This was certainly not a very scientific test, but yesterday was very calm here in southern Wy. So I decided to see how my 870 20 ga. shot against my old 870 12.. I put Briley mod. chokes in both and fired a few shots at 40 yards.. Used a turkey target.. I only used one load in my 12 Federal 3 1/4- 1 1/4 - 6's.. It is a premium load of copper plated 6's.. One of my favorite field loads.. At 40 yards it put 18 shot in the turkey head, neck and upper breast on the target..
Next I shot a Fiocchi 20 ga. with 1 oz. of nickel plated 6's. That load put 18 shot in the turkey target.. Much to my surprise..
I really wanted to test the 3" mag loads in this 20 so my first was an older WW 3" with #6 shot.. It put 24 shot in to the turkey target.. Much to my surprise..
Fiocchi was up next with one of their golden pheasant 3" #6 nickel plated 6.. To my amazement it put 26 shot into the turkey target..
When I started the trial, I felt I would be doing good if I could come close to the 12, but the performance of the little 20 was a real surprise to me.. While many folks don't use the 3" loads, here on the plains, sage grouse often get up at 30 yards or more.. Especially since I use flushing dogs.. Had always heard the 20ga. 3" load did not pattern well in most guns.. Not the case here.
I just wish Fiocchi made a load similar to the Federal load with nickel plated 6's.. I have only seen a load using 1 3/8 oz. of shot at a rather high speed.. Either way the little 20 surely turned in a good performance with these loads.. Now if I could just develop enough faith in the little ga. to give me confidence I will be set..
