Best turkey load

[FishFearMe19]

What does everyone shoot and how far would you take a shot at a turkey?

[everything hunter]

I would recommend the use of any "big 3" brand turkey load (Federal, Remington, Winchester) in # 5 shot. YOu can use 6s or 4s, but #5 shot is a good blend of the other 2 sizes aspects. It would be a good idea to test various loads and pattern test to see how far away you can shoot with your gun and ammo combonation. I use the Winchester Supreme loads, but I havent gotten to see their performance on a tukey yet. However, Im sure they work just fine.

[tuffshot]

I'll second the #5 shot.;)

It has become very popular lately but I have been using #5's since 1990. The thing to remember is to pattern your gun with the shell of choice. Even a different choke tube may mean you may need a different brand of shell.

I have used the Remington Heavyshot for the past few years and am well pleased with them. The bird I shot this year was at 38 yards and put him down very quick. Even some of the pellets went into the breast and were wrapped with pin feathers and penetrated at least 1/4 of an inch.:cool:

[coonskinner]

i think 30 yds...for me...and a 3" mag...:mischeif: :mischeif:

[Full Rut]

I shoot Nitro hevishot 3.5" 4x5x7's also had good results with Rem hevi in #5's. I like thick patterns ,more shot to blow through any brush or leaves that may get in the way.Thats my thinking anyway. Im not worried about long shots, Id say almost all the birds I shot were under 35 yards. Whatever works in your gun is the best load.:)

[M.Magis]

I agree, it's all dependent on what your gun likes. I've always had the best pattern with Winchester Supreme HV in 3.5". I've always bounced back and forth between #5s and #6s. Both work well. #6s throw a better pattern (more BBs) but #5s have a bit more downrange energy (heavier). I've killed numerous birds at over 50 yards, as I tend to take the very first shot opportunity. They drop like a sack of rocks at 50 yards, at 25 yards it's devastating.

[coonskinner]

at 25 an 30 yds. whatever i used bout shot their head off...:mischeif:

[coonskinner]

at 25 an 30 yds. whatever i used bout shot their head off...:mischeif:



but i have only shot 3-4 turks and all at 30 yds. or closer...:mischeif:

[joey1946]

If you want to see this subject discussed in depth try the NWTF Message Board Forums (Shotguns/Shooting). You'll get an overload of opinions but some good info. I got into this hunt for the perfect load and pattern stuff several years ago and settled on the Winchester High Velocity 3" shell that throws 1 and 3/4 oz of #5 shot. I use both an aftermarket choke (Kick's) and a 2.5 Weaver Scope on my 870 Express with a 24" cantilever barrel. See - you probably already have too much information. I've since found a shell that patterns better (Hevi 13 from EnivornMetals) but it hasn't been "bird tested" by me personally and the shell I patterned has been changed and doesn't seem to be any longer available. I haven't played with the newer Winchester or Federal Extended Range loads but will before the fall 2006 or spring 2007 seasons. The Hevi13 and newer Winchester and Federal loads run about $30 per box and I pace myself on buying shells I may not like after two or three shots. The WW load I have been using is still about $8.00 a box.

There are several different opinions on this but 40 yards is usually used as the benchmark maximum range for testing purposes.

Glad to see you are giving this some thought as still too many guys don't bother to pattern their guns and the big birds deserve better. Good luck.

[Jayme]

My 20 gauge was shooting high @ about 35 yards using Winchester Supreme #5's, so I was limiting myself to 40 yards, and that was only if I had to take a shot that long.

[M.Magis]

I should mention that I don't think 50 yards should be standard practice. 40 yards should be considered the maximum, but I've shot enough loads through my gun to extend that if I feel it's needed.

[JMH]

At those farther ranges, you not only have to worry about pattern, you need to consider penetration. I patterned 31/2inch 21/4 ounce lead #4s on a piece of sawdust board covered by a plastic laminate. At 20 yds most of the pellets passed completely thru, at 40 yards the pellets only penetrated the the laminate, buried about the depth of the shot size. Not sure if I would want to shoot at a bird much over that distance with that load. I would guess a load with less lead would have better results for penetration, but then the pattern gets less dense.

[hunTer06]

I shoot 3'' 6 shot mag

[Duffy]

3" Remington Nitros, #5 shot

[tuffshot]

Years ago I did use some duplex loads of 2's & 4's and glad I did because they put a whammy on a few turkeys and a yote. The yote came by at 12 yards and when the 2's & 4's hit him they spun him around 180 degrees and dropped like a rock..;)