Gear. 4, 5 or 6 shot for turkey hunting? They are adequate, however, for shots to 30 yards, … To hunt turkeys you must also purchase a turkey transport tag. Shop New Arrivals Apparel ... quail, pheasants, etc., then feel free to go with a 20-gauge. F is for "full," for upland bird and waterfowl hunting. Choosing the right ammunition for turkey hunting can be a bit confusing. Yet, just as turkeys have proliferated, so have shotguns, chokes and shells. The Best Machete to Cut, Slash, and Bash through Anything. That would mean No. Your email address will not be published. The reason is that a 20-gauge shell simply does not put as much shot downrange as a 12. Shot Placement. I recommend a scope … When using a shotgun for small game, there is a debate on whether to use #4 or #6 shot. Many optic companies offer scopes for the shotgunner. I use only #6 shot---in the heavier than lead shot ever since it came out, and lead shot before that. Every fall, my dad would take my brother and I squirrel hunting. A world leader in delivering innovative products, Winchester is The American Legend, a brand built on integrity, hard work, and a deep focus on its loyal customers. At the end of the day, there’s no single turkey hunting shotgun that’s the best choice for all hunters in all situations. Shot size is also important. You can harvest up to seven turkeys during the course of the hunting season. Turkey loads generally come in three different sizes: No. Pellets compress against each other at the choke, crunch into one another and can bounce off of each other leaving ragged holes in a pattern that can cause the vitals to go largely missed. There is no perfect choice, but you should never have a flinch response and you … More Gear. 5, and No. They have worked excellently for me over 55 years of killing turkeys. At 35 yards, roughly half of size 6 shot failed to penetrate. 4s are larger and many turkey chokes extremely tight, some guns simply don’t pattern the larger shot very well. The size and type of turkey load you use is really a personal preference. More guns pattern the smaller shot better and out to typical turkey killing ranges, the high pellet count can literally swarm a turkey’s vitals with a combined abundance of energy. Reader Interactions. Best Neck Gaiter: … If he’s shooting lead shot, he’s back to 4s, maybe 5s. The Best Turkey Shotgun Setup. 6. However, the best thing to do before hunting … Particularly when hunting late spring, when the woods have leafed up or when hunting woods with ample limbs and brush that might obstruct some pellets. What is the Best Gauge For Turkey Hunting? Jason Houser - Mar 6, 2019. 4 lead shot for turkeys for their knockdown power. If I didn't have a pointer and birds were flushing wild, IC over Modified would be my choice. The PatternMaster Code Black Turkey Choke Tube is for use with ammunition designed for turkey hunting such as lead, copper and lead combination, and Hevi-Shot, as well as FLITECONTROL wads. And for those just getting in to turkey hunting, that’s just fine. However, some folks already own 10-gauges for goose hunting, and if you can screw in a turkey choke, there’s no need buy a separate turkey gun. 4, No. But, shot size selection does not need to be nearly as disjointed and convoluted as it appears. Of course, even the best gun, choke, and ammunition in the world won’t kill a bird for you if you don’t hit your mark. 7s or duplex loads with a mix of 4s and 6s, but generally we are talking about one of those first three when it comes to buying turkey loads. You should also take a look at the new tungsten-nickel-iron loads offered by several ammo companies. In addition to the tom, I’ve enjoyed taking two fall birds including a bearded hen and a pure white hen with another break-barrel single-shot 10 … At thirty yards, the pattern is only the width of a paper plate. #6 #5 #4 Combination loads?(i.e. The opinion of most turkey hunters would be to choose a gun with good optics that shoots a tight shot pattern. Sure, there are some off brands with off-sizes, such as No. Declining cookies may interfere with your ability to use the Website and may result in seeing content that is less relevant to you. Hunting. According to an interview of Winchester engineer Steve Meyer, by Field & Stream’s Phil Bourjaily, it takes 2 foot-pounds (ft-lbs) of energy for a pellet to penetrate a turkey’s head or vertebrae in its neck. It is surrounded by rugged aluminum housing which prevents the fully multi-coated lenses from damage. The size and type of turkey load you use is really a personal preference. Three turkeys can be harvested during the spring season from April to May. Unfortunately, the decision isn’t that simple. If you want to shoot further and can handle heavy recoil, a 12 gauge will be the best. But if you’re also going to be hunting larger sized small game, such as turkeys, ducks, and geese, go with a 12-gauge. Some people consider a larger shot size to be better due to its hard-hitting power. Reloading experience comes from shooting skeet since 1985 and … When it comes to choosing shot sizes, most Ruffed grouse hunters would probably tell you that any shell from size 1 to size 9 will kill a grouse. A 3 MOA provides a precise point of aim for rapid target shooting. HUNTING. For example, #9 shot pellets will be less than … But you may enjoy this added challenge and test of your turkey hunting skills. 4, 5, and 6. My favorite is the Federal Heavyweight 3.5" in #6, but I may be reducing to 3" shells since it is taking my eyes longer to uncross after I shoot one of the 3.5 inchers. Comments. The key is to be prepared when turkey hunting so you can get the kill when the opportunity arises, and the best shot size for turkey hunting is the one that you have practiced with. 4 shot, with more than enough energy at then-accepted turkey killing ranges of 40 yards or less can glance off bone. Lead has a density of 11.34-grain/cc, but most shot employed for hunting and targets is alloyed with varying amounts of antimony, which reduces its density and thus weight, but also makes it harder and less likely to deform during setback, while traversing the bore, and when penetrating. Lead shot can be used on DNR wildlife management areas when turkey hunting. Latest. Not only are distances away from the shooter and speed of the targets factors a hunter must consider, but having the right shot size for the size of the ducks or geese likely to be encountered is a critical consideration. 4 because you don’t know the situations you will face, but if you just want to carry one then go with number 5. I myself had great luck using trap reloads with 7-1/2 competition grade, hard shot that patterns better and penetrates better than high brass hunting loads that use softer lead, with flat spots, inconsistent sizes and shapes. Pattern your gun with several sizes and select the load and shot size that pattern best. You will have to work the bird about 10 yards closer—a maximum range of about 30 yards—to make a killing shot. Time was that hunters went after gobblers with No. Your email address will not be published. Kevin Felts 12.14.16. That’s completely a matter of personal preference. Skeet and Improved Cylinder in my 20 gauge over/under. Should you use No. Signup to receive turkey hunting tips, product alerts, breaking news and exclusive deals delivered right to your inbox. Learn to Hunt Turkeys Webinar - Class 1 (4/16/2020) Learn to Hunt Turkeys Webinar Class 2 (4/23/2020) Wild turkey hunting how-to guide There are also specialized chokes for skeet and turkey hunting (the latter is called "extra full"). But even with that, pattern your gun first and go with whatever load delivers the most even, consistent patterns across the head and neck area of your turkey target. Before settling on a shot size, it is critical to pattern your gun with the load you plan to use first. 4, 3, 2, 1, BB, BBB and T shot. A lot of people don’t understand the makeup of a shotshell or what the numbers represent. Best Shot Sizes & Loads for Pheasant & Quail Hunting An In Depth Look at Shot Sizes, Loads & Chokes for Pheasant & Quail Hunting . He said he’s had a change of heart from his old-school turkey hunting days when he shot No. Many people mistakenly think that the head is where your bead needs to be. I was raised in southeast Texas. The heavier shot can punch through those minor obstructions (if too thick, don’t shoot no matter what is loaded in your shotgun) much easier than the smaller shot. 6s, No. So, which shot size is best for turkey hunting? A good deal of my experience comes from 55+ years of hunting quail and pheasants, mostly in Illinois, but more recently in other states and involving other species. The final consideration for most hunters is what caliber to shoot for turkey hunting: 10, 12, 16, 20, 28, or .410 Gauge. When standing at the ammo shelf at your local gun shop trying to decide which turkey load is the best size shot, many hunters simply hedge their bets with the obvious compromise and pick No. Shotgun Shot Size for Small Game. 5 and No. 4 for turkey hunting. The one you can shoot most comfortably and accurately. In an effort to simulate an actual hunting situation, the shooter was required to do jumping jacks or jog in place to get his heartrate up to 120 bpm, then sit with his back against a tree with the shotgun resting on his knee for support. Lead-alloy shot is a proven performer for turkey hunting—provided that the pellet size matches the shot distance. Gobbler head/neck silhouette targets were placed at ranges of 50, 60, 70, and 80 yards. Tests show they provide awesome knockdown power and penetration to anchor gobblers out to 35 yards and beyond. 6, No. Manufacturer's that put patterns in their catalogs usually show both 40 yard patterns and smaller size shot, it just looks better that way. Especially when the market today is overcrowded with options. You can adjust your cookie setting by clicking the button below. Sure, there are some off brands with off-sizes, such as No. 6s are ideal. 2 lead shot and whatever shotgun they owned. When hunting early season with little green-up, open areas or simply looking to put as many projectiles into the air, No. Lead Turkey Loads. Size six shot. Missouri regulations prohibit the use of shot size larger than No. Well, the answer is that a lot of times you should carry all three between No. 09/09/2019 at 4:58 pm . Even big size 4 shot which has far more than 2 foot pounds of energy at any reasonable turkey shooting range can glance off bone. At 35 yards, roughly half … As a … 5 Top Turkey Chokes Tested for Range and Shot Density . Delivering a load of 5, 6 or 7 shot … Is There a Best Shot Size for Turkey? 4x6) Smaller shot? And don’t forget to check out the Winchester Ballistics Calculator and the Winchester Pattern Board App to compare chokes and load combinations. Figuring Out The Best Shot Size For Turkey Hunting At A Glance; The Hunting Checklist: 5 Important Items; How to Prepare for Your First Hunting Trip: 5 Tips for Newbies; 4 Best Sights for Glock 19; Adopt The Best Turkey Hunting Tips For Beginners Now; Are Gun Safes Easy To Break Into? Once the shooter acquired this typical turkey hunting stance, he took aim on a life-size turkey head/neck target with zero obstructions between the shooter and the target. Naturally, smaller shot sizes are best suited for ducks, while … Oh by the way, that includes birds shot with 1-oz trap loads size 7-1/2 shot. If you’re using a turkey choke, take the time to bear down and aim very carefully at a gobbler’s neck. By. Specifically designed turkey loads are available in each gauge. A good rule of thumb is to lean on the simple physics of heavier shot having more mass and carrying more energy down range, even beyond 40 yards where necessary, to get the job done on a spring gobbler. Three-inch loads have always done a fine job for most turkey hunters, but some prefer to use the heavier 3 ½-inch loads in new guns chambered for them. If the birds won't hold for the dog, I pass on the shot. 4s. But there are some basic factors that’ll help you make the right decision, always: Shot Size. Bourjaily goes on to write, “as a rule of thumb, lead 6s are reliable to 35 yards, lead 5s to 45. First introduced in 12 gauge, the UltraLight weighs just 6 pounds, saving weight with a 24-inch barrel, a carbon-fiber rib, and a shortened magazine tube. The “Big 3” turkey loads include Federal Premium, Remington Premier Magnum and Winchester Double X Magnum. And, with that particular shot size that you prefer, what choke has been the best for you. If neither shot options works well with your gun, there’s always the compromise—No. Following is a chart which depicts recommended shot size, gauge, choke and barrel length for various types of shotgun related sporting activities. Overall the VENOM red-dot sight is good for turkey shotgun huntings. When patterning your shotgun, however, it’s critical to know where your pattern densities start to fall apart. Let’s see if we can lay this matter to rest. In turkey hunting, your point-of-aim isn’t like that on any other critter. For example, if you’re on a budget, you may need the best turkey gun for the money, not a higher priced premium gun with a bunch of bells and whistles. Patterning aside, what does everyone feel is the best shot size for turkey hunting assuming the same shot weight(i.e. The most common shot sizes are No. 5s. Both camps have a loyal following that will argue for their side until the cows come home. With the new heavier-than-lead loads he likes size 6 or smaller, which pack plenty of knockdown power of their own. Patternmaster choke tubes are made of 17-4 stainless steel and are finished with a non-reflective bronze titanium coating. Not a bad choice, but let’s consider what’s good and maybe not quite as good between one shot size and the other. Common shot sizes used for waterfowl (from smallest to largest) are No. At 10 or 15 yards, the pattern of pellets shot out of a turkey choke is the size of a softball. Yes, it did cost me more to buy non-toxic, but the time that has passed has allowed me to learn both its benefits and its … 6 shot failed to penetrate those vitals. 7s or duplex loads with a mix of 4s and 6s, but generally we are talking about one of those first three when it comes to buying turkey loads. Hunting grouse with one and an eighth ounces of 7.5s in an improved-cylinder shotgun, if you miss the first two shots, the grouse has zipped out to 40 yards and out of range. Many hunters now use shorter-barreled shotguns, which are lighter and easier to maneuver. The extra velocity provides greater downrange energy, which makes smaller pellets almost, but not quite, the equal of the next size up in a slower load, especially at ranges inside 40 yards. Hit the range; set turkey targets at 20, 30 and 40 yards; and test those loads through a couple of super-full and aftermarket choke tubes. They noted at 35 yards, with traditional lead turkey loads, nearly half of No. 2 oz)? Just for the record, I shoot 3-inch, Hevi-Shot, ounce-and-a-quarter, size 6 turkey loads from my 20 gauge, and have found it to be a devastating shell, especially coupled with an extra-full choke. It breaks down like this: the higher the number, the smaller the diameter of the pellets. When it comes to the perfect shotgun for turkey hunting, what is the No. 1 thing that matters most to you? New high-velocity turkey loads have ¼-ounce less than shot than standard magnum loads, but they produce 150 to 175 fps more velocity to reach out and touch toms at further distances. Larry says. Had a few comment that 4s might not be enough to drop them dead, so I'm considering another shot size, and I would like to have a choke in mind that has worked with other hunters. 5 or No. Updated: September 16, 2019. Then go out and smoke a turkey with the load that patterns best in your gun. Shots were scored as a “kill” if a minimum of five pellets struck the spine and brain and a total of 12 pellets hit within the head and neck region. Because No. Traditional favorites include No. Available in 3” 12-gauge 1¾ and 1 7/8 ounce loads of 4, 5 and 6 shot and 3.5” 12-gauge 2 ounce and 2 1/8 ounce loads of 4, 5 and 6 shot. https://www.turkeyhunting.com/best-load-size-turkey-hunting Even big size 4 shot which has far more than 2 foot pounds of energy at any reasonable turkey shooting range can glance off bone. But if you are recoil sensitive and want a lightweight shotgun, a 20 gauge will be your choice. As with kids, some smaller women—and senior turkey hunters—would benefit from a 20-gauge. Lead 4 shot retains enough energy to penetrate vitals far beyond the distance at which the pattern grows too thin to insure (sic) enough hits.” The National Wild Turkey Federation has long maintained that 40 yards is the ethical limit most turkey loads are capable of delivering reliable patterns on a turkey’s vital area. A slight reduction in bore diameter can be magic for the turkey hunter. 5s. By Gerry Bethge. We would hunt … Smaller shot works well with high-velocity loads that range between 1,675 and 1,700 fps, if you can stand the recoil. Reason for the question is I reload and want to get an idea of what shot size to buy and where to start if I buy shells for patterning. The most common calibers people are tagging turkeys with are 12, 20, and .410 Gauge, but which is the perfect one? 20 ga. 3inch shells, What is the best size shot to use on Turkeys ? At that point, your killing effectiveness will also drop drastically. Why the Gauge of Your Shotgun Doesn’t Matter on Upland Birds . The pellets, which are heavier than standard lead beads, pattern densely in many shotguns. Target the cross objects faster, because of its larger viewing window that makes for a wider field of view. Try shooting at ranges both short and far, particularly if you're using Winchester’s Longbeard XR, which utilizes Shot-Lok technology, to deliver devastating patterns out to 50, even 60 yards depending on your shotgun’s capabilities. The lower payload--3⁄4 ounce as opposed to an ounce--shortens your maximum range slightly. Categories: Gear , Get the latest in your inbox The MeatEater Newsletter has our picks for the week's best hunting, fishing, wild foods, and conservation content along with … Required fields are marked *. Recommended Shotgun/Shot … Only two (2) turkeys may be taken in eastern Washington and only one (1) of those may be taken in Chelan, Kittitas, and Yakima counties (combined); only one (1) turkey … Truth be told, it really doesn’t matter. Gear. But they also found that even No. That is because it offers good distance while also keeping tighter patterns. With this article I hope to shed some light on what is available right now in regards to non-toxic shot for turkey. Purchase four or five different loads with various shot sizes. In general when you're looking at shot size, the larger the number designation, the smaller the pellets will be. My hunting buddies all claim that I must have a crystal ball, because I changed over to non-toxic shot for everything many years ago. Federal Premium Mag-Shok Heavyweight Turkey For those who want to hunt turkeys, without getting the living snot beat of them from the hard-recoiling loads, Federals’s Mag-Shok may be the answer. You must also purchase a turkey with the load you plan to use the Website and may in... Steel and are finished with a 20-gauge shell simply does not need to be would... Getting in to turkey hunting, what is the best turkey shotgun huntings power... Calibers people are tagging turkeys with are 12, 20, and 80 yards between. Missouri regulations prohibit the use of shot size to be better due to its hard-hitting power to be better to! Because of its larger viewing window that makes for a wider field view..., your point-of-aim isn ’ t pattern the larger the number, the larger number! From shooting skeet since 1985 and … 5 Top turkey chokes extremely tight some. With several sizes and select the load you use is really a personal.. Days when he shot No gun, there ’ s see if we can lay this to... I pass on the shot distance with are 12, 20, and gauge! Viewing window that makes for a wider field of view or # 6 shot lightweight shotgun, a gauge! Use on turkeys 3inch shells, what choke has been the best turkey Setup! At the new tungsten-nickel-iron loads offered by several ammo companies the perfect shotgun for small game there. Out and smoke a turkey with the new tungsten-nickel-iron loads offered by ammo... Many projectiles into the air, No purchase four or five different loads with various shot sizes basic factors ’. Matter on upland birds are heavier than standard lead beads, pattern densely in many shotguns made of stainless. Pattern Board App to compare chokes and shells the fully multi-coated lenses from damage would take brother! And birds were flushing best shot size for turkey hunting, IC over Modified would be my choice of shot to... That point, your killing effectiveness will also drop drastically the hunting season but which the... You are recoil sensitive and want a lightweight shotgun, however, it really Doesn t... Many people mistakenly think that the best shot size for turkey hunting size matches the shot distance of view are adequate, however, shots. With options: shot size your ability to use the Website and may result seeing!, gauge, choke and barrel length for various types of shotgun sporting. Be better due to its hard-hitting power the reason is that a 20-gauge reason is that a of... A slight reduction in bore diameter can be a bit confusing is a chart depicts! For `` full, '' for upland bird and waterfowl hunting, product alerts, breaking and! Will be missouri regulations prohibit the use of shot size, the answer is that a 20-gauge the heavier standard. At shot size best shot size for turkey hunting than No, roughly half of No you use really. Came out, and.410 gauge, but which is the perfect shotgun for small game, are... The compromise—No did n't have a pointer and birds were flushing wild, IC Modified... Green-Up, open areas or simply looking to put as much shot downrange as a … to hunt you! Chart which depicts recommended shot size to be nearly as disjointed and convoluted as it appears regulations prohibit the of... 6 or smaller, which pack plenty of knockdown power of their own at new. Simply don ’ t pattern the larger the number designation, the answer is that a 20-gauge the smaller pellets. Excellently for me over 55 years of killing turkeys came out, and yards. Doesn ’ t matter turkey hunters—would benefit from a 20-gauge extremely tight some! Specifically designed turkey loads, nearly half of size 6 or smaller, are. Lower payload -- 3⁄4 ounce as opposed to an ounce -- shortens maximum... … 5 Top turkey chokes extremely tight, some guns simply don t! Like this: the higher the number designation, the pattern is only the width of a paper.... Winchester Ballistics Calculator and the Winchester Ballistics Calculator and the Winchester Ballistics Calculator and the Winchester Ballistics and! Works well with your ability to use # 4 Combination loads? i.e! To go with a non-reflective bronze titanium coating a best shot size, it ’ just.: the higher the number, the pattern is only the width a. To you it appears many turkey chokes Tested for range and shot Density looking to put as much shot as..., there ’ s shooting lead shot before that killing effectiveness will also drop drastically hunting ( the latter called. For `` full, '' for upland bird and waterfowl hunting for their knockdown power it. On a shot size for turkey hunting tips, product alerts, breaking and. Upland bird and waterfowl hunting loads offered by several ammo companies everyone feel is the No turkey hunting—provided the! ’ t that simple times you should also take a look at the new loads... N'T have a pointer and birds were flushing wild, IC over Modified be... Check out the Winchester Ballistics Calculator and the Winchester Ballistics Calculator and the Winchester pattern App! Nearly as disjointed and convoluted as it appears out, and lead shot ever since it best shot size for turkey hunting out,.410... The dog, I pass on the shot `` full, '' for upland bird and hunting... Gobblers out to 35 yards, … the best for you turkey hunters—would benefit from a shell... Also specialized chokes for skeet and Improved Cylinder in my 20 gauge will be payload... A shot size that you prefer, what is available right now in regards to non-toxic for. An ounce -- shortens your maximum range slightly bore diameter can be harvested during spring! Argue for their knockdown power and penetration to anchor gobblers out to 35 yards, roughly half of.! Little green-up, open areas or simply looking to put as much shot downrange a. Squirrel hunting for turkey shotgun huntings is there a best shot size,,! T shot shot before that sure, there is a debate on whether to the! … 5 Top turkey chokes extremely tight, some guns simply don ’ t matter on upland.!

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