what size shot should i use for turkey

[gray fox]

what shot size for 12 gauge should i use for turkey hunting.

[quickdtoo]

I like #6 Hevi-shot, but that's because it patterns best in my gun, I've tried 4s and 5s, didn't like the holes in the pattern. Shoot what patterns best at the range you limit your shots to and you'll be happy.

I've also shot some of the new Flight Control Federal lead rounds, they had very good pattern density at 40yds, I would recommend you try it as one of your choices. Be aware of one thing tho, shooting at close range, there is no pattern spread, out to about 12-15yds, it's more less  just one projectile, so better make sure of your aim!!

What works well in 2 identical models of guns/chokes may be entirely different, so be sure to pattern your gun for the best load.

Tim

[buck460XVR]

It's best to find out what works best in your particular gun and to know exactly where it shoots before you miss your first Tom. My mossburg with a full choke tube is always been partial to Winchester 3'' shells with 1 3/4 oz of #5s. I've tried most of the others and this is what patterns the best and most consistently for me. There are some here that think patterning is a waste of time.....I guess they're just lucky. I've called Toms in for several folk that thought the same thing only to see them miss at 15 yards. quickdtoo brought up a good point and one I've seen with the new super chokes out there.....basically no pattern spread till almost 20 yards. That's another reason you need to know exactly where you gun shoots. Good luck bro......

[lil_hunter12]

the gun will shoot some loads better than others. but with my maverick i cant tell it shoots bad at all out to 50 or so with anything ive tried in it.

[prairiedog555]

You need to pattern for another reason other than the density of shot, some guns shoot high low, left right also.  And expensive gun is not a sure thing.

[1sourdough]

 I used #6 Hevi-Shot this year. It dropped a nice tom at about 25-30 yrds(11 1/4" beard). There was very good penetration with a few pellets that hit the upper breast.

[swampthing]

I like #4's. I would not use less than #5's in lead shot, especially with velocities in the 12-1250fps range, with #6's I would like to see 1300-1400fps. Yeah #6's usually pattern good, but when that bird is hung up at 40yd I would prefer the greater hitting/penetration of #4's.   

[flintlock]

I use 5s...that's what my Browning B-80 likes...I would only use 6s if it was a 20gauge or a fowler and then keep shots inside 30-35 yards...

I did have a friend kill a gobble last year at 55 yards, using #5s...He shouldn't have taken the shot, but he did and it worked...

[dukkillr]

hevishot 5s or 6s.  I prefer 6s first shot 5s second and third.

[Swampman]

I'm going with 6s this year.  I have a Turkey hunting book that states 7 1/2s are real good but 8s are better.  I don't think I'd try that.

I do think small shot, and lots of them is a good thing.

[dukkillr]

I've killed the majority of my fall turkeys with high brass copper plated 2 3/4" 7 1/2s.  I think it's a great thing, but not for the spring.  Fall turkey hunting is a totally different sport than spring.




All 4 were shot with the premium 12ga Federal 2 3/4" copper plated 1 1/4oz 7 1/2s.

[prairiedog555]

My kid has a 20 ga. rem 3in. mag. 870 youth model with 20 in. barrel with a turkey choke xtra full.  We use Fiocchi #5 copper plated shot. 
She gets all her birds out to 40 yd. with 1 shot kills.  Now I use same gun.  Light to carry and compact.  I like it a lot.  I think the 20 ga. with 11/4 oz of shot throws a tight pattern and just seems to starch those toms. 
I reccommend it.  I walk a lot to get to remote spots and the less weight the better.

[mcwoodduck]

3" #4 heavy shot turkey load.  Anchored my bird at 80 paces in NC last April.  We could not get him to come in any closer.  Most of the shots were in his neck.  We later patterned the load to the same 80 yards and it really held together.