Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

Iwas just woundering what everyones opinion was with who makes the best turkey load between the big 3. Federal, Winchester and Remington.

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

Forget the big three and go custom...NITRO

http://www.nitrocompany.com/

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

Each gun is different but for me it's the winchester x-tended ranges 3.5 6's

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

Neither

Nitro Ray in Mountain Grove, MO makes the most lethal Turkey loads available. Period, hands down, end of story.

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

My gun likes Winchesters so I like Winchesters:D.

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

None of the above. Nitro's stand head and shoulders above the major manufacturers, but in reality Environ Metal (HEVI-Shot) has the marker cornered on turkey loads.

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

The reason why i was asking about the big 3 is becasue those are the easyest to get my hands on and also the cheapest. Don't get me wrong i try not to skimp on my hunt gear at all but i think it is out rages to pay that much for shells when my longest shot is 45 yards. I hunt with a 870 super mag. Last Year i killed my bird with Remington Nitros3 1/2" lead shot #4 with the remington super full turkey choke and it patterned ok I killed the bird at 42yards no problem. This year i picked up a Truglo Gobble stopper Xtreme choke tube ported and just want to try some different loads and those loads from last year and see if my patterned improved. I know about expensive ammo for deer hunting I hunt in shotgun country and i pay $16.00 for sabot slugs 5 shells in a box. But this year i have a addition to my family a new born son so money is kinda tight right now.

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

It don't matter to me i use them all I just make sure the turkey it looking down my barrel a few inches from his head!

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

I understand trying to save money, and believe me you do not need expensive shells to kill turkeys. If you are going to be shooting heavier than lead loads then Hevi-shot is the cheapest (plus they have a $5 mail in rebate). If you are going to be shooting lead loads I would more than likely shoot the Winchester HV 1.75oz #6's.

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

they keep trying to come out with something to sell...i use winchester 3.5 high velocity 5's with a kicks choke...i've killed turkeys past 60 yards for 5 years, and haven't thought about trying anything new...save your money..a regular lead 3" shell will kill a turkey out to 40 yards...

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

Hevi-shot

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

NITRO------NUFF SAID

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

I agree that paying for custom shells is kinda silly when a regular old turkey load will kill them just as dead inside of 45 yards. I admittedly have never used Nitros so maybe they are that much better, but they seem kinda unnecessary in 99 percent of hunting situations. I use 3 inch Winchester Supremes in #6 and if i do my part its flops them every time.

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

My 870 likes remington the best. I patterned it with the factory choke and a jelly head; with winchester, kent and remington. The jellyhead was definately the tighter choke but they both prefered the remingtons with 2oz of #6 shot the best. The winchesters were so bad that I wouldn't use them beyond 25 - 30 yards but considering how many people like them you should probably try both. If they have the Kent shells try them also, they were cheaper than Remington and they still patterned way better than the winchester.

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

i love and swear by Winchester Double X Magnums 3 inch #5's

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

Me too!! But 3.5".

Might try Xtended Range this year, or maybe Hevi-Shot or NITRO!

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

NITRO AMMO all the way

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

Federals for the arrowmaster...

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

Winchester supreme 3 inch #5 shot works best for me

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

Everybody ramps about nitro... Christ, 90% of the load is #7 shot...

I guess you do get awsome patterns with that stuff!!!

Let me guess. A number 7 hevi shot pellet has enough energy to kill a turkey out to "60 yards"

THEN YOU WOKE UP

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

Respectfully, you state that using Nitros seems silly, then admit to never having used them. I had a similar reaction three years ago when I first became aware of them. I didn't understand the logic either. I had been taking turkeys with Federal and Winchester lead loads for years out of a beatup870 Express with a Remington extra full turkey choke. Then I picked up an old Mossburg 835 from my Dad (a gift from some friends he used to guide - they bought it in a pawn shop in Chicago on their way down from Wisconsin to waterfowl hunt with him). I shot all variety of lead turkey loads out of that Mossburg and couldn't find any that patterned to my liking. Then I picked up some Hevishot 1 3/4 oz, 3.5", #6 loads and thought I had found the ultimate. The patterns those shells threwwerevastly superior to the lead loads, and I killed two turkeys that year with them. Admittedly, those two birds were shot at 25 yards so it really didn't matter

I thought I was all set, then I became aware of the fact that a local store in my hometown sold Nitros by the shell. Ibought one load to try, the 3.5", 2.25oz 4X5X7 triplex. When I walked down to the target after shooting the shell I was blown away. That Nitro doubled the number of pellets in the 10" circle at 40 yards compared to the Hevishot loads.

I have had the good fortune to take 5 birds with this Nitro/Mossburg 835 combination using a Star Dot .676 choke. Three were less than 30 yards - Nitro unnecessary. One was at 63 yards (bang-flop) which was a mistake on my part. I snuck up on that turkey on a field edge in a high wind and he wouldn't turn around where I could see his beard. He was obviously a gobbler but I couldn't see his beard and I didn't want to shoot a jake. He was walking away from me across the open field and I finally called loud enough against that wind to get him stopped and turned around and I saw the beard. I mis-estimated the range in all the excitement - I don't intentially shoot turkeys at 63 yards. My bad, but it was a clean one-shot kill.

The last turkey I killed last season made the Nitro switch worthwhile. It was my son's turn to be the shooter (he shoots a 20 gauge). We got on a bird early and called him up a steep hollow out into a green field where we were positioned. When I first saw the bird I knew there was something different about him because he was so dark. Turns out that he was a melanistic (black color phase) gobbler - the first I had ever seen in 29 years of turkey hunting. We had a single hen decoy behind us but the turkey hung up at around fifty yards, strutting back and forth. He was out of range for my son's 20 guage and looked to be loosing interest in the situation. I decided to end the party and shot him at 49 steps.

Could a factory lead load have taken that bird at 49 steps? Maybe. But I had so much confidence that I could kill him cleanly that I didn't hesitate to take him at that distance. One-shot, bang flop. A once in a lifetime trophy, and an experience my son and I will never forget.

Where Nitros really shine is in the 20 guage. My son took his first bird last season with a youth 870 and the Nitro triplex load. 33 yards, one shot, bang-flop.

It comes down to this: hunting, like life, is full of choices. We are fotunate to live in a country where we have the freedom to choose our hunting equipment - ammo, shotguns, rifles, pistols, trucks, clothing, boots, etc. I drive a raggedy old 89 Toyota truck with 190,000 miles. My boots and camo is old, some of it cheap.

I have chosen to optimizeand invest my resourcesinthe thing that actually kills the turkey- the pellets shot from a shell through a chocked shotgun barrel. That's the reason I shoot Nitros. It is just that simple.

Are they expensive compared to lead shells - absolutely. I paid about $7.00 apiece for 6 of them. Counting the two I had from last season those 8 shells should be enough for two seasons if I am fortunate. Compared to how much money I spend on gasoline, eats, and license alone that $28.00 spent on four Nitro shells is a drop in the bucket.

Mouthcaller

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

I have never shot nitros or hevi shot either. So i have nothing to really go off. I just didn't want to pay so much for shells. Sounds like most of the guys who dont use hevi shot or nitros are shooting winchesters so i plan on picking a box of 5's and 6'sHV 3 1/2" shells and giving them a try. My first turkey i shot with a 20 ga 870 factory super full choke and some federal3" 6's 1 1/4oz turkey loads. Now i was 12 years old at the time and it was the first time me and my dad have tryed turkey hunting. It has been the biggest tom i have killed so far 22lbs 11" beard. I shot him at 46 yards. One shot is all it took and he was down call it luck or call it good aim or call it a flook. But i look back at that alot and comparedto the 20ga i use to shot I'm shooting a cannon with alot more power and alot more shot in the load. Thats one of the reasons i have thought i would have no reason to use hevi shot or nitros were i hunt.

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

...is it not enough energy? Just wondering.

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

I now shoot hevi shot, and I'm completely pleased with it. But if you're looking to save a little money, as others have said Winchester Supremes will kill them just as dead. Another lead load that patterned very well with my setup was Federal Flite Control 3" #5s. Give them a shot while you're at it.

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

I like Remington shotguns,but my gun shoots Winchester shells best.That's not only with turkey loads but also with buckshot when deer hunting.

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

Ya in the past when i went to go buy ammo i found my self just buying remington ammo becasue i had a remington gun. I have never tryed any other turkey load in this gun besides remingtons. I have shot quite a few boxs of winchester sabot slugsout of this gun for deer hunting when iput the rifled barrel on andthey shot very well took a nice buck with the paration golds.

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

Actually the load that I use from Nitro is straight #7's.....which has quite a few sub #7 pellets in it, and I have taken a few birds past 60 yards with them....two of them last year. One at 62 yards the other at 64 yards.

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

remington heavy shot magnum supreme 3" #5 period!

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

Hurricane

This will be my 3rd season riding on the Nitro train. I think they are the best turkey load out there by a wide margin (and no, I don't work for Nitro Ray and he doesn't pay me commissions or give me free shells - I wish he did). I've participated in many threads in the last couple of years discussing a wide assortment of topics about Nitros and Hevishot loads. What I have come to realize is the following:

1. Some folks are simply resistant to change. They are happy with conventional lead shells and that's great.To each his own - that's the beauty of living inthe U.S of A.

2. Some folks are curious about Nitros and would like to try them, but the 2-3 dollar per shot difference over Hevi-13s, Winchester Extended Range, etc, is too much for them to bear.What is too muchis always a personal question, answered only by each hunter. I don't have an issue with that either.

3. Some, the purists, don't feel there is place for hevier-than-lead shot and Nitro loads because they feel it encourages hunters to take rediculously long shots.I see some merit in this line of reasoning, however, I've seen people take stupid-long shots with lead loads too. Taking appropriate shotsis always the responsibilty of the hunter - you can't legislate commen sense.

Personally, I don't have a beef with anyone who doesn't want to shoot what I shoot. I don't care one way or another. I will defend, however, my position and why I chose to shoot what I shoot.

On the other hand,Idon't tolerate well those who infer that I am a liar, such as the gentleman that you quoted in your post. I didn't dream about shooting a turkey at 60+, it happened. Just as I firmly believe you did too. I've shot the stuff, killed turkeys with it, seen it penetrate 1/4" plywood at 40 yards. I know what it will do.

Mouthcaller

Thanks for chiming in about the straight 7 Nitros. When I shoot all the triplex 4X5X7s I have on hand I plan on switching to straight 7s. Makes a lot of sense.

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

Nitro definitely makes the "best" shell. You are getting a handloaded shotgun shell....so yeah you are going to pay more for it. I truly believe that if Federal would wise up a little bit get rid of their Flitecontrol wad and replace it with a "good" one they would give those Nitro's a run for their money!

I really liked your line about taking appropriate shots being the hunters responsibility. That is the truth, and I do not think I could have said it better.

I'm not sure anyone was inferring you being a liar.....I might chalk that up to someone just not knowing the capability of the shell.

As far as shooting them at that range......well I did it on purpose. I have always said that I will shoot as far as my pattern allows, and those two were in range. I make no apologies for doing it as both were clean, ethical shots. I know what my pattern does at that range, and I know what it does at closer and even farther ranges. If someone feels they need to belittle or ridicule me (or anyone else for that matter) for taking a shot they would not.......too bad for them, honestly I really do not care. As I stated before I will shoot as far as my pattern allows.

I think you will like those straight #7's when you get them!

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

I prefer the Hevi-13's. Was seriously looking into the Nitro loads, even with the added cost, due to the great results I was hearing everyone having with them. But since there customer service SUCKS, I decided not to give them any of my money. The Hevi-13's pattern extremely well out of my 1300.

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

Since you haven't used, nor purchased any Nitro's, what may I ask has established such a poor rating of Nitro customer service in your opinion? I have dealt with Ray and Sandy for years, and have found their customer service quite acceptable. Any problems that I have had (several), have been addressed promptly and completed swiftly.

If were going to make an assessment of the value of another, please, lets use personal experience, and not hearsay, to make an objective evaluation. It is far better to be silent, than sound offand remove all doubt.

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

As many above have already mentioned, NONE of the above. In several Turkey guns we've tested and use, it's the Hevi-Shot Hevi13 loads that outperform the others.... consistently. My own personal fav favors the 3", 2oz, #6 Hevi-Shot through a Black Diamond Strike choke.

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

I had shells ordered from Nitro for 3 plus weeks and still haven't seen them in fact they have not even sent my check thru. I WILL NOT DO BUSSINESS WITH THEM AGAIN. It should not take this long to get 10 shells at $80 plus dollars. I think they SUCK....................

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

i JUST BOUGHT SOME wINCHESTER for 12.95 at Wal*Mart. They were 1300 FT./Sec. so the Remington and Fed. the same shells use to be .50 Cents Ea.

The day I give 150.00 a box for shells will be the same day I give 10.00 for a bottle of water....LoL[:'(]

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

Why does the cost matter as far as how long it takes to get them???

I bet if you actually shot them you wouldnt think they SUCK.

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

Patience.. Please remember...they area small company (5 employees) and this is there busiest time of the year. If they haven't cashed your check, they probably haven't shipped your order. Have you called them to make sure they received your order? Kinda hard to hold them accountable if they never got the order?

I promise you...Ray and Sandy are as good of downhome people as you will want to meet. They strive to satisfy every customer. Some cannot be satisfied, but the far majority are tickled pink when they see the results of Nitro shells.


It'stroubling to see that the vast majority of Nitro naysayers are the ones who have never actually used them.

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

[/quote]

Why does the cost matter as far as how long it takes to get them???

I bet if you actually shot them you wouldnt think they SUCK.
[/quote]


The cost does not matter as to how long it takes to get them. I'm a firm believer you get wat you pay for, My point is that Idid not ordered anything that was a custom load it was one of ther loads that they suggest thatwould work good with my gun.Spring Turkey season will be here and gone in the next coupleof monthsfor everyone I would have thought that this would have be an in "stock Item" not an item that would have take me nearly a month to get.I guess what I trying to say ifanyone is planing to try thier shells and has not ordered them yet you may be S.O.L.this year.

I have called them, left a message and they did call me back to tell me that when my order is shipped they will run the check thru. It just seems they have had all year to gear up for one of the best times to be in the woods. Im sure Ray & Sandy are good people Mt Grove MO. is only about 45 miles from where I live myself. I'm glad that I order my shells when I did and didn't procrastinate like I usally do since our season starts in about a month.

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

677

You may wish to check around and see if any stores around you stock the shells. There are two outdoor stores within an hours drive of me here in W. Tennessee that are distributors forRay and will sell them by the shell.

I put a reminder in my calander every year to call them in February to see when their order ships. I make sure to get there ASAP to buy my 5 shells for the season because they sell out quick. Sometimes the store can get a second order, sometimes not. I know from talking to the store owner that they place their order with Ray months in advance.

As Gamblinman said, this is a small company. The demand for their product currently is outstripping their ability to meet that demand - a good problem to have in this business climate.

You may wish to call Sandy and see if you can drive over to their facility an pick the order up yourself. Just a thought.

Mouthcaller

RE: Who do you think makes the best turkey loads?
 

677vdrive; All of Nitro's loads are custom loads. They are all made up when you order them. I am sure that Ray and Sandy are working tirelessly to get you your order.
I just spoke with Sandy a couple of days ago, and she said that they were approximately two weeks out on all orders. So I am assuming it will take me around three weeks (figuring in shipping time) for me to get my most recent order.
Good luck.