choke and load for turkey?
- Thread starter TCman
- Start date
It all depends on your barrel. Each one patterns loads differently. The load that produces perfect patterns in my gun may not shoot well at all out of yours. You could probably get by with just about any dedicated turkey loads, but the smart thing to do would be to buy various loads, and test them out.
Right now I'm using Winchester XX magnum 2 oz #5. A friend of mine uses a Federal load. It's all about what your particular weapon likes.
Right now I'm using Winchester XX magnum 2 oz #5. A friend of mine uses a Federal load. It's all about what your particular weapon likes.
FirstFreedom
Moderator
I dunno; I got my first turkey of the season last evening with Federal Premium # 4 shot, 3.0" mag, with an X-full choke out of an NEF Excel Auto 5. But it was only 21 yards away. I just wouldn't try shooting a turkey past 35 yds or so, even though it probably would work fine. I'd be too afraid I'd not get a good hit, and since they're usually pretty easy to call in closer with a little patience & some decoys, I just wait until they get under 25 yards or so, then shoot at the first clear opportunity. If I thought the turkey was gonna turn and walk away, I'd try a shot out to abot 35 yards, but probably no further. However, with modern heavy loads & chokes, I'm probably being too conservative. I think Twycross speaks wisely - if you've patterned your barrel at the range in question with this or that particular load, then you will know whether you have enough density (and accuracy) at the range to get about 8-11 pellets on the head & neck area, which in turn will give you around 3 pellets directly hitting the CNS, giving you a floppin' turkey, not a flyin' one.
FirstFreedom
Moderator
UniversalFrost
New member
full or extra full choke with #5 or 4 shot. would also go with a 3" mag over 2 3/4 anyday.