Pattern of behaviour

Does the size of shot in English Skeet affect the diameter of the shot pattern? More specifically, is a 12-bore shot pattern with shot size No 9 different to a size No 8?

Richard says: There are several factors that will affect the size pattern produced from any cartridge, of which shot size is only one.

Many pattern tests over the years have proved that the rate of pattern spread – from any given choke – will be more affected by the hardness of the lead shot than by anything else. That is why all premium clay target loads are filled with higher antimony content lead than budget cartridges.

Velocity makes a difference, as does the wad type, but harder lead shot produces tighter patterns than soft. If both the No

8 and No 9 lead pellets have the same antimony content, velocity and wad type, the No 9 may give a wider pattern (because smaller pellets are crushed/deformed more readily than larger shot sizes). So, there is a marginal chance for slightly wider patterns with No 9 shot when all else is equal.

Velocity also opens patterns more quickly, especially with softer lead shot. For English Skeet a soft-shot, high-velocity fibre-wad No 9 will therefore tend to have a slightly larger pattern (through the same gun and choke) than a harder-shot and lower-velocity No 8. That softer shot may not pattern so regularly as larger shot is of less consequence, given the high pellet count of No 9 shot and short distances at which Skeet targets are shot.

Everything follows a now very well established set of ballistic characteristics. All can be proved with some meaningful pattern testing. The only way to discover how the cartridges you are considering will differ is on the pattern plate.