Need a turkey load

S

sparkysteve

New member
What 12 ga. turkey load do you guys use? I'm pretty much a deer hunter, but want to try turkey this Spring. I'd like to do some practice shooting/patterning before deer season and Winter so I'll be ready for Spring. I'll probably be using my Browning BPS or Remington 870. If you could recommend me a choke too that would be great. I've got some calls and videos already and have been doing some practice. Any input would be great. Thanks.
 
You need to try several loads in both guns to see what each gun likes.I have used a Browning gold stalker 3-1/2" gun for about six years and have used an 870 also.The browning likes 3.5" Winchester # 5,3" Federal #4,and 3.5" Winchester #4 in that order.I have a Mad Max choke on it.The 870 liked only 3" shells usually #5 shot,also with a mad max choke.I have several hunting buddies that swear by the comp-n-choke and kicks chokes.You really need to try several shells in both guns and possibly try a few different chokes because every gun is different.If you are not too recoil sensitive try the 3.5 inch shells,if your gun can shoot them.my philosophy is the more pellets the better as long as it patterns well.
 
The best thing to do is try several different loads in your gun with the choke of your choice.

I use Winchester Supreme 3 1/2" #5 in my 870 with the factory turkey choke tube. Prior to this, I used Remington Hevi-shot in my nova with a factory full choke.

There's really no hard and fast rule about which load in which gun through which tube. Me and several buddies would get together to pattern our guns. Every body would buy a different type of shell so we could try several types without each having to buy 3-4 boxes.
 
I killed a turkey in April at 37 yards with this load:

Make: Winchester
Type: Supreme "Double X Magnum Turkey Load"
Gauge: 12
Shell Size: 3.0"
Dram Equiv: Max
Shot: 2.0 oz (heaviest load you can get in a 3" shell, I believe)
Shot Size: 6

But just about any 4, 5, or 6 shot will work.

Use an xtra-full or ultra-full choke. But yeah, pattern 2 or 3 or 4 ammo types to see which you get the best patterns from.
 
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