Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles Cartridge for Turkeys

I've been using an old Win. Model 43 in .218 Bee for fall turkeys, but the bolt is on the wrong side for a leftie like myself. I recently read where Browning has cataloged the Micro Hunter for left-handers in 22 Hornet and .223. Which cartridge would folks prefer for turkeys in the fall? I'd probably just use the 43 if I was a right hander. Has anyone seen this gun, or is it another tease like Winchester's Classic Featherweight in WSM cartridges that never get produced for left-handers?

well im a lefty just have make your first shot count <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Haven't seen the Micro in .22 Hornet locally yet, but I understand there are some out there. The Micro has a very short length of pull.

Either cartridge would be fine, but the .223 would need to be downloaded in my opinion. I've used both on turkeys. I think the Hornet in factory loads about ideal. But from personal experience, the .223 is too hot in factory guise. It will tear a bird up, even with FMJ bullets.

220Swift with a 50gr V-Max and hold right on the wishbone.

A guy won't have to track him far..................(grin)

I use the 220 Swift loaded with a full load of IMR 4350 and a Sierra 63 gr. bullet. It's very effective but requires precise shot placement.

Above or below the wishbone?(grin)

You oughtta hear The Pimp's tirade on Turkey Hunters. It is very insightful and would bring a new element to the whole enchilada and gives watching the Outdoor Channel a whole new dimension!

He figures if you ain't Pass Shooting them,then one is not a Purist...................

The prefered shot placement with that load is through the thigh, just above the drumstick when the bird is broad side. I've yet to get an exit, sometimes loose one thigh, and never lost a bird with that shot. I prefer head shots if the bird isn't moving about too much, and shoot through the craw when they are moving away from me. An incoming bird is the tough shot, hit them at the base of the neck, just above the wishbone and you won't hit the breast meat.

I only rifle a turkey during the fall. I MUCH prefer to call them into 20 gauge range during the spring season. But sometimes they are too much temptation if I happen to be getting bored on a deer stand..... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I have seen the Micro LH in .22 Hornet. As far as rifles for turkeys we can't use them here but I would think the Hornet the better choice. Especially if you could get ahold of some cast .22 caliber bullets. Sean

Can't see any purists in the mirror here. I've shot them with everything from a flint-tipped arrow launched out of a longbow to a downloaded .30-06, all ate just fine. Zero guilt.

Can't hunt them with a rifle anymore anyway, so the point's moot for me.

Used to hear a saying, "shootin' turkeys with a rifle is like hauling horse sh-t in a Rolls Royce, it can be done but ain't the right tool for the job."

I don't pay much attention to sayings, one way or the other..big grin.

Have you considered 22mag with the Federal 50 gr cartridge ?

PDS.

What part of the bird is the craw?

Thanx,

I cant think of a better choice than a 25-20 or 32-20 for turkey. The cast bullets will do little meat damage.

That sack at the base of his neck where his food gets ground up. I'm sure I mis-spelled it, or misnomer-ed it........ I'm just a country boy I ain't no biologists. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I think the 22mag works about the best on turkeys. Most everything else need to be loaded down . If you don't load the stuff down then you need to hit them in the head or shoot just above the wing and hope to break the back. Shot one once with the 32-20 in the breast. Wasn't a good deal. lots of wasted meat.

If you decide on a 220 Swift you main as well use a 375 H+H instead. Same results, but a waaaaaaaay cooler gun to have in your hands. In reality a .223 or 22-250 with do anything you want it to. Use Bear Claw or Nosler bullets so they don't open up a lot. If you use the standard varmit type bullet plan on a shower of feathers. It's neat to watch but a guy might starve trying to salvage any meat.

PDS,

You got one or two on me though ... I'm a chemist not a biologist ... to me ... its either white meat or dark meat! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I use a .223 and load it down to about 1600 fps using 50 gr fmj. Works just fine on the turkeys I shoot at.

Before full-metal jackets were so readily available I shot a couple birds with my 243 with the bullets loaded backwards in the case. The load was also reduced to keep the velocity down so the meat wasn't ruined.

the 22 hornet is popular but the 25-20 looks great to me.

The last Turkey I shot with a rifle was during last years rifle deer season and it was with a 130 grain BT in my 270 Win. (Shot placement is critical) shot him just above the wing and did not loose any meat, besides he was almost pre cleaned when I got to him.