Author Topic: New Englander turkey load? (Read 589 times)

hans g./UpS · « **on:** October 20, 2003, 08:43:43 AM »

Any suggestions for a 12ga TC New Englander[unchoked and choke tubed version-have both] for turkey?I expect I'll use #4 or #2 lead.
Thanks.

daddywpb · « **Reply #1 on:** October 22, 2003, 03:31:55 PM »

Try 80 grains Pyrodex, a 3" Heavyshot wad, about 2 ounces of hard nickel plated shot and a heavy felt overshot wad. If you really want to play with the paterns, try adding some shot buffer when you pour the shot in. It helps - at least in my Knight TK2000. I've got good, dense killing patterns at 40 yards with an extra full choke tube. If you don't mind the recoil, try a 3 1/2" Heavyshot wad. It'll hold about 2 1/2 ounces of shot, and boost the Pyrodex to 100 - 120 grains. Check your manual to see what max is in your gun. Patterns are unreal!

Crunch · « **Reply #2 on:** October 23, 2003, 01:16:08 AM »

daddywpb,
I've been toying with the idea of getting a ML Shotgun for Spring Turkey for quite some time. Can you please tell me what made you decide on your Knight?
Thanks, Crunch

daddywpb · « **Reply #3 on:** October 23, 2003, 12:07:35 PM »

I liked the Knight because it's inline, uses 209 primers, there are differant choke tubes available, it can take up to 120 grains of Pyrodex, easy to clean and a lot of fun to shoot. Mine is completely covered in Realtree Hardwoods, and has adjustable fiber optic sights. The choke tubes screw onto the outside of the barrel, so it can be loaded without removing the tubes. It comes with some 3 1/2" Heavyshot wads and some foam overshot wads, but Midway has 2 3/4" and 3" Heavyshot wads. I got some of each, along with some Win AA wads, and have used it for doves, rabbits, crows, turkey, and a couple rounds of trap. I'm getting faster at reloading. Cabellas has shotgun "speedloaders" that will help out a lot. It uses Knight's full plastic jacket system, and I have carried it around all day in the rain and fired it without any problem. My wife bought it for me last year and as you can tell, I'm impressed. It's a blast to shoot. One other thing - if you dove hunt with it, bring a spotter. When you shoot, all you can see is smoke, and you need someone to tell you if you hit anything or not!

Cuts Crooked · « **Reply #4 on:** October 23, 2003, 01:46:50 PM »

1 1/2oz of either #4 or #5 shot in a paper shotcup, 1/2" cushion wad, overpowder wad, on top of 80 gr of 2F. This load will hammer a turkey out to thirty yards with or without chokes.

Crunch · « **Reply #5 on:** October 23, 2003, 02:41:12 PM »

dadywpd, Thanks for the reply. I guess you answerred my question. I have one more if you don't mind...The tk2000 seems to look quite a bit like a rifle. How does it hang for any sort of wing shooting?
Thanks again, Crunch

WD45 · « **Reply #6 on:** October 24, 2003, 03:09:30 AM »

The load that cuts crooked listed is what I would use in my Navy arms double. I dont normally use a shot cup though. He is right. it's a killer. :-)

daddywpb · « **Reply #7 on:** October 24, 2003, 10:42:14 AM »

Crunch,
It's a little front heavy, but it hasn't been a problem. It also comes blued, and with a black synthetic stock. The fiber optic sights are great for turkey, but it took a little getting used to for wing shooting. It's not the same as a bead, but you'll get used to it. I tried it at the range without the plastic shotcups, and it didn't pattern as well. Patterns seem to come apart a little quicker with heavier powder charges.