There are many different shotgun loads available for turkey hunting, and it’s a sport that involves more than just shooting the bird. To become the best turkey hunter you can be, you must first learn about the capabilities, patterns, and different turkey shell loads of your gun.
To begin you’ll want to know what kind of shotgun is the best choice for hunting turkeys. If you are in the process of purchasing a shotgun or do not currently own one, read this article before moving forward.
A hunter is only as good as his/her weapon. Even if you are the best locator and active tracker for finding turkeys, you could be very disappointed if you don’t know the capabilities of your gun. Take some time to study your shotgun. Most importantly, make sure it has the correct barrel and a choke installed on it.
Turkey hunting is a thrilling and rewarding experience, but selecting the right ammunition can be a daunting task. Among the various aspects to consider, shot size plays a crucial role in ensuring a clean and ethical kill. This guide will delve into the intricacies of turkey shot size, helping you make an informed decision for your next hunt.
Understanding Shot Size
Shot size refers to the diameter of individual pellets in a shotgun shell measured in fractions of an inch. Smaller shot sizes such as #9, are ideal for small birds like quail, while larger sizes like #2 are suitable for larger birds like geese and swans. For turkey hunting, the most commonly used shot sizes are #4, #5, and #6.
Factors Influencing Shot Size Selection
Several factors influence the optimal shot size for turkey hunting:
- Distance: The distance at which you expect to engage your target is crucial. Larger shot sizes retain more energy at longer distances, making them more effective for longer shots.
- Choke: The type of choke you use on your shotgun affects the pattern density of your shot. Tighter chokes constrict the pattern, making it more effective at longer ranges. However, they also increase the risk of missing if your aim is slightly off.
- Personal Preference: Some hunters prefer the increased killing power of larger shot sizes, while others favor the denser patterns of smaller shot sizes. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual preferences and shooting style.
Exploring the Pros and Cons of Different Shot Sizes
#4 Shot:
- Pros: High energy at longer distances, increased penetration power.
- Cons: Can create wider patterns, making it more difficult to hit a moving target.
#5 Shot:
- Pros: Good balance of energy and pattern density, suitable for a wide range of distances.
- Cons: May not be ideal for longer shots or heavily feathered turkeys.
#6 Shot:
- Pros: Creates dense patterns, ideal for close-range shots.
- Cons: Lower energy at longer distances, may not penetrate deeply enough.
The Importance of Patterning Your Shotgun
It’s important to pattern your shotgun with the exact load you intend to use before you go turkey hunting. This is shooting at a target multiple times at the ranges you anticipate finding in the field. You can ascertain the efficacy of the shot size and choke combination you have selected by analyzing the pattern.
Additional Tips for Turkey Hunting Success
- Use high-quality ammunition: Invest in premium turkey loads that offer consistent performance and reliable patterns.
- Aim for the head and neck: These are the most vital areas on a turkey, ensuring a quick and humane kill.
- Be patient and wait for a clean shot: Don’t rush your shot; take your time to ensure a well-placed hit.
It’s important to carefully consider a number of factors when selecting the shot size for turkey hunting, such as choke, distance, and personal preference. Knowing the benefits and drawbacks of various shot sizes as well as the significance of shotgun patterning will help you choose the best ammo for your upcoming ethical and successful turkey hunt.
How to choose the best turkey load: “Shot”
Shotgun shells come in many different sizes. (For this discussion I will be referring mainly to 12-gauge shotguns). The most common sizes are 2 ½ in, 2 ¾ in, 3 in, and 3 ½ in. Make sure to note which shell size your shotgun is safe to fire.
For turkey hunting, it’s good to understand the “shot” of the shell you are using. “Shot” is the total number of pellets in a shotgun shell that have been capped off; it is usually represented by a number (or letter) between 1 and 9. No. The pellets with the smallest sizes—10, 9, 8, and 7—are typically utilized for grouse and other upland birds and can be found in target loads.
The next larger pellet sizes are 6, 5, and 4. These shots are perfect for turkeys, but also can be used for rabbits, ducks, and geese.
The largest pellet sizes are 3, 2, and 1. These shots have a heavier shot which is great for deer and long-range waterfowl hunting.
If you stayed awake during physics class, you’ll recall that heavier objects can hold their velocity longer. Which will in turn provide enough energy for quicker kills at longer distances. The downside is that having larger pellets in your shot, means less amount of pellets. Your shell can only hold so many pellets. Just remember: The greater shot # means you’ll have more pellets, but they’ll be smaller. And the smaller the shot No. , the fewer pellets you’ll have, but they’ll be bigger.
Here’s a table to help visualize: (Shot Size to Pellet amount per shell)
You might be thinking, “I’ll just buy a bigger shot since I’ll have more knockdown power and a higher velocity.” Although you’re not wrong, bear in mind that most “choked” shotguns aren’t meant to fire larger pellets, and doing so could damage the weapon.
For turkeys, lets focus on a shot No. 4, 5, and 6.
How to choose the best turkey load: Patterns
You can easily learn your shotgun’s pattern by showing the way the pellets disperse, or “pattern,” on a target after a shot. After being fired out of the barrel, the round pellets only briefly retain their closing, condensed path of travel. After about 15-20 yards, they begin to spread out and widen, like a cone. A larger spread of pellets = a weak pattern. A closer condensed pattern = a strong pattern. Its critical to know how your shotgun patterns at different distances. You can increase the shotgun pattern’s accuracy by attaching a choke tube attachment to the barrel’s end.
To throw another equation into the mix, different shell loads, made by different manufacturers, will throw different patterns. If you’re new to choosing shotgun shells for turkey hunting, don’t blindly follow your friend’s recommendation. To find the shell with the best patterning, try out a few different brands at different shotgun distances and shot sizes. You might be surprised that one shell shoots better than the other.
The ideal and most effective range for killing turkeys is 20-40 yds.
Although some argue that longer shots can still be lethal (with certain chokes and loads), you run the risk of injuring the turkey because the pattern and efficacy of your shot decrease beyond 40 yards. Shorter distance shots can have a smaller pattern, making aiming more important. Different pellet materials can make a big difference to your range and pattern.
Choosing The Right Shot Size and Choke | Turkey Hunting Tips | The Advantage
FAQ
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