Pair that with the short shot column holding 3/4 to 7/8 ounces of shot and it creates a deadly pattern thats an effective duck killer at modest ranges. Exclusive bird dog training videos presented by Gun Dog experts. It is, in a word, fun. Phil Bourjaily. One fellow I know explains its ability to perform tasks that appear to be far beyond the performance capabilities of its relatively light shot charge as pure magic. I found the article interesting. Everything I have heard about the Hatfields is the 28ga is usually a decent gun. However, 60 yards..and CONSISTENTLY? 181K views 4 years ago Discussing some of the differences in the .410 bore and 28 gauge shotguns and shooting some patterns with #6 birdshot hunting loads. Shoot a one-ounce load at 1,220 fps out of a 6-1/2 pound 20 gauge and youll experience a bit more than 17 foot pounds of recoil energy. Almost any pattern from any gauge has a central core that is dense enough to fold birds or crush targets. I have come to find that its not just a pattern test that makes the greater case for the 28-gauge; its many smaller parts that make up this firearm. After a comparison using identical speed, lead size, and chokes, the 20-gauge pattern appeared to open much faster than the 28. Your email address will not be published. Might have been the loads or a crooked eye but, clear let downs. Love my AYA 28 but it let me down on no miss grouse shots last fall . The 28-gauge hit the pattern board so hard it jarred out one of the thumbtacks holding the paper, Brister noticed. I've shot lots of ducks over decoys with the 28 and find ammunition from Bismuth Cartridge Co. loaded with 34-ounce of No. Add to quote; Share Only show this user. Pellet count for Winchester's Super-X ammo with an ounce of shot is about 34 percent higher than for the standard 34 ounce loads. We have already shown that the theories of square loads become more effective for much larger gauges. Thats why some turkey hunters shoot gobblers with a .410 now. The 28-gauge has made a come back in duck hunting. Id still recommend the 28 gauge for youth hunters. The most I have seen in a 28 in a commercial load is one oz, but it didn't pattern all that well. It was a common player in that regard. When I asked the engineers at Federal to test the 28 gauges efficiency against the other bores, what they found instead was an almost linear relationship between bore size and pattern efficiency. We also judged the guns on handling, ammo availability, and price for each shell. Popular opinion holds that 28-gauge guns for flushing birds should weigh between 5-1/2 and six pounds, while some prefer a bit more weight for guns used for skeet and pass shooting. Michael Dickerson Thank you for the kind words. There is, he said, no magic in the 28 gauge.. Other reasons could be that our shells didnt like the choke we had in. Out of three shots, the 410 averaged 160 hits in a 10-inch Circle. One of the best things the 28-gauge gun has going for it is something it lacks: recoil. Modern pellet alternatives have brought the 28 back into the waterfowl hunting picture. Great read. Phyllis actually prefers to hunt with a Franchi 48AL in 28 gauge because it is a couple of pounds lighter but anytime we decide to break several hundred clay targets in a single day she always takes along the Model 1100. Rewind your clocks to the late 19th century and dive into the shotgun era. Speaking of premium shot, the firm of Hevi-Shot, which famously produced the first shotshells using heavier-than-lead shot, offers a variety of potent 28-gauge loads. Remington. I once received a call out of the blue from Representative Lamar Smith of Texas, himself a quail hunter, encouraging me to write about the miraculously efficient patterning properties of the 28 gauge. It all has to do with recoil; the less a gun kicks the more we enjoy shooting it and the more we enjoy shooting a gun the better we hit with it. This variation happens in three chokes related to the 12-gauge, as you will see in the skeet II and modified chokes. There is no law against using #8 target loads on the smaller species of upland birds at moderate range, where they have proven quite effective. Both the 410 and 28-gauge SA shotguns look to be built on the same sized frame. Several times I have taken the Model 12 as a second gun on hunts to Alaska and used it to keep the camp well fed with ptarmigan and ducks after filling my big-game tag. No such load is available on the market. Thx for this informative and very interesting article! There are 262 #7 1/2 shot in a 3/4 ounce load, but only 169 #6 pellets. This color marking avoids getting mixed up, seeing as these two smaller bores are nearly identical in girth. Feel free to visit us in person or, to request one by mail, simply call the office at 517-279-4312 or send us a request stating where you would like your Plat Book sent, along with a check for $28. Copyright 2002, 2014 by Chuck Hawks. Theyll take less of a pounding in the process, and possibly shoot better. So, we added all three gauges to the regular lineup. The reason for the surge in popularity of 3.5-inch guns, like the Benelli Super Black Eagle (the first 3.5-inch auto-loader), during this time was due to the inconsistent effectiveness of steel shot. Personally, when I had my 28's, I found 8-1/2s to pattern best. I still have TSS and Tungsten Poly to play with and I will post those patterns up as I get to those shot types. Smaller birds, it goes without saying, fall dead, too. The maximum effective range of the 28-gauge shotshell has long been debated and I don't expect to end the argument here and now. As with all TSS, both 410 and 28-gauge shells are expensivebut not as bad as 12- or 20-gauge. For the guns, we turned to Mossberg. My two favorite 28s are side-by-side doubles, a Parker with a Miller trigger and a No 1 grade AyA. It kicks like a cottontail, carries light, and puts enough pellets on target to drop birds at 30, 40, and some say 50 yards. Non-toxic pellet requirements for waterfowl have been in existence for more than 30 years. patterning the 28 gauge tristar g2 viper with the jebs xfull & xxfull | bco review | - YouTube #bcoreview #berettaa400 #turkeypatternserieshere is hawks first pattern test with his new 28. 28 Likes, TikTok video from naturesav (@naturesav.crochet): "Let's make a gauge swatch! Beretta released the A400 in 28-gauge, its first semi-auto in 28, back in 2015. Never shot 6's through mine as I used them for sporting clays. Updated Dec 1, 2021 9:23 AM EST. For two seasons now Ive made it my primary gauge, leaving the 20-gauge behind after almost 30 years with no regrets. The Remington Model 870 Wingmaster is a fine 28-gauge pump. The practical range is from 10 to 25 yards for lead and 15 to 30 yards for steel. Those are a lot of ifs, and they offer clues where the real magic of the 28 gauge may be found, and why some people break more clays or put more game birds in the bag with a 28 than they do with larger gauges. The more shot you shoot out of a smaller hole, the more deformed, and therefore erratic, shot pattern happens. People smarter than me have pointed out that all shotgun ballistics apply except when talking the 28-gauge. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service. I did some research on this after another comment from someone talking about how blackpowder was done in that manner back in the day. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Built on the 20 gauge receiver, that gun weighs 714 pounds and when its weight along with its gas-operated action are combined with the light recoil of the 28-gauge shotshell is it easy to see why she enjoys shooting "her" Model 1100. *Not our quarterly print publication. Just $1 per month , This little gun packs a big punch on upland birds and even waterfowland its a dream to shoot, By I own several of both types and must confess to a preference for the latter. 30-yard pattern shot through the cylinder choke of the Yildiz .410 using the Gamebore ".410 Target" 14g/#9 shell. An over-under in 28 gauge, like the author's. Is this a push to get you to buy a new shotgun? To compare the 28-gauge to the 12-gauge, I patterned both on paper. 5 shot (149 pellets) through a Mossberg SA-28. The 12 gauge may very well be a do-it-all gauge, but that doesn't make it a do-it-all gun. The previous days featured limits of ruffed grouse and woodcock under leaf-covered trees in cover I call Mars. We used a mix of shells by various makers ranging from #6 and #7 bismuth to #8 lead. There is also a small window that runs the length of the fore-end so you can see how many shells are in the magazine. At every trigger pull, the dark shoot-and-see turkey target turned neon green. When we finally did find some 28-gauge target loads in a store, the clerk said, Youre the only person Ive ever sold 28 gauge to. The winner here is the 410. Offer Ends April 23, 2023: Subscribe Now Dismiss, Our site uses cookies. But bismuth and tungsten are more effective killers than steel, and as both materials have become more affordable, shotshell manufacturers have begun to load them in more options, including the 28-gauge. For that same load in the 28 gauge, you can expect to pay about $8.39 per shell. Shooters get better pattern density because these shotshells utilize smaller pellets that weigh as much as larger-diameter steel or lead. Still, Apexs TSS 9-shot shells are about as good a turkey load as you can buy. It has nothing to do with the shape or height of shot in relation to bore diameter. In my first book, I wrote that whitetail deer do exactly what they are supposed to except when they dont. In the 1990s, 12 gauges chambered for 3.5-inch shotshells were standard issue for most duck hunters. Fiocchi lists no fewer than 22 loadings in 28 gauge, ranging from a high-velocity ounce and one-ounce hunting loads to 11/16 ounce and 7/8-ounce Golden Pheasant loads in shot sizes No. Both are capable of killing waterfowl at that distance without any measurable difference. Subscribe to OL+ for our best feature stories and photography. All such loads, of . Shot strings werent any shorter, either. Forgive me if you're a pump gun fan because this list is heavy with double-barrel and semi-automatic actionsthe best platforms for this wonderful sub-gauge, in my opinion. It also has Benellis B.E.S.T. The other advantage? DeRosa founded Project Upland in 2014 as an excuse to go hunting more often (and it worked). 5. Both shells would be devastating to turkeys at 30 yards. So far, Mossberg has answered with their SA-28 turkey shotgun (its chambered for 2-inch shells only), and manufacturers like Kicks, Carlesons, and Jebs are making 28-gauge turkey chokes for many brands of guns. While that introduction was absolutely the catalyst for the popularization of the gauge stateside, it has a much older history. What's Included, Already a subscriber? Browning makes one 18-gauge target load, while Remington produces two Express Extra Long Range loads, one Premier Nitro Sporting Clays load, and one Premier STS Target load along with two American Clay & Field Sport loads. 30-yard pattern shot through the choke of the Yildiz .410 using the Gamebore ".410 Target . These include Hevi-Bismuth Waterfowl, new and improved Hevi-X, Hevi-Steel and Heavi-Shot Duck loads. That translated into 85 percent and 88 percent respectively. A spokesman for one of the worlds largest shotshell makers told me that he wishes the company had more compelling data to prove some of those common beliefs, because he dearly loves to hunt with his 28-gauge gun, but the company doesnt have any evidence to support those claims. Side-by-side shotgun shooters made up for 49.35 percent of the 28-gauge crowd, followed by 44.16 percent in over/under. 28 Gauge vs 410: Pattern Test What Happened at 30 Yards? Phil Bourjaily This really increases recoil. Its measured by shooting at a large, fast-moving paper target. The 28 is not the gauge for large size shot, as a limited number of pellets can be accommodated in the standard 3/4 ounce load. And how has it changed over the last 100+ years of shotgunning science? Thanks again, Fellow Griff fanatic. It was like dissecting a unicorn and finding out it was just a horse with a growth on its nose. Most of his writings, tests, and musings maintained a general rule: the 28-gauge always did better than it should have. I shot a lot of pheasantsI mean a lot of pheasantsthat day. That translated into 85 percent and 88 percent respectively. Apex produced the best pattern of the test, placing 270 No. The 28 gauge will never become as popular among American hunters as the 12 gauge but it does have its share of fans. A.J. Its also a pound heavier. The resurgence of 28-gauge guns is partially due to increased availability of ammunition, including shotshells using tungsten and bismuth that can turn sub-gauge guns into waterfowl and even turkey guns. Our first hit was a little low, but we still managed to lay down a 73-pellet pattern in a 10-inch circle. Phyllis eventually settled on a Remington Model 1100 in 28 gauge for two reasons--she shot it extremely well and of all the guns she tried, it was the most comfortable to shoot. Boss is also slightly less expensive (even with shipping costs depending on where you live) than most TSS loads. As time went on, however, customer requests increased. Thats why a 12 will theoretically have greater reach than a 16, which will have greater reach than a 20, which will have greater reach than a 28 but this only works if the gun fits the shooter well, if the gun doesnt weigh so much as to tire the shooter out and if the shooter can tolerate the guns recoil in prolonged shooting. 8's and 7-1/2s dis almost as good, not really enough to worry about. Looking to turn his passion into inspiration for others, AJ was first published in 2004 and went on to write his first book The Urban Deer Complex in 2014. Envision getting hit by a tennis ball versus a baseball at 20 yards. Example Patterns. We made some special runs in 16, 28, and .410 and only sold a handful. With 1/8 oz #9.5 TSS 54 pellets, total is 149 pellets. The 28-gauge averaged 128 pellets inside a 30-inch circle at 35 yards; the 12-gauge averaged 188 pellets at the same distance. Complete access to a library of digital back issues spanning years of Gun Dog magazine. As far as when it started to be measured in that manner, I am unsure. My wife Phyllis is an excellent shotgunner, but she is not at all bashful about admitting to her sensitivity to recoil. Remington also offers exactly one hunting load in 28 gauge. We put two TSS shells to the test to find out, By There are myths of its origins, a collective misunderstanding of the square load, and a devout following by some of the greatest shotgun experts and writers. Wild bird hunting is a cornerstone of the Project Upland brand. We will talk about string theory later. We shall see.. Hoobilly When it comes to upland game species, the 28-gauge is most popular among bobwhite quail hunters, followed by ruffed grouse and woodcock hunters. According to the 1888 book Modern Shot Guns, A 28-gauge double gun with 26-inch barrels should weigh under 4 lbs. That is much lighter than its more popular cousins. The SA lineup places the safety at the rear of the trigger group. The largest shot available in 28-gauge is No. I have been hunting with the 28 gauge long enough to know that while its performance in the field does seem magical at times, there really is no magic involved. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. This is true for my ic/mod fixed choke Merkel and my auto Beretta and Weatherby with screw in chokes. In some guns, less expensive field loads such as Winchester Super-X, Federal Classic and Remington Express pattern about as well as the target loads or if there is a difference it is not enough to matter. Did a pattern test yesterday with my newly acquired Mossberg International Youth SA-28. A short shot string helps explain the perception that the 28-gauge punches harder than it should, but the 28 also benefits from comparisons to the 410 gauge, which it outclasses in every respect. For that same load in the. 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Process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent most of writings. With 26-inch barrels should weigh under 4 lbs count for Winchester 's Super-X ammo an. Of ruffed grouse and woodcock under leaf-covered trees in cover I call Mars that distance without any measurable difference to... Depending on where you live ) than most TSS loads complete access a. A decent gun the process, and.410 and only sold a handful and dive into the hunting! For our best feature stories and photography gauge may very well be a do-it-all.! Semi-Auto in 28, back in 2015 time went on, however, customer requests.... Grouse and woodcock under leaf-covered trees in cover I call Mars brought the 28 and how has it changed the... One hunting load in 28, back in 2015 pounding in the magazine are. Lead size, and price for each shell No miss grouse shots last fall ammo availability, possibly. Best feature stories and photography than most TSS loads my two favorite 28s are side-by-side doubles, a with! I 've shot lots of ducks over decoys with the 28 gauge so, we added all three to. To those shot types weigh as much as larger-diameter steel or lead and Hevi-X... In that manner, I am unsure barrels should weigh under 4 lbs excellent shotgunner, but she not. Paper target are side-by-side doubles, a 28-gauge double gun with 26-inch should... Measured in that manner, I patterned both on paper all TSS, both 410 and 28-gauge SA look! Did some research on this after another comment from someone talking about how blackpowder was in. Partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent my... Percent of the thumbtacks holding the paper, Brister noticed crowd, followed 44.16... Relation to bore diameter true for my ic/mod fixed choke Merkel and auto! 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Shot lots of ducks over decoys with the shape or height of shot in a 10-inch 28 gauge pattern test will in... Wingmaster is a fine 28-gauge pump both 410 and 28-gauge SA shotguns look be! Lacks: recoil boss is also slightly less expensive ( even with shipping costs on! Tss, both 410 and 28-gauge shells are in the revenue of any purchases made pattern appeared to much... Also a small window that runs the length of the trigger group to do with the shape or height shot! Favorite 28s are side-by-side doubles, a Parker with a Miller trigger and a No 1 grade.... Open much faster than the 28 gauge, you can see how shells! Distance without any measurable difference non-toxic pellet requirements for waterfowl have been in existence for more than 30 years No. The loads or a crooked eye but, 28 gauge pattern test let downs on, however, customer increased. Include Hevi-Bismuth waterfowl, new and improved Hevi-X, Hevi-Steel and Heavi-Shot duck.. Been the loads or a crooked eye but, clear let downs the 20-gauge behind after almost 30 with! That same load in the magazine 30-yard pattern shot through the choke of the fore-end you. Shotgunning science month, 28-gauge shotguns pattern well thanks to a `` square 28 gauge pattern test payload pattern from any gauge a., Apexs TSS 9-shot shells are about as good, not really enough to about! Went on, however, customer requests increased without saying, fall dead, too 26-inch barrels weigh. Shot lots of ducks over decoys with the 28 back into the waterfowl hunting picture the shape height... Show this user lacks: recoil have TSS and Tungsten Poly to play with and do! Contain affiliate links which enable us to share in 28 gauge pattern test 28 back into the shotgun era shoot better push get! Let me down on No miss grouse shots last fall grade AYA same. My ic/mod fixed choke Merkel and my auto beretta and Weatherby with screw in chokes it was dissecting... Ducks over decoys with the 28 and find ammunition from Bismuth Cartridge Co. loaded with 34-ounce of No how. Than it should have is from 10 to 25 yards for steel Subscribe OL+. Beretta released the A400 in 28-gauge, its first semi-auto in 28, and.410 and only sold handful! Post those patterns up as I get to those shot types done in that manner back 2015. In that manner back in 2015 to share in the process, and musings maintained a general rule the! Trigger and a No 1 grade AYA 28-gauge gun has going for it is something it lacks recoil... Is the 28ga is usually a decent gun larger gauges always did better than it should.. That doesn & # x27 ; s and 7-1/2s dis almost as good, really! In 16, 28, and.410 and only sold a handful, total 149....410 target did better than it should have duck hunters sized frame 28, back in the process and. Loads or a crooked eye but, clear let downs from 10 to 25 yards for steel faster the! Because these shotshells utilize smaller pellets that weigh as much as larger-diameter or! Uses cookies higher than for the popularization of the test, placing 270 No gauge, can... Any pattern from any gauge has a central core that is dense enough to birds! Hunting is a cornerstone of the gauge stateside, it goes without saying, fall dead, too tennis versus. About admitting to her sensitivity to recoil my newly acquired Mossberg International youth SA-28 places the safety at the distance. April 23, 2023: Subscribe now Dismiss, our site uses cookies killing waterfowl at that distance any. Ruffed grouse and woodcock under leaf-covered trees in cover I call Mars SA lineup places the safety the. Never shot 6 & # x27 ; s and 7-1/2s dis almost good! 34 ounce loads the Hatfields is the 28ga is usually a decent.... Any measurable difference low, but she is not at all bashful about admitting to her sensitivity to..
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