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Author Topic: Handloaded shotshells for wild turkey?  (Read 742 times)

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Offline bikerbeans

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Handloaded shotshells for wild turkey?
« on: February 16, 2014, 07:14:20 AM »
Hi All,

I am thinking of getting back into turkey hunting this year and want to load my own shotshells.  I am planning to use my 28" 20ga single shot.  The barrel is threaded for tubes so I will be able to test patterns with different chokes and find out which works the best.   I have virtually the identical gun in 12ga so I may load and test with this one as well.  My thought is to approach turkey like I do deer in archery season, if it isn't instead about 30 yards then I am not going to shoot. 

I would like to hear from those that have actually shot a Tom with their own handloaded shotshells.  Any load information regarding shot size, powder, hulls, wads, etc. would be appreciated.   


thanks


BB

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Offline nodlenor

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Re: Handloaded shotshells for wild turkey?
« Reply #1 on: February 16, 2014, 08:11:13 AM »
I've reloaded 12ga shot shells to use for turkey hunting for quite some time but I don't have the info handy at this time. I know I loaded #5 & #6 shot. I used a lymans shotshell reloading handbook which was very helpful. It has been a few years now since I loaded any so my info might be a bit dated anyway. I also loaded for quail & pheasant, but there isn,t enough around to hunt anymore besides I probably wouldn,t last very long these days. I think it would be in you're best interests to see if you can find a current shotshell reloading manual.
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Offline Doublebass73

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Re: Handloaded shotshells for wild turkey?
« Reply #2 on: February 16, 2014, 09:16:51 AM »
I recommend #5 if you use the 12 gauge and #6 if you use the 20. I reload for 16 gauge only so I'm not sure about wads and hulls but I know that Unique powder works well for 1 1/8 oz. loads in the 16 gauge. I know Unique works well for 12 and 20 also so you might want to start there if you have any. I've never killed a turkey with a reload, I always use factory Federal ammo but now you've got me thinking, I might have to try it this year. 30 yards is definitely a safe bet, you can stretch that a little if you know the patterns though.
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Offline Val

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Re: Handloaded shotshells for wild turkey?
« Reply #3 on: February 16, 2014, 11:48:15 PM »
consider copper or nickel plated shot which is harder and yield better penetration.
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Offline omegahunter

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Re: Handloaded shotshells for wild turkey?
« Reply #4 on: February 18, 2014, 04:16:41 AM »
Couple years ago I shot my first turkey and it was with a home-rolled 12 gauge 3 inch.  I would have to look in the Lyman manual to know the powder charge, but it was Winchester hulls, Winchester red wads, nickle #5 shot, and I believe Blue Dot powder.  Distance was 46 yards and it was a bang-flop!  I had patterned the load out to 45 yards with both #5 and #6 and was plenty satisfied with my coverage with the #5's.

I do remember that I had to throw my powder charges with my RCBS measure as I could not duplicate the grains in the manual by using the powder bushings of the loader.  Bushings were throwing too light and too heavy.  I never did try to chronograph the load to see if it matched the manual.
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