Patterning turkey loads [PICS]

[esheato]

I patterned some turkey loads recently. Thought I'd share them.

All cartridges were 3 1/2" MAG turkey specific loads. I did two shots of each type at a measured distance of 25 yards. I used a Mossberg 835 with a full choke. The turkey target measures 10" x 6". Point of aim was the center of the target.

I tested:

-Federal Premium Turkey #5 copper plated 2 1/4 oz.
-Winchester Supreme #5 copper plated 2 oz.

First, are the two Federal loads.

These loads patterned well. Nice and tight and they impacted at point of aim. Recoil is substantial with any of the 3 1/2 MAGs and this load was not an exception.

Next are the Winchester Supremes.

I had higher expectations for these loads. Both shot patterns are grouped to the left of the target. If only one were to the side, I would admit to an error on my part. Since both patterns are to the left, something else is the culprit.

The patterns tell no lies and I would have to choose the Federals. I would have patterned other loads, but four shots in the 3 1/2 are enough to satisfy my curiousity.

Enjoy.

Ed

 

[Dave McCracken]

The Federal loads are fine, the Winchesters a little less so. Since Turkey shotguns are used like rifles, a set of open sights may be used to zero.

Williams used to and still may make a set that bolts on the rib. This would enable you to not need Kentucky windage. Or, just hold on his head....

 

[WhiteKnight]

Do you have any other chokes you would be interested in using/posting pictures?

 

[labgrade]

Just fer grins, try a standard 2-3/4" load of 1-1/4 oz #4s, or Win's 1-7/8 load of the same - just fer grins.

You may be way suprised that you don't need to spend the big bucks on anything turkeys - especially at 25 yards. Much cheaper & at 25 yards, there's nothing toot sweet that won't do even these big birds.

Wanna pattern for turkeys? do it at 40 yards.

 

[esheato]

Or, just hold on his head....

That's my plan. Although, I'm not sure I want to make my poison oak any worse than it is. I still can't figure out how I got it as I was covered from head to foot.

Do you have any other chokes you would be interested in using/posting pictures?

I have IC and Mod. I might be talked into it.

Wanna pattern for turkeys? do it at 40 yards.

I shot this at an indoor range. Twenty-five yards is all the room I had.

Ed

 

[Dave McCracken]

Whew, the idea of launching 3" turkey nukes at an indoor range makes my head hurt just thinking about it.

 

[esheato]

Whew, the idea of launching 3" turkey nukes at an indoor range makes my head hurt just thinking about it.

It was an informative little experiment, but it was definitely not fun.

Ed

 

[Dave McCracken]

'Bout as much fun as a root canal. That compression wave at the front of the sound pulse must knock fillings loose and drop hormone levels.

 

[mete]

Yes 40 yds is standard patterning range. But it shows how important patterning is, you can't make any assumptions.