Pattern Efficiencies with varying gauges and payloads

[MYKISS12]

I am trying to get some information regarding the potential advantages of one gauge over another when looking at pattern efficiencies, integrity, and density etc.  I realize this is somewhat of a difficult questoin as there as many generalities that must be ignored, ie. all guns shoot differently, different loads pattern differently, etc.  

As an example of what I am looking for.  If we were to compare a 12g 1 oz load and a 20 g. 1 oz load would one of these have an advantage in producing a more efficient pattern, not neccesarily the tightest pattern but a patttern that has the least holes in it.  Also, when I say "pattern" I don't really mean on a pattern board but the 3D pattern that is thrown to flying targets, clay or live.  

I guess what started me thinking along these lines were a couple things.  First, the very best long range shotgun I have ever shot is a single shot 20 gauge shooting 1oz loads of 6s.  This is not a long range combo by most american standards but the results speak for themselves.  I have tried scores of load recipes in varying 12 g guns and have yet to find one that shoots such a even and consistent a pattern.  

Also, I have had about 10 years experience in reloading 12g loads and almost exclusively the best long range recipes are 1 1/8oz or less.  I have tried 6 or 7 guns with multiple variations in choke and loads.  Not a scientific study by any means but it did lead me to start thinking about 1) do we often over do it on the shot payload, actually making out pattern worse, and 2) if that is true and smaller payloads DO produce better, how does the gauge change the efficiencies of the pattern.  

Just thinking out loud and would appreciate any thoughts.

Thanks in advance,

[mrlizzzard]

Here is all I remember about that.Choke, powder and shot decide pattern.Wad can influence the choke.Shot is in a string,longer than you think.This blackart is called "shotgun vaguerie".About everything stated can be challenged.After yrs. of figuring and fussing I went to these two loads.WinchesterAA Silver bullets for trap and dove.BB shot(copper) some kinda of a wad maybe a claybuster and 31 grains of AL7.

I don't remember how many BBshot went in but not many.These are not BB's but a shot size called BB.I used this load on squirrel,fox,goose,pheasant,duck rabbit.That copper went fast and deep and a squirrel with one of them in him would jump outa that Hickory tree.A goose at 60yds. in a snowstorm would foldup like a 2 dollar suitcase.Pheasants ate good cause usually the shot would go right thru them and even close range only 3 or 4 holes.Nothins worse than spittin 7shot while eating a pheasent breast.I think I got out to 65 or 70yds and shot thru 1"plywood with very little drop.

Dang this has brought back memories,oh one more thing you'll never duplicate the AA load any dram.It will be faster and pattern better than anything I was ever able to roll up.

Ok enough,hpe I didn't bore ya,