Turkey hunting can be expensive

[jmr40]

I was in Academy Sports yesterday and saw some of these on display. Couldn't believe the prices so I came home and checked with Midway. Academy was actually a little cheaper. I can't wrap my head around $11-$12 per shot for ammo. I'd take my wife out for a nice dinner before I pay $63 for 5 shotgun shells.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1022007642

I thought I paid a lot at $15/10 rounds.

 

[troy fairweather]

Ya a box of 10 Remington #5 3'' is pricey to me lol. That tungsten shot is pricey. Think tho we spend way more per arrow for bow hunting, a box of 5 shells can last a season or two in most states once your gun is patterned.

 

[bearleft]

Some just like to brag on how MUCH they spend on everything!! Instead of just enjoying the experience and putting in a little effort.

 

[flightsimmer]

It can be but I prefer the grocery store, way less trouble and expence.

 

[Rembrandt]

Could get several Butterballs for what that box of 5 rounds cost. Then you'd miss the fun of calling it in and cleaning it.

 

[Duster340]

I use Remington Nitros, #5 &#6 3" mags. $8/box last few years. 5 big Tom's DRT....get them in to within 25-35 yards and it's meat in the freezer.

 

[earlthegoat2]

B..b..but you can use a 410 with this modern ammo.

 

[jmorris]

Last one I shot was with a rifle in the head, eye to be specific. Cheap and no need to look for shot in the meat.

 

[skeeterfogger]

Only had to shoot over 25 yards one time. Used a 22 hornet.

 

[courtgreene]

Some places, like NC, are shotgun only. It would be nice to use a rifle. Even the cheaper options have gone up, and as far as I can tell, more so in Turkey loads than others. I don’t think the inflation has been prohibitive, though. If it is to you, remember that last year’s be-all end-all is this year’s bargain. If it killed last year, it will this year.

 

[troy fairweather]

Ya if we could use a rifle I'd never even use a shotgun. A nice little bolt gun in 22 hornet - 223 would be nice.

 

[LoonWulf]

Ya if we could use a rifle I'd never even use a shotgun. A nice little bolt gun in 22 hornet - 223 would be nice.

I'd use that to shoot other stuff and buy my turkeys at the store..... Admittedly tho, they are simply targets of opportunity for me. I don't actively hunt them. If I did I'd prefer a rifle too.

 

[troy fairweather]

I'd use that to shoot other stuff and buy my turkeys at the store..... Admittedly tho, they are simply targets of opportunity for me. I don't actively hunt them. If I did I'd prefer a rifle too.

I had a sako in 222 it was light and nice to carry, if I could by law I'd use it for everything. I've killed a bunch of deer with that gun.

 

[jmorris]

Some places, like NC, are shotgun only.

I didn’t think about that, certainly wouldn’t want to break the law to save a couple dollars.

At $11 a shot, a reloader would pay for itself rather quickly but it’s not like your dove hunting with such expensive ammunition.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

Sounds like one of those things people buy just to brag that they use tungsten shot.

 

[troy fairweather]

The shot patterns out to 70 yards are impressive. You can buy the shot online it's pricey but much less the the ammo. If I had a gun to shoot it I'd try some.

 

[DocRock]

I don't really see TSS as worthwhile in 12 ga. My thinking is that a good hard buffered shot or copper plated , a nice tight choke and some work at the pattern board will give you solid bird killing shots at 50-60 yards. All good.

Where TSS comes in is if you want to do a lot of fun and gun and want to carry a much lighter 20 vs or oven 28ga. I know there are folks using 410 but I am not in agreement with that. TSS basically gives you 12 ga authority with a 20. My opinion and worth about what it cost. ;p

 

[skeeterfogger]

I've seen people use a punch to deprime, use home made sizer to size and install new primer using drill press as press. Use suitable empty brass for powder and shot measure. Load wad and shot and a home made tool to close the end. Worked rather well.

 

[jmr40]

GA is basically shotgun only. You can use a muzzleloader or bow, but I've seen exactly one hunter using a muzzle loader in all my years and know one guy who used to use a bow, but it was a recurve.

I've always used a 12 with 3" #5 loads and they have patterned good enough for a 40 yard shot and easily took down the few turkey I've shot. I bought an 870 youth gun a few years ago with the plan to turkey hunt with it. With the 21" barrel and light weight it is a joy to carry, but I was never able to get it to pattern tight enough to make me happy so I've not used it for turkey yet.

Someone suggested trying some better loads and I did find some that I now feel will work out to 35 yards.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1020144367

I paid $15 for a box of 10 at Walmart. These are shown at only 1000 fps, they had another box showing 1200 fps, but priced closer to $5/10 shells. I bought both and the ones at 1000 fps patterned significantly better. Turkey season starts Saturday and I'll try them.

 

[Loyalist Dave]

Could get several Butterballs for what that box of 5 rounds cost. Then you'd miss the fun of calling it in and cleaning it.

Yeah that saves time, but then come all the legal fees for discharging that shotgun in the frozen foot aisle at the market, plus the cost of repairing the freezer unit if some of the shot hits some of the tubes holding refrigerant.

LD

 

[entropy]

Plus the penetration is less.

All you really need is a gun, (doesn't have to be the Super Duper Ultra Magnum 4 1/2" with ZZ size shot) clothes that do not have red, white or blue, (Turkey hunting is not the time to be patriotic) and a call. (Can be made from wing bones from the last one, or a hunk of old chalkboard and a glass rod) A license and lots of patience are also needed.

Like a wedding, you can make it as inexpensive or as expensive as you like, but either way, it is a memorable occasion.

 

[natman]

Plus the penetration is less.

Penetration of TSS is better than lead. Smaller pellet, equal weight.

Just the thing if turkeys start wearing helmets.

 

[entropy]

Whether TSS or lead, I don't think the penetration on frozen turkeys would be much. Ice will shatter. but even frozen, turkey meat does not have the neat molecular structure that ice does. The only helmet TSS is penetrating is a bicycle helmet, unless it is at contact distance, then you might penetrate the old M1 helmet with some of them, but some will come back at the shooter. You may test this if you wish, I've come close enough to losing an ear just form a lead Trap load hitting steel, I'll pass.

 

[Captcurt]

I'll stick to my LongBeards. They are pricey enough.

 

[natman]

The only helmet TSS is penetrating is a bicycle helmet, unless it is at contact distance, then you might penetrate the old M1 helmet with some of them, but some will come back at the shooter. You may test this if you wish, I've come close enough to losing an ear just form a lead Trap load hitting steel, I'll pass.

The turkeys wearing helmets comment was a joke.