Shotgun Choke & Shot Size Selector

Select your target and shot material — get the right choke and shot size recommendation.

Shot Material

Recommendation
MOD
Modified (MOD)
#5 or #6
Shot Size
55–60%
Pattern % (40 yds)

Classic pheasant load.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Steel shot is harder than lead and does not compress in the choke. Using steel through a Full (or Extra Full) choke risks deforming or cracking the choke tube and potentially the barrel. Maximum recommended constriction for steel is Modified (MOD). Always check your choke and barrel markings.

Turkey hunters use Extra Full Turkey (XFT) chokes designed specifically for tight patterns on head and neck shots at 30–50 yards. These chokes have more constriction than standard Full and work best with premium turkey loads like #4, #5, or #6 shot. With HEVI-Shot tungsten, a standard Full choke can produce excellent patterns.

Pattern percentage is how many pellets from a shell land inside a 30-inch circle at 40 yards. Cylinder (CYL) produces ~35–40%, Modified ~55–60%, Full ~65–70%, Extra Full Turkey ~75–80%. Tighter chokes concentrate pellets more — useful for long range, but too tight for close birds where you need a wider pattern.

Yes. Bismuth shot is soft like lead and can safely be used through all choke constrictions including Full and Extra Full Turkey. It is the premium non-toxic alternative for waterfowl and upland hunting in areas where lead is prohibited, offering near-lead ballistic performance.