it doesnt take a lot of shot to kill a turkey if they happen to hit in the right place. but it shure help to get them in the right place if you take the time to pattern your gun. some shells do shoot better that others and finding the one your gun likes the best is well worth the effort. turkys are tough and a few pellets in the wrong place wont kill them rite away but they will probably die of lead poison or get eaten by a coyot r something