Shotgun Choke Chart
Choke constriction and typical pattern percentage by choke designation.
| Choke | Constriction | Typical pattern % at 40 yd |
|---|---|---|
| Cylinder | 0.000 in | ~40% |
| Skeet | 0.005 in | ~45% |
| Improved Cylinder | 0.010 in | ~50% |
| Light Modified | 0.015 in | ~55% |
| Modified | 0.020 in | ~60% |
| Improved Modified | 0.025 in | ~65% |
| Light Full | 0.030 in | ~70% |
| Full | 0.035 in | ~70-75% |
| Extra Full / Turkey | 0.040+ in | ~75-80% |
How to read this chart
Choke constriction is the amount a barrel's bore narrows at the muzzle, measured in thousandths of an inch, and it's the main factor controlling how tightly a shot pattern holds together at range. Tighter chokes (Full, Extra Full) produce denser patterns at longer range, useful for turkey or long-range waterfowl; more open chokes (Cylinder, Skeet) spread shot wider for closer, faster targets like upland birds.
Where these numbers come from
Standard published choke constriction values and general pattern percentage ranges used across ammunition and choke manufacturers. Actual pattern percentage varies by specific load, shot size, and barrel -- pattern-testing your own gun with your chosen load and choke combination at your local range gives a far more precise number than any general chart.
Frequently asked questions
Why does pattern percentage vary even with the same choke?
Load, shot size, shot material, and the specific barrel all affect actual pattern density -- the same choke designation can pattern differently across different guns and loads, which is why pattern-testing your specific combination matters.
What choke is best for turkey hunting?
Extra Full or Turkey-specific chokes are common choices, since turkey hunting typically calls for the densest possible pattern at range on a small vital target area -- pairing with the Shot Size & Choke Finder can help narrow this further.
Is a tighter choke always better?
No -- tighter chokes produce smaller, denser patterns that can actually reduce hit probability on closer or faster-moving targets where a wider spread gives more margin for aim error.
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