Last year I used federal #4 in a 3inch shell for turkey hunting. They worked really well but this year I was thinking of a different size shot. What is the benefit of #4,#5, or #6 shot.

#4's provide more weight & therefore more knockdown power, however, less pellets which means tighter pattern really necessary. Many use the #5 size shot thinking it a good compromise of both pellet count AND knockdown power. I use #6 because of the pellet count. It hasn't the knock down pop of #4 but i shoot under 35yds, so im more concerned with simply swarming his noggin. To each thier own.

I shoot what best patterns in the gun I choose to use. I shot multi shells through my Mossberg, different manuf, and different shot size...the best for that gun with it's coupled choke is Winchester 2 oz # 5's......deadly.....

The gun will tell you what it wants to shoot.....if you change, repattern your gun to be sure.

Very true!!

I like #6's myself. I haven't had any problems with it not being enough power to kill a turkey. I use 3.5'' Winchester XX 2 1/4oz #6's. I shoot this load b/c for one it patterns awesome with my set up and two b/c I think # 6's are plenty.

I shoot 3.5 inch shells,number 5 shot,and use either winchester x-tended range or remington nitro. I killed a bird at 52 yards last spring.