What size shot is best for turkeys?
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What size shot is best for turkeys?
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Generally it's the size that patterns the best. Meaning a nice tite pattern with no holes in it. Shot size in turkey loads range from #4 to #7 1/2 in lead or high density loads. My favorite is #6 high density. Not only does high density pattern better than lead it carries more energy per pellet. At long range #6 lead may pattern well but not have enough energy to penetrate sufficiently for an instant kill. It you like bang-flop kills use high density turkey loads. They are expensive, but you only need a handfull if you don't take risky shots.
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Shot choice depends on many factors. I love it when guys say they only shoot close birds. In Colorado you may only see one bird an entire 30 day season and you better be ready and able to shoot him at any distance where he is killable or you'll go home skunked. I will put in 2 1/4 oz of #4's when I am moving, running and gunning, or hiking long distances and have the possibility of jumping a bird similar to deer hunting. I have killed many toms 3 to 5 miles from the truck doing this. I will put in #5's or #6's when calling over decoys and the birds will likely come in close. If I am sitting in an ambush situation, which I don't do very often I will put in #4's because the shots may be longer. I always use my 12 ga. 3 1/2 shells with the most shot I can get, usually Federal 2 1/4 oz loads. Sometimes this is overkill but who cares. I am not going for a light tackle record...I just want my tom dead, and they can't get too dead. In conclusion I carry 4's, 5's, and 6's and use the right one for the circumstances.
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