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It's going to depend on the OP's desired outcome at given distances and hunting style. If he wants to try and reach out there as a lot of folks going to TSS want to do, my suggestion is you're going to want to go tight with the Federal #9's and less tight with the 7's. My suggestion is card shooting tight, .640 or under with the Federal 9's in the 12GA, if you have a .650 try it. [/quote] I’m using a IC .665 with 3” 8s and putting 350 in a 10” with 135 in the 20”. Ain’t know way I’d go tighter than that. That’s a good way to wind up like those Facebook guys that are blowing up barrels
[/quote] my numbers are at 40 yards with 3” number 8 handloads. From what I’ve seen, people that are choking a 12 gauge tighter than .660 with apex 2 1/4 ounce loads are having problems with chokes and barrels cracking. But keep in mind, there aint no dang telling what else they’re doing too. Idk how big of payloads federal is offering, I load my own in 12 and 20.[/quote]

Federal's load isn't as heavy as Apex or Nitro. In 3.5" its only 2.25 oz and in 3" it's 1.75 oz. As we all know the barrel length will affect it and not all guns like the same loads but I stand by by statement of a tighter than normal constriction for Federal #9's. Ultimately as long as he's happy with the pattern that's all that matters. Personally I'm one that's always trying to do better so I'll always be buying and trying new chokes .... just need time to shoot