Turkey Loads & Patterns

ilovesprig

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Aug 3, 2012
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As most of you know by now, we can no longer shoot lead in California for turkeys (a number of folks at the tune-up did not know).....My findings other than the cost factor is, we will not lose any fire power.....In fact, the patterning of Hevi-Shot & Rem Wingmaster HD has been superior.....For guys that want to spend a little less. Hevi-Shot makes a couple of loads that are 1/2 Hevi-Shot and 1/2 steel (Hevi-Metal & Speed Ball).....Cost factor is about 1/2 of that of pure Hevi-Shot.

Your choke can make a difference.....With the cost so high on these shells, patterning will become less frequent.....Here's a few patterns to get you started or copied.

The 1st pattern is with a Primos Jellyhead (.665) and a Benelli M-2....Hevi-Shot 3" 2 oz. #4's.

The 2nd pattern is the is with a Pure Gold choke (.670) and a Beretta A-400....Same exact shell.

As you can see.....Both shells would have killed the turkeys at 30 yds.....But, the Pure Gold had a denser pattern.....Meaning, it would probably be superior at 40+ yds.

For those of you that shoot a 20 gauge or have a youth hunter.....This pattern was shot at 30 yds with a Benelli standard full choke (.684), Rem Wingmaster HD, 3" 1 1/4oz, 6's......Not a lot different than the 12's.

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I took Steve's advice three years ago and purchased a Jellyhead choke for my a300 with Hevi-shot 4,5,6 and have never looked back...still hate that we can't use lead but at least this combo works!

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Thanks for posting this Steve. Does anyone have thoughts on the stock chokes on an a-391 (I've been using IM mostly) for turkey?


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Boy, that 15 yarder shows how easy it would be to miss a turkey, if you aimed at the eye and shot a little high.......o_O
 
For those looking to purchase turkey loads, make sure to not purchase Hevishot Triple Beard. Although it is from Hevishot, it is their more affordable lead alternative. I sent NBK some shot suggestions from Hevi shot so hopefully he'll have some in stock at Fine Firearms soon.

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Jason,

I would call 1st, but Bass Pro carries it......If push comes to shove......I just ordered 5 boxes from Roger's.....Could part with one, if they show up this week.
 
Anyone know any local stores in SD carrying non-tox loads? I forgot to order online and now shipping won't be until well after opener. I checked FF and Turner's El Cajon the other day.. nada.

Jason,

I would call 1st, but Bass Pro carries it......If push comes to shove......I just ordered 5 boxes from Roger's.....Could part with one, if they show up this week.

http://www.lmcammo.com/

They have non tox and non lead ammo
 

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