12ga Shells for Lady Turkey Hunter?

[Olympus]

Hey guys, I’m looking for opinions on whether to go with a 2 3/4” or 3” 12ga shell for my wife to Turkey hunt with. I’ve always used 3” shells, but the recoil is pretty strong. I don’t want to scare her away, but I also want her to have enough shell to get the job done.

Is 2 3/4” enough or should I get 3” shells for her? Gonna be using Winchester Longbeard XR shells. Thanks!

 

[eastbank]

get her a 20ga and use 1-1/2 oz tss # 9 loaded shells. just about any turkey shells are going to kick. but if you can call them in to 20-25 yards I think a trapload of 1-1/8 oz # 7.5 would do them in if hit in the head-neck area. I use .640 choke with 12 ga 3" tss federal 1-3/4 oz # 9,s(they do KICK) and at a honest 40 yards they are sure death for tom turkey.

 

[Armored farmer]

2 3/4" #5 12ga shells have taken most of my turkeys.
Make sure she has a little something more than a tshirt on her shoulder, and she probably won't even feel it.
Keep your shots inside 40yds

 

[stillquietvoice]

get her a 20ga and use 1-1/2 oz tss # 9 loaded shells. just about any turkey shells are going to kick. but if you can call them in to 20-25 yards I think a trapload of 1-1/8 oz # 7.5 would do them in if hit in the head-neck area. I use .640 choke with 12 ga 3" tss federal 1-3/4 oz # 9,s(they do KICK) and at a honest 40 yards they are sure death for tom turkey.

Agreed a 20 would be better for her.
2 3/4 will also work well. People have been using them since shot shells cell out. Before that everyone used black powder muzzle loader shot guns.

 

[nettlle]

Have her hold the gun firmly against her shoulder and cheek but don't dramatize the reason. Otherwise the gun will frog her shoulder.

 

[George P]

Work on your calling and get the bird in close; there was a thread on another forum about successful turkey hunting using standard number 9s in a 12 gauge and others who use a 28 gauge with #6s in a 7/8oz load. Turkeys aren't any harder to kill than anything else if you get them to about 40 yards

 

[nettlle]

Let her practice on paper targets first.

 

[mustanger98]

Hey Olympus, I'm thinking back off on the gas and see what works with the choke. Regardless of gauge, she'll still have to manage a certain amount of recoil, but less with some loads such as others just mentioned. You know they also make recoil pads specifically for women?

 

[nettlle]

If I wanted to sour anyone against the joy of shooting a 12 gauge shotgun would be my weapon of choice.

 

[George P]

If I wanted to sour anyone against the joy of shooting a 12 gauge shotgun would be my weapon of choice.

I shoot an 8.25# gas gun with 3/4oz reloads. About like shooting a Ruger 10/22

 

[Armored farmer]

Why would 1.5 oz of shot at 1300fps recoil more from a 12 ga than from a 20 ga..?

 

[eastbank]

it wouldn,t, unless the 20 ga weighted more than the 12 ga. and the whole idea of a 20 ga over a 12 ga is having a lighter shotgun for me. I,m willing to take the extra recoil if the weight difference is there for the same amount of shot(payload) weight

 

[stringnut]

Low brass 2 3/4 with 6 or 7.5 shot. Mild recoil and will do a turkey in at 30 yards no problem. My wife uses a 20 gauge and flattens them. Worrying about longer range options can come later.

 

[Bandit67]

Check your State's hunting rules before you consider #9 shot. Here in Michigan the rules say #4 or larger. As stated above, a smaller shotgun will work fine if you call them in close enough and pattern your gun so you know your limitations. It only takes 1 or 2 BB's in the vital head/neck area to kill a turkey. When I started turkey hunting years ago I knew an old timer who used a .410 successfully.

 

[George P]

Yep, it's only fairly recently that these uber turkey loads and chokes have come into existence for folks who do not have good calling skills.

 

[Bandit67]

Just rechecked the Michigan rules. It's #4 shot or smaller. My mistake. Morning coffee hasn't kicked in all the way yet.

 

[mustanger98]

If I wanted to sour anyone against the joy of shooting a 12 gauge shotgun would be my weapon of choice.

Everybody's mileage will vary here... the weight of the gun, stock fit/LOP, which loads... stacking tolerances along with the operator's ability and perception.

 

[MacAR]

Just speaking from my limited experience, but I have used 2.75" Remington Express Long-range 1.25 oz of #5 or #6 to great effect. Usually get 1 bird a year (except this year... bummer) using a fixed full choke in my 1897 Winchester. Longest shot I ever remember taking was 46 steps. I wouldn't attempt one farther than that, but he was hung up and wouldn't come any closer. I've also used 1 1/8th oz of #6 in any of my 16 gauges (GASP!), and found that it worked out pretty well. Either of the above loads don't seem to kick that hard, and as stated earlier, if you'll keep your shots around 40 yards and less, you should be fine. And, as an "added plus", the Remington Express cartridges are ~ $14/ per 25 at your local Wal-Mart vs. the same (or more) for actual turkey loads. Admittedly, I am 6 feet tall and weigh 240 pounds. What bothers me and what bothers her will be a lot different. Just my 2 cents, but worth a try.

Mac

 

[DM~]

You can use any shells you want, IF you pattern your shotgun with THAT ammo and keep your shots to where THAT ammo works well in YOUR shotgun!

DM

 

[Loyalist Dave]

You know they also make recoil pads specifically for women?

There it is !
She can wear a recoil pad...
You can get a supplemental pad for the shotgun..., https://www.marshmutt.com/product/kick-killer-recoil-pad/
Just remember that she has to have a good cheek-weld to the comb of the stock no matter if she uses a 12 or a 20 or it will feel to her as if it kicks hard...
IF the situation is you have a 12 gauge and don't want to invest in a 20 gauge turkey gun, you could also get shotshell adaptors to shoot the 20 gauge shells from the 12 gauge. They don't work all that well with a light 20 gauge load of under 7/8th of an ounce, but with a heavy load for turkey the 12 gauge choke should work.

LD

 

[mustanger98]

I know PAST makes a women's recoil pad which attaches to a bra strap so she's wearing the pad inside her shirt. It's different to the men's version I use in absence of a thick jacket.

Depending on relation between the lady and the gun, she may want to use the PAST pad plus a slip-on Limbsaver. Being a guy, I've used the men's magnum PAST pad plus slip-on Limbsaver and had good results, but be aware of the LOP. Her mileage will vary some, but it may be worth a try.

 

[sage5907]

Is 2 3/4” enough or should I get 3” shells for her? Gonna be using Winchester Longbeard XR shells. Thanks!

I've been shooting turkeys for over 50 years with 12 gauge Winchester XX magnum 2 3/4 inch #4 copper plated shot. These are the best turkey loads I have ever found. I can kill a turkey with one shot at near 50 yards with my full choke Remingon 870. It doesn't take many pellets to kill a turkey. Tell her to shoot at the body instead of the head. If she wants to practice have her use light field loads and only use the turkey loads when she is hunting. She won't notice the recoil when she shoots at a big tom.