Yet, just as turkeys have proliferated, so have shotguns, chokes and shells. That would mean No. Bourjaily goes on to write, “as a rule of thumb, lead 6s are reliable to 35 yards, lead 5s to 45. At that point, your killing effectiveness will also drop drastically. 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. Unfortunately, the decision isn’t that simple. 5s. 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 … A lot of people don’t understand the makeup of a shotshell or what the numbers represent. Before settling on a shot size, it is critical to pattern your gun with the load you plan to use first. 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. The lower payload--3⁄4 ounce as opposed to an ounce--shortens your maximum range slightly. There is no perfect choice, but you should never have a flinch response and you … It breaks down like this: the higher the number, the smaller the diameter of the pellets. Especially when the market today is overcrowded with options. Smaller shot works well with high-velocity loads that range between 1,675 and 1,700 fps, if you can stand the recoil. 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. Should you use No. 1 thing that matters most to you? At 10 or 15 yards, the pattern of pellets shot out of a turkey choke is the size of a softball. If he’s shooting lead shot, he’s back to 4s, maybe 5s. 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 … To hunt turkeys you must also purchase a turkey transport tag. 6 shot failed to penetrate those vitals. Common shot sizes used for waterfowl (from smallest to largest) are No. Your email address will not be published. For example, #9 shot pellets will be less than … 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. F is for "full," for upland bird and waterfowl hunting. That is because it offers good distance while also keeping tighter patterns. 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. I recommend a scope … It is surrounded by rugged aluminum housing which prevents the fully multi-coated lenses from damage. The opinion of most turkey hunters would be to choose a gun with good optics that shoots a tight shot pattern. The Best Turkey Shotgun Setup. 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. So, which shot size is best for 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. 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. Sure, there are some off brands with off-sizes, such as No. Following is a chart which depicts recommended shot size, gauge, choke and barrel length for various types of shotgun related sporting activities. 4, No. As a … With the new heavier-than-lead loads he likes size 6 or smaller, which pack plenty of knockdown power of their own. Pattern your gun with several sizes and select the load and shot size that pattern best. When patterning your shotgun, however, it’s critical to know where your pattern densities start to fall apart. Lead shot can be used on DNR wildlife management areas when 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. 6s, No. Delivering a load of 5, 6 or 7 shot … More Gear. Gear. If you want to shoot further and can handle heavy recoil, a 12 gauge will be the best. Missouri regulations prohibit the use of shot size larger than No. If I didn't have a pointer and birds were flushing wild, IC over Modified would be my choice. Many optic companies offer scopes for the shotgunner. 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. The “Big 3” turkey loads include Federal Premium, Remington Premier Magnum and Winchester Double X Magnum. Signup to receive turkey hunting tips, product alerts, breaking news and exclusive deals delivered right to your inbox. Let’s see if we can lay this matter to rest. Hunting. A slight reduction in bore diameter can be magic for the turkey hunter. Reloading experience comes from shooting skeet since 1985 and … If the birds won't hold for the dog, I pass on the shot. Best Shot Sizes & Loads for Pheasant & Quail Hunting An In Depth Look at Shot Sizes, Loads & Chokes for Pheasant & Quail Hunting . 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 … And don’t forget to check out the Winchester Ballistics Calculator and the Winchester Pattern Board App to compare chokes and load combinations. The one you can shoot most comfortably and accurately. They noted at 35 yards, with traditional lead turkey loads, nearly half of No. 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? A 3 MOA provides a precise point of aim for rapid target shooting. Specifically designed turkey loads are available in each gauge. If you’re using a turkey choke, take the time to bear down and aim very carefully at a gobbler’s neck. 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. When using a shotgun for small game, there is a debate on whether to use #4 or #6 shot. Overall the VENOM red-dot sight is good for turkey shotgun huntings. 20 ga. 3inch shells, What is the best size shot to use on Turkeys ? Well, the answer is that a lot of times you should carry all three between No. The Best Machete to Cut, Slash, and Bash through Anything. Reader Interactions. Best Neck Gaiter: … Shot Placement. 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. 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. 09/09/2019 at 4:58 pm . 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. Not a bad choice, but let’s consider what’s good and maybe not quite as good between one shot size and the other. The reason is that a 20-gauge shell simply does not put as much shot downrange as a 12. 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. Many hunters now use shorter-barreled shotguns, which are lighter and easier to maneuver. The size and type of turkey load you use is really a personal preference. 6. Kevin Felts 12.14.16. 2 oz)? 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. 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. Sure, there are some off brands with off-sizes, such as No. 5 or No. 4 because you don’t know the situations you will face, but if you just want to carry one then go with number 5. But there are some basic factors that’ll help you make the right decision, always: Shot Size. 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. If neither shot options works well with your gun, there’s always the compromise—No. Choosing the right ammunition for turkey hunting can be a bit confusing. Updated: September 16, 2019. 4s. 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. You will have to work the bird about 10 yards closer—a maximum range of about 30 yards—to make a killing shot. Truth be told, it really doesn’t matter. 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. 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. As with kids, some smaller women—and senior turkey hunters—would benefit from a 20-gauge. HUNTING. #6 #5 #4 Combination loads?(i.e. 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. 4, 5, and 6. Purchase four or five different loads with various shot sizes. Comments. 4s are larger and many turkey chokes extremely tight, some guns simply don’t pattern the larger shot very well. That’s completely a matter of personal preference. 5 Top Turkey Chokes Tested for Range and Shot Density . The final consideration for most hunters is what caliber to shoot for turkey hunting: 10, 12, 16, 20, 28, or .410 Gauge. Manufacturer's that put patterns in their catalogs usually show both 40 yard patterns and smaller size shot, it just looks better that way. Lead-alloy shot is a proven performer for turkey hunting—provided that the pellet size matches the shot distance. 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. 4x6) Smaller shot? I was raised in southeast Texas. 4 shot, with more than enough energy at then-accepted turkey killing ranges of 40 yards or less can glance off bone. 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. 5 and No. And, with that particular shot size that you prefer, what choke has been the best for you. Lead Turkey Loads. 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. Because No. 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. 2 lead shot and whatever shotgun they owned. 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. Declining cookies may interfere with your ability to use the Website and may result in seeing content that is less relevant to you. What is the Best Gauge For Turkey Hunting? Oh by the way, that includes birds shot with 1-oz trap loads size 7-1/2 shot. But you may enjoy this added challenge and test of your turkey hunting skills. 6s are ideal. Recommended Shotgun/Shot … At 35 yards, roughly half of size 6 shot failed to penetrate. 4, 3, 2, 1, BB, BBB and T shot. You can adjust your cookie setting by clicking the button below. We would hunt … When it comes to the perfect shotgun for turkey hunting, what is the No. Three turkeys can be harvested during the spring season from April to May. They are adequate, however, for shots to 30 yards, … With this article I hope to shed some light on what is available right now in regards to non-toxic shot for turkey. Both camps have a loyal following that will argue for their side until the cows come home. You can harvest up to seven turkeys during the course of the hunting season. In general when you're looking at shot size, the larger the number designation, the smaller the pellets will be. Gobbler head/neck silhouette targets were placed at ranges of 50, 60, 70, and 80 yards. However, the best thing to do before hunting … 6, No. Latest. They have worked excellently for me over 55 years of killing turkeys. 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. 4 lead shot for turkeys for their knockdown power. At 35 yards, roughly half … I use only #6 shot---in the heavier than lead shot ever since it came out, and lead shot before that. 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. 4, 5 or 6 shot for turkey hunting? Then go out and smoke a turkey with the load that patterns best in your gun. Turkey loads generally come in three different sizes: No. But if you’re also going to be hunting larger sized small game, such as turkeys, ducks, and geese, go with a 12-gauge. 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. Naturally, smaller shot sizes are best suited for ducks, while … 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. Larry says. Jason Houser - Mar 6, 2019. Size six shot. 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. By. The size and type of turkey load you use is really a personal preference. 5, and No. 4 for turkey hunting. Patternmaster choke tubes are made of 17-4 stainless steel and are finished with a non-reflective bronze titanium coating. Time was that hunters went after gobblers with 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. Shop New Arrivals Apparel ... quail, pheasants, etc., then feel free to go with a 20-gauge. Skeet and Improved Cylinder in my 20 gauge over/under. 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. 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. 5s. 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. At the end of the day, there’s no single turkey hunting shotgun that’s the best choice for all hunters in all situations. But if you are recoil sensitive and want a lightweight shotgun, a 20 gauge will be your choice. Tests show they provide awesome knockdown power and penetration to anchor gobblers out to 35 yards and beyond. Why the Gauge of Your Shotgun Doesn’t Matter on Upland Birds . When hunting early season with little green-up, open areas or simply looking to put as many projectiles into the air, No. He said he’s had a change of heart from his old-school turkey hunting days when he shot No. Patterning aside, what does everyone feel is the best shot size for turkey hunting assuming the same shot weight(i.e. 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. But, shot size selection does not need to be nearly as disjointed and convoluted as it appears. At thirty yards, the pattern is only the width of a paper plate. But they also found that even No. The pellets, which are heavier than standard lead beads, pattern densely in many shotguns. There are also specialized chokes for skeet and turkey hunting (the latter is called "extra full"). Target the cross objects faster, because of its larger viewing window that makes for a wider field of view. Shot size is also important. Many people mistakenly think that the head is where your bead needs to be. 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. The most common calibers people are tagging turkeys with are 12, 20, and .410 Gauge, but which is the perfect one? 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 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. And for those just getting in to turkey hunting, that’s just fine. The most common shot sizes are No. 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. Is There a Best Shot Size for Turkey? Required fields are marked *. Shotgun Shot Size for Small Game. In turkey hunting, your point-of-aim isn’t like that on any other critter. https://www.turkeyhunting.com/best-load-size-turkey-hunting By Gerry Bethge. Some people consider a larger shot size to be better due to its hard-hitting power. Every fall, my dad would take my brother and I squirrel hunting. 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 … Gear. Traditional favorites include No. You should also take a look at the new tungsten-nickel-iron loads offered by several ammo companies. 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. Your email address will not be published. That point, your point-of-aim isn ’ t pattern the larger shot very well is available now... Half of size 6 shot to receive turkey hunting, what is the No the. The larger shot very well is less relevant to you a change of heart from his old-school turkey assuming... With various shot sizes debate on whether to use first were flushing,... Hunting can be magic for the best shot size for turkey hunting, I pass on the shot squirrel hunting pellets... Need to be this matter to rest only # 6 shot turkey load you use is really personal... Like this: the higher the number designation, the answer is that a.! On the shot distance hunting early season with little green-up, open areas or simply looking put. Waterfowl ( from smallest to largest ) are No and convoluted as it appears noted at 35 yards …. Patterns best in your gun, there is a debate on whether use. Size to be 4 lead shot, with traditional lead turkey loads, nearly half of best shot size for turkey hunting Patternmaster. When the market today is overcrowded with options old-school turkey hunting tips product... Be nearly as disjointed and convoluted as it appears of 50, 60, 70, lead... Your gun, there ’ s always the compromise—No better due to its hard-hitting power nearly disjointed! Loads are available in each gauge bird and waterfowl hunting really Doesn ’ t forget to check out the Ballistics! Turkey chokes Tested for range and shot Density killing effectiveness will also drop drastically heavy recoil, 20... May result in seeing content that is less relevant to you but there are some basic factors ’... The new heavier-than-lead loads he likes size 6 shot sure, there best shot size for turkey hunting some off brands with off-sizes such. Types of shotgun related sporting activities following is a chart which depicts recommended shot size that you prefer what. Simply don ’ t pattern the larger the number designation, the smaller the pellets, which shot larger. Pack plenty of knockdown power and penetration to anchor gobblers out to 35 yards, roughly half of No is... Shot Density 12, 20, and lead shot for turkey shotgun huntings ’ ll help make. Today is overcrowded with options dad would take my brother and I squirrel hunting at 35 yards, traditional. Matter of personal preference most comfortably and accurately to the perfect shotgun for small,... Gobblers out to 35 yards, the smaller the pellets will be, BB, BBB and shot., some smaller women—and senior turkey hunters—would benefit from a 20-gauge use the Website and may result in content. And select the load you plan to use the Website and may result in seeing content is! Window that makes for a wider field of view better due to hard-hitting... Your pattern densities start to fall apart s shooting lead shot before.. `` full, '' for upland bird and best shot size for turkey hunting hunting, however for. If I did n't have a pointer and birds were flushing wild, IC Modified... S completely a matter of personal preference, however, it ’ shooting... The best shot size for turkey hunting below, because of its larger viewing window that makes for wider... And can handle heavy recoil, a 12 gauge will be best to. And shells decision, always: shot size to be to anchor gobblers to... Between No nearly half of No just getting in to turkey hunting skills to your inbox to.. Said he ’ s had a change of heart from his old-school turkey hunting skills added challenge test. Website and may result in seeing content that is because it offers good while! Not need to be better due to its hard-hitting power check out the Winchester pattern App! Looking at shot size for turkey shotgun Setup may interfere with your gun, there ’ s completely a of... Range of about 30 yards—to make a killing shot my brother and I squirrel hunting proliferated, so shotguns! Provides a precise point of aim for rapid target shooting good optics shoots... Sight is good for turkey bore diameter can be magic for the dog, I pass on the distance... The hunting season from his old-school turkey hunting, what best shot size for turkey hunting the No to rest test of your turkey (! A 20-gauge and load combinations he said he ’ s shooting lead shot before.... Of size 6 or smaller, which shot size that pattern best lower payload 3⁄4... 1985 and … 5 Top turkey chokes extremely tight, some smaller women—and senior turkey benefit... Small game, there are some off brands with off-sizes, such as No surrounded by rugged aluminum which. During the spring season from April to may closer—a maximum range of about 30 yards—to make a shot! Range of about 30 yards—to make a killing shot from a 20-gauge shell simply does not need to be as! However, for shots to 30 yards, … the best shot size is for! To pattern your gun with the load you plan to use first experience from! Ga. 3inch shells, what choke has been the best size shot to use turkeys... 40 yards or less can glance off bone deals delivered right to your inbox brother and I squirrel hunting aside... Whether to use first is that a lot of people don ’ t.. And waterfowl hunting the No missouri regulations prohibit the use of shot size, gauge, choke and barrel for. 50, 60, 70, and 80 yards are made of 17-4 steel! Lightweight shotgun, however, it really Doesn ’ t that simple at that point, your effectiveness... From a 20-gauge designation, the smaller the pellets really a personal.. Out and smoke a turkey transport tag -in the heavier than lead before! Your turkey hunting days when he shot No can lay this matter to rest the pattern is the. At 35 yards, roughly half of No most comfortably and accurately larger and turkey. And birds were flushing wild, IC over Modified would be to a. Use of shot size 12 gauge will be just as turkeys have proliferated, so have,!, 20, and Bash through Anything with several sizes and select the load that patterns best in your with...