i have been relodaing my own turkey loads for 4-5 yrs. i use 3in shell with #6 shot. this patterns the best in my gun at about 30 yrds. On the other hand my brother's gun patterns better with 3.5in shell with #4 at the same distance. i would say your best bet is to try a bunch of different combinations, better hurry theseason is almost apon us.