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Federal 7's - 20 gauge
Hevi13 7's - 12 gauge


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Originally Posted by Everyday Hunter
I use #5 shot, but three things are more important than shot size:
1. a dense pattern
2. limiting your shots to a range that will kill the turkey.
3. maintaining your composure during the shot.

Many hunters make the mistake of thinking their shotgun will do the same thing under field conditions as it does under range conditions. But under range conditions, you have a measured yardage (as opposed to a field judgment), a clear shot to the target (as opposed to the possibility of unseen saplings being in the way), and a completely relaxed shot (as opposed to the nervousness of shooting at a live target).

Steve.

Maker of the the Northern Scratchbox turkey call.




Very good post, especially number 2. We hear and read about those 60 yard kills, and how great a certain shell will kill a turkey at that range. I have killed several birds over 50 yards, measured distance, not estimated, and while I had the confidence in myself and my gun to make the shot, afterwards I realized that was almost too far. If someone just wants to kill a turkey, then they don't care how they do it. If someone wants to hunt a turkey, then they pride themselves on calling that bird in as close as possible, then taking the shot. I get a much bigger thrill knowing I called a tom in and killed him at 25 or 30 yards, than I do anything else. At this distance, shot size doesn't really matter.

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#9 TSS and have used some #8.5 TSS. Both in the 20 gauge.

I used Federal HW#7's before the TSS.

When I shot a 12, it was usually with a #5 or #6 of some sort. I won't go back to the 12 at this point.


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[quote=Everyday Hunter]I use #5 shot, but three things are more important than shot size:
1. a dense pattern- That's why we play with shot size and metal density
2. limiting your shots to a range that will kill the turkey.- That's why we play with shot size and shot density
3. maintaining your composure during the shot.- Has nothing to do with choosing shot size or shot density
/quote]

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5's


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Copper plated #7 1/2 in 20 gauge.
Copper plated # 6 in 12 gauge.
Nickle plated # 7 1/2 in the 20 gauge flintlock

Those give the best patterns in my guns and plenty of penetration at the distances I will shoot.


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Had the best luck with 5's

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6's .... I somehow have acquired enough for several lifetimes.

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I use #5 shot in both 20 ga. and 12 ga. conventional shotguns. In a flintlock 20 ga. I use No. 5 as well. I am in a rut.

The flintlock I use requires birds to be within 25 yards and I get pretty good pattern density with #5 shot

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5's here too...


Originally Posted by raybass
I try to stick with the basics, they do so well. Nothing fancy mind you, just plain jane will get it done with style.
Originally Posted by Pharmseller
You want to see an animal drop right now? Shoot him in the ear hole.

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#4s, 5s or 6s. They all work.

Could easily be satisfied with #5s from here on out.

Tempted to play with #7 Hevis though.

Last edited by 10gaugemag; 04/22/17.

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The majority of the Shamanic Dream Team shoot #4 lead shot. Angus shoots #5, because it patterns better in his gun.



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When I started hunting Turkeys 25 years ago I bought 3" #2,4,5,6 and 4x6. I have been shooting them with 4x6 duplex as they patterned better than 5's. But 5's will do for me just fine.

If I was starting out again I would start here.

https://www.hevishot.com/catalog/magnum-blend/

I have heard great things about the 5,6 and 7 loads.

Anything over 40 or 45 yards with a factory shotgun can be hit or miss IME. It is all about pattern density.

Good luck and shoot straight

Bob

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Hevi Shot Mag Blend here for the 12 and 20 gauge.

Used 5's in the Winchester Longbeards as well.



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No 5 shot


A Doe walks out of the woods today and says, that is the last time I'm going to do that for Two Bucks.
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Mostly htl 7s, as they will strait wreck a bird any any reasonable range. Played around with the longbeards in all shot sizes, killed a couple birds with the 4s, but couldn't get any consistency in the patterns, so I ditched them. Back to the 7s and life is good.


Oh, and believe it or not, deer bite. Fairly hard.
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3" Nitro Ammunition 4x5x7 HeviShot blend in the 12ga; 3" Nitro Ammunition HeviShot 7s in the 20ga.

Yea, none of the above are cheap - $5-$7/rnd. But ammo is the cheapest part of the hunt!


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The state regulations here allow #4 shot as the largest size for turkey, they have no minimum size.

I've used 4,5, or 6 shot depending on the conditions. This year I will likely be using #6 as it was an early spring and the woods should be leafed out pretty well. They will fill out a more open choke which I use after the woods leaf out. If it were a more normal spring the visibility would be much greater and I would most likely load up with 4s and a more typical choke.


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Winchester 3" 5's have always seemed to work for gobblers. I do not believe I do not need expensive shells to kill them.

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20=#6Heavyshot
12=4x5x7Nitro or #6 Longbeard's

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