Author Topic: rifles for turkey??? (Read 892 times)

howie1968 · « **on:** March 17, 2003, 11:13:05 PM »

dont laugh guys but alls i have is rifles 30-06, 30-30 and a 22 long rifle which ones and which bullet weights i figure the 150 s would be to frangible in both guns and I am told the 22 is on the light side. what about fmj bullets for the 06??? thanks in advance

Jack Crevalle · « **Reply #1 on:** March 18, 2003, 12:57:58 AM »

Of those choices, I'd use the .22. I don't think it's too light, I just wouldn't try to shoot one much over 50yds with it.

Slug-Gunner · « **Reply #2 on:** March 25, 2003, 06:20:41 PM »

Quote from: howie1968

dont laugh guys but alls i have is rifles 30-06, 30-30 and a 22 long rifle which ones and which bullet weights i figure the 150 s would be to frangible in both guns and I am told the 22 is on the light side. what about fmj bullets for the 06??? thanks in advance

The MOST IMPORTANT thing is to FIRST CHECK YOUR STATE'S HUNTING REGULATIONS on what types of weapons are legal for Turkey Hunting. Many states allow only shotguns using #2 size shotshells or smaller; black powder rifles/shotguns, and archery for taking turkeys. Also make sure you understand if it is legal ONLY TO TAKE MALE (TOM) TURKEYS.... or if HENS are allowed also. Many states have varying rules on turkey hunting so be sure you know what your state's regulations say about it.
Good Hunting!
:oops: :roll: :eek: :-D :wink:

dakotashooter2 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 26, 2003, 03:50:50 AM »

Do you reload or know anyone that does? A light velocity load with a 100 grain bullet in the 30-30 or 06 might be what you are looking for. I have a book that describes loads such as that for just that purpose. As Slug-Gunner mentioned , check your regulations I seem to remember a few states allowing 22 centerfire rifles for turkey hunting but am not sure about anything larger. If you are legal and would like some loading information about the loads I mentioned PM me and i'll see what I can dig up.

m14dan · « **Reply #4 on:** April 27, 2003, 03:28:04 AM »

All I ever use here is a rifle. I am not getting caught with my pants down ever again with a shtgun in my hands and a 800 pound hog in front of me. I use my m14 and sometimes i have to let a lot of birds go but if one stands facing me I take them . Shot placement is the key. I get them straight on from the front in the center of the breast and the bullet goes out under the tail. I haven't ever wasted any meat on one yet. I have tried reduced lead handloads for turkeys but i realy think shot placement is more critical than the size or speed of the bullet. I took this one yesterday at 200 yards with a barnes X bullet at 2600 fps. No meat damage. Just practice practice practice. If you are good enough to go for a head shot or can precisely put the bullet through the body cavity then go for it. You won't mess them up. Just don't do broadside shots. Heres the one I got yesterday. Part of his tail is torn up from fighting and I got to watch it. They realy go at it.

http://www.m14dan.mrswizard.com/danturkey1.jpg

Jack Crevalle · « **Reply #5 on:** April 27, 2003, 05:50:54 AM »

My buddy who has shot his share with a rifle aims for the junction of the neck and head. In his words, it, "blows the lungs out". I think that his is a good place to aim because it moves less than the head and if a shot does penetrate far it goes into the body cavity not the meat. The down side is that the bird needs to be facing you and slightly below you to pull it off just right.

LONEBRAVE · « **Reply #6 on:** February 11, 2004, 03:12:10 PM »

IM A DIE HARD SHOTGUN MAN FOR SPRING HUNTING, BUT HUNTING FALL LONG BEARDS IS A WHOLE DIFFERENT BALLGAME, I USE A RUGER 77 , IN 22 HORNET CALIBER, ITS LIGHT , AND YOU CAN SHOOT TURKEYS 25 YARDS OR 150 YARDS , LONEBRAVE

ihuntbucks · « **Reply #7 on:** February 11, 2004, 10:08:08 PM »

howie,as another member posted see if you can hunt turks with a rifle in your state.Here in Alabama,you can use shotguns,no rifles at all,but you can use a pistol(40 cal up) as long as it doesn't have a scope.Iam assuming you can use a red-dot because it doesn't magnifty. Rick

hoghunter2 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 14, 2004, 01:06:35 PM »

One of my friends uses the .22 long rifle for turkey hunting. He has taken head and body shots with it. he shot them past 125 yards before to. It seems like alot of people under estimate the .22 long rifle.

later

When in doubt empty the magazine.

vhunter · « **Reply #9 on:** March 27, 2004, 05:23:17 AM »

Use the 22 lr if you can place your shot! I recommend stinger ammo or like others have said, down load your 30/30 or 06 with 100gr pill. Shoot straight! I use a 22 mag!

Lawdog · « **Reply #10 on:** March 27, 2004, 12:41:06 PM »

TEXAS Game

Quote

Means and Methods
Firearms

 Game animals and game birds may be hunted with any legal firearm, EXCEPT:
 white-tailed deer, mule deer, desert bighorn sheep, and pronghorn antelope may NOT be hunted with rimfire ammunition of any caliber.
 shotguns are the only legal firearm that may be used to hunt Eastern turkey during the spring Eastern turkey season (see County Listing). Rifles and handguns may not be used to hunt Eastern turkey.
 pellet guns and other air guns are NOT LEGAL.
 fully automatic firearms are NOT LEGAL.
 firearms equipped with silencers or sound-suppressing devices are NOT LEGAL.
 a shotgun is the only legal firearm for hunting migratory game birds and lesser prairie chicken (see Definitions - Legal Shotgun).

The above was copied from the web site (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/annual/hunt/means/) for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Don't know if this helps you but here it is for what it is worth. Lawdog