Anyone hunted gobblers with a .22 rimfire?

Before anyone asks, it's legal in Texas.

Thinking about hauling a .22 in addition to a shotgun this year. We have a cross-fence they get hung up on sometimes and won't come over. Although too far for a shotgun, it would be a chip shot with a good .22.

So, if you've done it I'd love to hear recommendations on bullet type (I'm thinking hollowpoint) and shot placement (I'm thinking base of neck).

Thanks, in advance.

Scott

Hollow point through the noggin has worked for me in the past. Thinking it was probably Winchester PowerPoint stuff but I'm sure it was bulk as I shot up at least a brick per week in my youth. I'd say take the load you can hit a golfball at your max distance with jn your rifle and try to dot his eye.

Yep, base of the neck with a .22 Mag does a good job....Good luck....Hb

Yes, head shots only with a Rugger MK I pistol just to silence a couple of hunting buddies who kept going on and on about using their 10-22's and making head shots. Then I went back to my 20 gauge flintlock it's more fun.

If you are going to do it keep it to head shots, Ive seen several run off to be lost after taking body shots with .22 mags.

Originally Posted by VaHillbilly

Yep, base of the neck with a .22 Mag does a good job....Good luck....Hb

Yup, that's the only way I hunt them anymore.

I use the Hornady V-Max or the CCI V-Max, they're the most accurate in my Savage 22mag.

Mennonites around here poach them with a 22, but rifles are illegal for any turkey hunting here.

22mag is the smallest caliber you can legally hunt turkeys in Wyoming.

Are you sure a 22 is legal in spring turkey? We hunt TX every fall and spring and I always thought spring was shotgun only.

FWIW, I know a guy that carries a 22 in deer season in TX(legal) and shoots turkeys. He said facing away, directly in the back between the wings is the best shot. They might run a little ways, but it will kill them easily.

Originally Posted by Reloader7RM

Are you sure a 22 is legal in spring turkey? We hunt TX every fall and spring and I always thought spring was shotgun only.

You are thinking TX Easterns.

Quote

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 for the take of any game bird or game animal other than squirrel. To be lawful for the take of squirrel, an air rifle must be designed to be fired from the shoulder and use the force of a spring, air, or other non-ignited compressed gas to expel a projectile of at least .177 caliber (4.5mm) at a minimum muzzle velocity of 600 feet per second.
fully automatic firearms are not legal.
a shotgun is the only legal firearm for hunting migratory game birds (see Definitions - Legal Shotgun).
Silencers may be used to take any wildlife resource; however, all federal, state and local laws continue to apply.

22 LR would be ok for head shots only. I knocked one down once with a 22 to the base of the neck, and it got up and ran off, and blew a bunch of feathers off another. They are tough birds

What they said. Used the 22 mag in fall here, not legal in spring, but went to a 221 fireball for next year in case of longer shots. 22 mag will work but has to be a precise shot. Never tried with a 22LR.

In years past I have killed a few with body shots and Wally World special .22 LR bullets, but I would advise against that. Too many took good hits and ran off.

A standard .22 LR round is fine for head/neck shots, but if you're intent on a body shot like I am (read: bigger target) then I suggest CCI Stingers. They have done an awesome job for me.

The last 10 or so I killed were with shotguns as I have to do that where I have hunted the last several years.

.22 LR in the head is a fun challenge. With today's 3.5" 12 gauge shells, anything under 40 yards should be a gimme. At 20 yards, the .22 LR head shot is no gimme. Be sure to time the bird's head movement. Putt and make him put his head up, if necessary. I highly recommend the .22 LR and would do this again on another hunt in TX.

I used CCI Mini-Mags. Whatever your gun shoots best is most important. A head shot on a bird with any .22 LR under 50 yards is instant death.

No can do here in New Yorkistan,
sounds like fun trying

Originally Posted by kscowboy01

.22 LR in the head is a fun challenge. With today's 3.5" 12 gauge shells, anything under 40 yards should be a gimme.

Anyting inside 40yds with a 20ga is a gimme.