have several turkey chokes that will fit that gun if you ever need any and will make you a great deal on them.

 

[DartonJager]

CTG, my apologize for not replying to your gracious offer of allowing me to test and then buying a choke tube for my 835 when I get it. I have been working 12 and 16 hour days for the last two weeks straight. I will definitely take you up on your offer once I get it.

To help narrow down the choke selection I will be using 3.5" Winchester Long Beard XR turkey shells with 2oz loads of #5 shot.

Will get in touch with you as soon as I receive the gun and outfit it with a replacement stock.

 

[Clay Target Guy]

Just let me know and I will box them up and get them headed your way

 

[DartonJager]

Will do. Likely won't be until mid June.
Thanks again.

 

[Gar Guru]

Darton jager, Me and a dozen or so of my pals have been handloading TSS shot in sizes 4-9 and 20-12-10 gauges for about 4 years now. There is absolutely no reason to shoot a 3 1/2 inch shell at a turkey any longer. The supplier of my shot gave me a recipe for a 3 inch 2 oz 12 gauge load that will kill turkeys at 75 yards all day long if that is what you want to do without the terrible recoil of a 3 1/2. I am not advocating shooting turkeys that far, but it will do it if that is what you want. The Longbeard shell you speak of will pattern well at extended range, but the density of the shot will leave you chasing down cripples if you shoot turkeys instead of paper at those distances because copper plated lead just isn't very dense and does not penetrate like TSS. After killing 200+ turkeys collectively in the last 4 years not a single one of us has swapped back to any other shell.

 

[Pittsspecial]

Darton jager, Me and a dozen or so of my pals have been handloading TSS shot in sizes 4-9 and 20-12-10 gauges for about 4 years now. There is absolutely no reason to shoot a 3 1/2 inch shell at a turkey any longer. The supplier of my shot gave me a recipe for a 3 inch 2 oz 12 gauge load that will kill turkeys at 75 yards all day long if that is what you want to do without the terrible recoil of a 3 1/2. I am not advocating shooting turkeys that far, but it will do it if that is what you want. The Longbeard shell you speak of will pattern well at extended range, but the density of the shot will leave you chasing down cripples if you shoot turkeys instead of paper at those distances because copper plated lead just isn't very dense and does not penetrate like TSS. After killing 200+ turkeys collectively in the last 4 years not a single one of us has swapped back to any other shell.

Excuse me for asking but what is TSS ?Is that Tungsten?

 

[Pittsspecial]

Darton jager, Me and a dozen or so of my pals have been handloading TSS shot in sizes 4-9 and 20-12-10 gauges for about 4 years now. There is absolutely no reason to shoot a 3 1/2 inch shell at a turkey any longer. The supplier of my shot gave me a recipe for a 3 inch 2 oz 12 gauge load that will kill turkeys at 75 yards all day long if that is what you want to do without the terrible recoil of a 3 1/2. I am not advocating shooting turkeys that far, but it will do it if that is what you want. The Longbeard shell you speak of will pattern well at extended range, but the density of the shot will leave you chasing down cripples if you shoot turkeys instead of paper at those distances because copper plated lead just isn't very dense and does not penetrate like TSS. After killing 200+ turkeys collectively in the last 4 years not a single one of us has swapped back to any other shell.

Can you share the recipe for this load? It sounds interesting! btw: This year I shot a bearded hen. WoW.

cu,
pb

 

[Clay Target Guy]

TSS=Tungsten Super Shot

 

[Pittsspecial]

Great. Thank you. I'd be very interested in any further details of loads/components etc.
I have shot Tungsten factory loads for water-foul but I never loader any of this... type. Does Super Shot differ from regular tungsten?

 

[Clay Target Guy]

I'm not sure, all I have ever heard it called was TSS.
Not sure on loading 12 ga, never loaded TSS in 12, I use a 20 ga so I would not be much help.

 

[Gar Guru]

PM me and I will give you contact info on the shot supplier to get recipe. Or, go to www.gobblernation.com and visit the handloading forum for all the info on TSS you can digest.

 

[Pittsspecial]

PM me and I will give you contact info on the shot supplier to get recipe. Or, go to www.gobblernation.com and visit the handloading forum for all the info on TSS you can digest.

Great:

Please email me at [email protected]

thanks Pat