How to pattern a turkey gun (Second Edition for 2009)

[cjgjr]

Good Thread,Nicely done!!

[TURKEY FAN]

Anybody got any suggestions as to load/choke combo for a 835 mossberg ulti-mag......just got it.

[SwampCollie]

Originally Posted by TURKEY FAN

Anybody got any suggestions as to load/choke combo for a 835 mossberg ulti-mag......just got it.

Very first post of the thread...

I shoot an 835 Grand Slam with a .670 Pure Gold using a 3.5" 1 3/4oz load of Hevi-13 #6s. That bottom picture that has the gun and all is its result at 40 yards.

Don't flinch... you'll miss.

[bald9eagle]

Add some advice here.

When patterning a gun for the first time or putting new sights/scope on start by backing up about 10 yards or so and shooting light field loads. I do this from a bench with my gun strapped to a lead sled. This is a cheap way to adjust your sight and get it pretty close before moving out. I will still shoot 4-5 more rounds of light field loads from further out to make sure I am on with my sights.

At this point you can follow what swamp has suggested with your turkey loads. If you have an ammo dealer nearby that is willing to do it you should ask them to to sell individual shells to pattern with. Buying a box of 5 at 25 bucks is tough for patterning purposes. The last one I messed with I went out and bought 2 Nitros, 2 Extended Range, 2 Magnum Blend, and 2 Hevi-shot #6. I take a shot at 30 and at 40. I prefer to go with one choke tube instead of going through 2-3. I will study on it a bit, see what others are saying about certain combos, check with choke/ammo/gun makers to see what they suggest.

Personally I think we as a group sometimes get too caught up in getting a perfect pattern and will spend WAY too much money and time when we have a very good pattern. I can make 40 yard shots but 85-90% of the shots I will make will be inside 30 yards.

[wingseek]

Originally Posted by TURKEY FAN

Anybody got any suggestions as to load/choke combo for a 835 mossberg ulti-mag......just got it.

You gotta try the Hevi13 or Magnum Blend shells from
HeviShot. They are absolutely the best turkey shell
that I have ever used. It is amazing the penetration
these shells get at extended ranges.