It's really not about just penetration. Hevi shot is denser and harder than lead. You can shoot smaller shot and still have roughly the same energy as one size larger shot. Smaller shot = more pellets = denser patterns.

Additionally, Hevi-shot, by virtue of its hardness, is less subject to deformation as it passes through the choke. Less deformation = fewer flyers = denser patterns. The center core of a hevishot pattern is amazingly dense compared to the typical pattern with lead.

Cost - yeah,hevishotcosts more than conventional turkey loads, but how many do you plan to shoot?? After sighting in (three shots last year because I had mounted a new scope on my Mossberg 835) I only shot 3 while hunting last season, and I had a great year.

Have you ever shot,crippled, and lost a turkey? There is no sicker feeling. If you hunt long enough it will happen to you. I've lost three in 27 years of turkey hunting and I still regret and occasionally think about those lost birds. All were good shots with conventional lead loads inside 40 yards and the turkey was flopping on the ground then the next thing I know he got up and either ran off or flew off. I struggle to come up with a reason why each of those happened. Maybe the shot was deflected by small branches, maybe I pulled it a bit or my aim wasn't perfect. I don't know. What I do know, however, is that I have now eliminated one variable by my willingnessto purchase,practice with, and shoot the absolutely best turkey loads available - Nitros. If it happens again it won't be because I am shooting something less than the very best available ammo.

Once again, these are simply my choices, and to each his own. Is this a great country or what !!

Tom