Smooth bore for Turkey

[KW]

Hello. I am a muzzleloading hunter, hince the subject. I was looking for some opinions on a project that I am starting (one of two projects actually). I have been given a good deal on a .50 cal smooth bore muzzleloading barrel about 38" long that will drop right in my current rifle and was wondering if this would be appropiate for turkeys to about 35 yds max? I know that the .50 bore equals a little smaller then a 28 gauge, but was going to play with load weight and velocity to get that tight pattern. Do you think that this is worth the effort? Thanks

[dukkillr]

28ga with no choke?  I'd imagine you'd be good to about 10 yards or so, but i'd have to admit i've never seen a pattern from such a gun.  Turkey hunting is all about getting dense patterns.  That being said, why not try it?  Shoot a few targets and post your results.

[D.C.]

I second that,test it, and let us know.  D.C.

[Hoyt]

I'd say you'd be good out to about 25yds. with the right shot column combo. That's the difference in muzzle loaders and modern shotguns..with the muzzle loader shotgun you can load what you and your barrel can stand. However with the cylinder bore..no choke..the pattern and it's effective range will rely on the shot column combination of wads, shot, powder.
I killed this bird last yr. with my .62cal. smoothbore..(20ga.) at about 30yds.