My question is - are all these special turkey loads just a bunch of hype or do they really make a difference? The pheasant loads are definitely cheaper to shoot but I guess a lot depends on how well they pattern in this particular shotgun.
All hype. I have the same gun, and the best pattern density i have shot on a turkey head target at 30 to 40 yards was from Fiocchi Golden Pheasant 3" #6 loads 1-3/4oz.
A box of 25 is cheaper than most boxes of 10 turkey loads.
If you know where to aim, there is no need to throw 2oz + at a turkey. The old timer that got me started in turkey hunting never used more than 2-3/4" field loads and dropped every bird he shot at. Pick up a pack of turkey head/neck targets and practice in different situations if possible. See how you aim at 30 to 40 yards uphill and downhill while sitting on the ground in an uncomfortable place. With a short single shot it is especially important to know how your gun aims and get your line of sight the same every time on the single bead.