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..

Regardless of gauge, nickle plated shot has always patterned better than copper or unplated shot in my guns.

47, I am sure that is one flaw in the test, but I didn't feel the 20 would do a well as it did.. As I mentioned the only nickel plated loads I am aware of are the Fiocchi golden pheasant, but the 2 3/4 inch shell comes with 1 3/8oz of shot with a heavy load of powder..

Fiocchi makes the 12 gauge Golden Pheasant load in 3 1/4 dram and 3 3/4 dram. The lighter load patterns much better.

After using the Fiocchi loads, I can't see why U.S. manufacturers don't use nickle plated shot in their premium loads.

I suspect Fiocch shot is harder than U.S. loads also.

jim, I will have to look for these Fiocchi loads in 3 1/4 dram.. I have only seen the heavy loads here in the northern plains or the 3" 12's... Thanks, I will check this out..

I love golden pheasant loads. I use the lighter load for pigeons in #5 shot.

Thanks for the report. I have been wanting a light weight 20 for a little of everything. I really don't have the cash right now cause I just put braces on my youngest boy last week. I probably shouldn't have even opened this thread. lol.

billy, Where have you located these 3 1/4- 1 1/4- loads???? I checked and could find them listed on Fiocchi's site.. I sure would like these loads for sage grouse and pheasant..
Took the 20 to the trap range last week.. Only broke 23/25..But I noticed the little 20 did not crush the birds like a 12 would have done.. I think with the very best loads it will be a fine bird gun, but with the very best loads a 12 will be even better..

I should have said I could NOT find them listed in Fiocchi's site..