First of all we need to know what state you are in. Here in Tennessee we aren't even allowed to use #2's out of the shotgun. Much less shoot turkeys with a rifle. I know a dude that got in a whole lot of trouble for using a rifle on them. Like aught six said, you need to read the regulations for your area. And i also don't think that a 17HMR would do the trick because a head shot would be imperative. When I go to a different state to shoot turkeys, where it is legal, I like at least a .223 or 22-250. I prefer the .270 win over all other guns though.