Turkey with a rifle?
 

I've never hunted turkey, but it sounds challenging and fun. Where I grew up, rifles were illegal for any type of hunting (except for muzzle loaders). But where I live now they are listed as legal for turkey and other things.

If I take this up, I'd have to hunt with a rifle because I've been temporarily re-located by the Army and most of my guns are at home. I brought one deer rifle with me, so that's what it will have to be this year. I have two questions, though.

1- Do you shoot center mass on the body or go for the head? I know shotgun hunters go for head shots, but that seems like a tiny target for a rifle.

2- What calibers do you recommend?

Like shooting fish in a barrel, if you ask me.

Sorry, just my opinion.......................so have at it !

Not legal to hunt turkey here with rifles, but I would guess aim center of mass and use the .270. Your chances of missing are less and your hole won't be as big. You might want to check with one of your local gun shops they could probably give you a better idea. If it is enough gun for it you might want to look into a .22 rimfire. the guns and ammo are inexpensive, you would just have to keep your shots within 50 yards.

^Wow, I have a few .22 rifles, but I didn't think they would do the trick. I should have been a little more clear -- I'm *not* new to shooting and own somewhere around 35 or 40 guns. I just have never hunted turkey, so I am *very* new to that part of the game.

In addition, I've been temporarily relocated by the Army to the east coast. I brought the .270 with me to hunt deer with, and then read that rifles are legal here for turkey, which got me thinking about it. So I do own shotguns, they're just half-way across the country; whereas, the .270 is in my closet.

My old man is a turkey hunter and uses a 10 gauge. I know most folks use 12 gauges and large shot. That's what makes me think a .22 would be too small. Frankly, I think I'll use the .270 until I get one or two under my belt. You don't think that will ruin too much meat?

Shoot them in the head........with the smaller centerfires & rimfires.

Aim where the neck meets the body with "larger" centerfire calibers.

Mid-body will destoy a lot of meat.

it's not legal in most states if any to hunt turkey with rifle. Shotgun and Bow are the only and best ways to hunt them

Most states don't allow shotgun shot size larger #4.

While it is legal to shoot a turkey with a rifle I ask why? You want the eat one great! But true turkey hunting is calling the bird up close less than 30 yards is the goal.

Now that being said and it is legal in several states to use a rifle - I stilll would shoot for the head - more of a challenge and no meat is ruined. I think a 270 is far to large a caliber but then again I have never shot one with anything other than a shotgun.

A 22 in the head neck should be all you need. Still be one heck of a challenge with a 22 at some distance.

Be safe

JW

I would use a 223 with a solid bullet for zero expansion and no wasted meat.

You didn't read my post. It *IS* legal here, and I want to know where to aim.

In Pennsylvania it is legal to shoot turkeys in the fall with a rifle.

The best rifle for hunting turkeys is a .22 Winchester Magnum

I have shot many turkeys and the best shot is at the base of the neck or between the wings and the legs.

With a .22 Magnum, you will not hurt the meat much because the bullet passes right through the bird. You actually would do more damage with a 12 gauge shotgun then you would with a .22 Magnum.

A .270 Winchester is way too much gun for hunting turkeys.
You will blow a hole, big enough to throw a cat through with 130 gr bullets. They do make a sabot bullet for the .270, but it is really expensive and you would have to sight in your rifle to shoot them and in my opinion it isn't worth it.

Call your daddy on the phone and have him FedEx your guns to you.
It would probably cost you $15 to $20 each to ship them to your new destination. Not a lot of money compared to buying new used firearms to go hunting here.

The head and neck is a poor location to aim for when hunting turkeys with a rifle. Half the neck is feathers and it does not leave much room for error.

my bad i didnt read that part

Rifles
 

The only way to shoot a turkey is with a bow unless you're handicapped and need to use a shotgun. A rifle is no sport! I am upset that we are now using a rifle to shoot a turkey 100 yards away. Where's the sport in that??!!! In most states, you can shoot deer with a high powered rifle and that's no sport either! I have never shot a turkey with a gun much less a high powered rifle.

Is it lonely up there on your high horse you arrogant !!!!!!? Maybe you should bother to go back and read my posts. I'm deployed to the east coast and have no shotgun with me, but I have a rifle with me. A gun in the hand is worth 10 in the safe.

By your logic I should just stay home, or better yet, throw rocks and hope I hit one. That's not going to happen.

MAC - if you were close to Pennsylvania - you could come hunting with me.

Thanks for serving our country...

If you are not capable to hit them at the base of the neck, shoot for the base of the spine or root of the tail. Any centerfire round will anchor a bird this way and won't ruin the breast. Reload centerfire bullets backwards so the flatbase offers a good meplat. Seriously, this can be done. I've seen fellows do it this way in Texas. Or, load hardcast lead bullets and shoot at a lower velocity. Makes the effort a bit more challenging and interesting.

Don't evershow up on my property to ask permission because attitudes like this.........man!

And all I can say is good for you!

JW

Come on JW this should be a teaching moment. Obviousy Turkman1 is a new and inexperienced hunter and needs guideance in the complexities of hunting to see the error in his mindset.

CAN YOU SEE THE SOUTH OF FRANCE UP THERE ON YOUR HIGH HORSE.
:popcorn: :sign0004: :sign0004:

I don't have my reloading equipment with me here on the east coast; it's all in Colorado. So I'll be shooting factory rounds. I imagine that any bullet will do with a .270. It's not like I need an expanding, soft point bullet or anything.

i agree, 270 anything should do the job. as small as you could go.

i used my .410,but a word of advice turkman,dont ever get into a gunfight unless you got the drop.:happy0157:

Good advice JD !!! LOL !!!

I'm still not sure he'll take it.................................

Timbr - yer correct - lost my ethics for a moment!

JW

well if u tell me I would use any type of rim fire and shoot it near the chest. I haven't shot turkey with no rifle but once in my ranch I forgot my shotguns and I went hunting pheasent with a .17 hmr and my 10/22 really challenging though instead of 12 birds as planned i got 5 but turkeys don fly that much. GDLUK wid dat

Sorry, guys! I didn't mean to upset anyone. I have never heard of shooting a turkey with a high powered rifle being legal. I don't use guns. I only hunt with a bow. I like the challenge and the sport of it. I am not new to hunting, but my hunting is only with a bow. I am new to this site though. Again, I am sorry if I offended anyone by stating an opinion. I guess I didn't read the whole conversation. Mac266 - thank you for serving our country. I hope you stay safe.

Some pretty high horses, eh?
You might try the '06 with these:
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct...tNumber=220009
Here in Wyoming we hunt with rifle a lot. I aim for the wing to body joint. I use a .22 Mag. But a 55gr projectile out of the '06 would certainly do the trick.

Enjoy your hunt . . .

Everybody who hunts deer has their own opinion of what is the best caliber and rifle for doing so. The fact is there are literally hundreds or more rifle/caliber combinations that are adequate for hunting deer. I have hunted with bolt-actions, pump-actions, and lever-actions in more calibers than I could name from .243 Win. to .30-'06 Springfield. All of them did the job except for a lever action in .30-30, but I never got a shot at a deer with that one.

Here's what I think, 7mm-08 is a great beginners cartridge. It is really similar to a .243 (they are both necked down .308 cartridges) but can shoot heavier bullets without much more recoil. The .243 while a good accurate round uses lighter bullets than I want to use, but it can do the job. Any of the rifles you mention would be an excellent hunting rifle for deer as would the Winchester model 70. There are others that are great too. Look over all of the guns, check out the options that are available, and decide what you would be the most comfortable using. The best choice is whatever you are confident and comfortable shooting. Also consider the safety position and type, as they vary and you want to be able to operate quickly without having to look at it.
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neukundengewinnung
Internet Marketing Bedford

Are we stll talkin' turkey !?!?

RR,

This is one of those hunts were getting close is more fun !


Just kidd'in !!!


I know you would prefer to shoot them from 1,000 + yards away (and, perfecty gutted).

Remember, just kidding.....................

hmmmmmmmmm
 

Where's the challenge? I have to tell ya to have the time of your life and to really enjoy the hunt, use a shotgun. You are missing the hunt if you use a rifle, kinda like use artillary for deer. You have accomplished something getting that bird within 40 yards and looked him/her in the eyes. This is just my opinion but i really think you would have a better time with a shotgun and even better time with a bow. Anyway be safe out there and good luck

shawn Thomson
Pro staff
Bag Limit Custom Calls

Its now legal here in NC so I use my shotgun or one of my bows, but I hunt in Texas each year also, and I've gotten them with shotgun,,and also a few with my 280 (one running at 125 yards) and another with 17HMR for all these were shot where the neck meets the body,not messing up the breast. The 17 was about 150 yards. Main thing is to practice shooting whatever you'll use and know your gun or bow.


Good luck hunting this year everyone and be safe :)

Wow, I have learned a lot through this thread. Two things stand out:

1- Turkey hunters are egotistical, arrogant jerks and I'd rather not be a part of their "clique."

2- Turkey hunters can't read, as evidenced by the fact that 99% of the people who responded FAILED to read the part where I've been re-located by the Army to a different state and do not have access to any gun except my deer rifle (which I brought with me). I can't use any of my shotguns, nor can I have them sent here because I'm not a resident.

Have fun in your tiny little lonely world, and when you turn around and realize that you've driven away the next generation of turkey hunters, don't blame me.

Hey Mac,

Which horse did you ride in on ! LOL !!!

Any of these look familar;

Be safe
my bad i didnt read that part
MAC - if you were close to Pennsylvania - you could come hunting with me.
Thanks for serving our country...
In your defence - CAN YOU SEE THE SOUTH OF FRANCE UP THERE ON YOUR HIGH HORSE.
I guess I didn't read the whole conversation. Mac266 - thank you for serving our country.
I hope you stay safe.
Enjoy your hunt . . .
BTW, thanks for your service!!
Anyway be safe out there and good luck
Good luck hunting this year everyone and be safe


Yep !?!? I see
"1- Turkey hunters are egotistical, arrogant jerks and I'd rather not be a part of their "clique."

I've never takein a turkey with a shotgun I've tried but never had a good shot when I was younger I killed one with a 22 magnum and a 270. The 270 works good just hit em in the lower neck and you'll do good. Don't pay attention to the arogance of some I grew up hunting with people like that me being one of the younger hunters in the family always saying stuff to me about how I should hunt or what I do wrong I just shove it away and go on. I opoligise to you for our fellow hunters. In the 270 i'd use more of a bonded bullet so it dosnt expand as much and ruin so much meat. Thanks for your service and besafe and shoot straight

Turkey hunting with a 50 cal is pretty sweet.

Shawn - there is people on this forum that shoots 1700 yards at deer.
I fail to see how shooting a turkey 50 - 100 yards away with a .22 Winchester magnum is going to be as bad as all that.

:hit:It's illegal in the state of KY.

I shoot long beards only, in the head at 15 yards, with 3 1/2" magnum #4's out of a camo'ed Beretta Extrema (doubles as my waterfowl gun) with a extra full extended turkey choke.

BUT............. by all means; do your thing !!!

If you're having fun (and it's legal), that's all that matters.

Wow, I'll keep that in mind if I ever hunt in Kentucky, but since I'm hunting in Virginia -- where it IS LEGAL -- and that has absolutely nothing to do with my question, wtf did you post it?!?!?!?

I would think that a rifle for turkey is a little overkill. There is a petition this year to outlaw rifles during turkey season here in FL. Why not use a bow or shotgun and be way more effective???