I get my best patterns from Federal 12ga. 3”, 1 3/4 oz. #4 shot.
My best patterns are from a box of Western Super X paper hulls from the 50’s, 16 gauge 1 1/4 ounce lead #2 from a 1914 Browning A-5. The shot string must be like bathtub chain. Of course, getting more when I run out may be difficult.