Originally Posted by
teedub31
I shoot a TC Encore equipped with the short Kathadin Barrel and a Carlson Choke (.665). Shot 3" Winchester Extended Range #5 for the past 4 years or so with pretty good results, but the $40/box of 10 price tag has crossed the line. Any suugestions as to what loads to try out. I don't want to spend hundreds of dollars buying different brands in different sizes trying to find one I like. If I can eliminate some right outta the gate that would be awsome.
Thanks ahead.
How many of those Win ER shells do you shoot in a season?
Everyone has a breaking point on ammo costs, I understand that, expecially in this economy. I would suggest you consider what percentage of your overall turkey hunting costs are consumed by the shells you shoot. For me that is a very small number when factoring in the annual costs of hunting leases, gas, equipment and license.
If you have something you are confident in and had success with in the past, then I would urge you to stick with it. The pellets in that Winchester load is actually what kills the turkey, not your Encore, your calls, your camo, etc. I prefer to scrimp and save in other areas in order to be able to shoot the very best ammo I can get my hands on. For me that is Nitro, and they are higher than the shells you shoot. But I only shot three last season to kill three gobblers. I will miss some meals if necessary to save that $17.00, but I won't give up those Nitros. But that's just me. Maybe I'm crazy, I don't know.
When I tried some different loads before "discovering" Nitros the lead Federal 3.5" 6 shot flight control shells performed the best in my Mossberg 835. Supposedly they don't shoot well out of ported chokes due to the wad stripping effect of the porting.
For years I shot Federal or Winchester XX Turkey loads --> 3", 2oz #5 or #6 with success. That was from an 870 with a Remington extra full extended non-ported choke.
Good luck[
Mouthcaller