What size shot is best for turkeys?

[rudyglove27]

I use 6!

[rudyglove27]

I use 6!

[GSwan]

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.

[maj1996]

6 shot.

[Skeeb]

Depending on what kind of gun you use and what kind of terrain you hunt...For large fields, I like to use 3 1/2 inch mags in #5 shot for my remington. When I am hunting woodlots, I use 3 inch mags in #4 shot for a browning...

[PotterMan96]

I use a 4, and after I shoot they dont move

[idahooutdoors]

I prefer 4.

[hunt_fish_sleep]

Well 6 gives you pattern density, but 4 gives you range so I said "Hell I can't decide, so I'll split the difference!" Walla! That's why they make 5 shot!

[Golfing Sportsman]

My turkeyu gun patterns best with size six and since I hunt in the close quarters woods/swamps I don't need much down range energy since all my turkey shots have been inside 30 yards.

[870 wingmaster 101]

For a 20ga. I use 6 shot 3 in mags (Winchester)and for a 12ga I use 6 shot 2 3/4 or 5 or 4 with 3 inchers.

[shane]

5

[Big O]

Remington used to make some AWSOME round called "Duplex"(2x4,2x6) I've got a buddy who reloads them for me now. LOVE EM !!! I use the 2x4s, like hitting them with the board !

[Sportsman21]

i use a five shot and i am 13

[buckhunter]

Whether it's #4's, #5's or #6's they fall dead when you make a good shot. I grab whatever ever is sitting on the gun cabinet and have never missed a bird.

[Del in KS]

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.