Best load for Franchi i12?

[tsaxybabe]

Hi, this is the first year I will be turkey hunting with my shotgun, a Franchi i12. Last year I used a bow but never got a bird. Does anyone have experience knowing which 3" load patterns best with this gun. I will try patterning a few loads myself, but I thought that by posting on here first I might save a little money on shells (poor college student!). Thanks for any and all advice. Farthest shot distance will probably be about 40yds.

First will the gun shoot 2 3/4 in?
Some times 2 3/4 in will patteren better than 3 in.
I also like # 6s over the # 4s, and 5s.
# 4s, and 5s are bigger, and hit harder a little, but have less pellets.
And the # 6s have a lot more pellets.
More pellets = more more to hit the mark with.
I hope this helps.

JMHO

[EFH]

I started using my I-12 this year. I've already took 3 using 3" mag blends Hevi13's. I'm using a tru-glo gobble stopper choke. It's ok, but I didn't have time to shop around and went with price. Can not shoot past 40! Found that out opening day!! Haha!

Good luck, hunt safe!

[Hurricanespg]

The Franchi generally likes a bit tighter choke. I have had excellent patterns with both a Indian Creek and Pure Gold .655 choke shooting Hevi-13 3" 2oz #7's, Hevi-13 3" 2oz #6's, and Winchester Xtended Range 3" 1.75oz #6's.

[tsaxybabe]

Thanks for the advice. Yes the gun can shoot 2 3/4" shells, I just thought that bigger meant better, haha! My husband has some Remington Nitro 3" #6 laying around so I will try those, and I might get a box of the Hevi-13. Is Hevi-13 different than normal Hevi-Shot? And is one better than the other?

[Hurricanespg]

Originally Posted by tsaxybabe

Thanks for the advice. Yes the gun can shoot 2 3/4" shells, I just thought that bigger meant better, haha! My husband has some Remington Nitro 3" #6 laying around so I will try those, and I might get a box of the Hevi-13. Is Hevi-13 different than normal Hevi-Shot? And is one better than the other?

Hevi-13 is Environ Metals turkey load it will have a different wad, and generally will have a larger payload. Definitely recommend Hevi-13 for turkey hunting.