“…We sampled each ammunition type ( n = 10) to determine shot charge (payload) weight, number of pellets, and muzzle velocity, and conducted comparative pattern testing under no‐wind conditions at a mean temperature of 15.6° C and 1,250‐m elevation. Because shotshell patterns are influenced by firearm type, barrel length, choke, and distance (Compton , Compton et al , Warlow , Jones ), we standardized testing procedures by using one shotgun, choke set, and distances to isolate differences due solely to ammunition type. Patterns for each load were fired at 18.3 m, 27.4 m, 36.6 m, and 45.7 m from a Remington Model 332 with 76‐cm barrel (0.185‐cm diam bore) using improved cylinder (0.183‐cm), modified (0.180‐cm), and full (0.175‐cm) Remington RemChoke™ screw‐in choke tubes (Remington Arms Company, Madson, NC).…”