Community
Turkey Hunting Whether it's spring or fall doesn't matter to this bunch. Great tips on calling, bustin flocks, using blinds and more.

Shot size?

Thread Tools
 
Old 03-11-2012 | 03:50 PM
  #1  
thelukai1100's Avatar
Thread Starter
Fork Horn
 
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Maine
Default Shot size?

I'm buying some turkey loads all the brands have #4,#5 and #6
whats the difference??
I know the size is the difference but what size is the best and why is there different sizes? do #4 do something that the #5s don't?
is there a pattern difference?
i always bought #5s because they are in the middle, but is there a reason i should try a different size?
thelukai1100 is offline  
Reply
Old 03-11-2012 | 04:20 PM
  #2  
swampbuster's Avatar
Typical Buck
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 865
Likes: 0
From: Wye Mountain, Arkansas
Default

I shoot hevishot magnum blend of 5s,6s,7s great load
swampbuster is offline  
Reply
Old 03-11-2012 | 04:34 PM
  #3  
Nontypical Buck
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,284
Likes: 3
From: west central wi USA
Default

Generally go with whatever your gun patterns best with. #4's hit harder at longer ranges, and generally will do more damage than smaller shot sizes, but there are fewer of them in a shell. #6's will make a lot of hits, with numbers making up for shot size in the damage department. #5's are a compromise. Looking back, I've taked more birds with #4's than other shot sizes. But that's just my preference. Now days, I end up having a #4 as my backup round, with the shell in the chamber usually a #6.
Wingbone is offline  
Reply
Old 03-11-2012 | 04:41 PM
  #4  
KYMISTWALKER's Avatar
Spike
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: BEREA,KY
Default

it is best to try out different loads for your gun,cardboard and try different rounds see how many you get in the same size ring.
KYMISTWALKER is offline  
Reply
Old 03-11-2012 | 06:26 PM
  #5  
jrbsr's Avatar
Super Moderator
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 7,280
Likes: 0
From: Seagrove N.C. USA
Default

Originally Posted by thelukai1100
I'm buying some turkey loads all the brands have #4,#5 and #6
whats the difference??
I know the size is the difference but what size is the best and why is there different sizes? do #4 do something that the #5s don't?
is there a pattern difference?
i always bought #5s because they are in the middle, but is there a reason i should try a different size?
#4s are larger pellets = less pellets per ounce.
#6s are smaller pellets = more pellets per ounce.

I'd rather toss #6s with more pellets to hit the jellyhead than the # 4s, and #5s



JMHO
jrbsr is offline  
Reply
Old 03-12-2012 | 06:46 AM
  #6  
Nontypical Buck
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 4,647
Likes: 0
From: Pa
Default

Chance are your gun will pattern 6's the best and 4's the worst... I like 5's

Id recomend Win turkey loads if your shooting lead... They seem to pattern best in most guns...

Cant go wrong with Win HV #5's

A lot is going to depend on the choke your shooting also!!!

Good luck
Mr. Longbeard is offline  
Reply
Old 03-14-2012 | 06:07 AM
  #7  
maytom's Avatar
Nontypical Buck
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,820
Likes: 0
From: NY
Default

Originally Posted by Mr. Longbeard
Chance are your gun will pattern 6's the best and 4's the worst... I like 5's

Id recomend Win turkey loads if your shooting lead... They seem to pattern best in most guns...

Cant go wrong with Win HV #5's

A lot is going to depend on the choke your shooting also!!!

Good luck
Ditto, and also on the choke choice......way to many variables between shot sizes and choice of choke tubes. What shoots great out your buddys gun, might not work well in yours. Only way to decide is try patterning with a couple of each and see what works best. Hevishot 4x5x7 shoots awesome out of a .660 Rhino choke tube. If you shoot #5 lead, .665 works well, #4's seem to like a .670 choke. Time spent at the pattern board will let you know for sure.
maytom is offline  
Reply
Old 03-14-2012 | 07:59 PM
  #8  
Fork Horn
 
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: Iowa/Nebraska
Default

Number 4's federals for me.
wernerjd is offline  
Reply
Old 03-15-2012 | 04:54 PM
  #9  
Spike
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Default

Ive always used 4's and 6's depending on the gun/choke combo.
smokepole70 is offline  
Reply
Old 03-15-2012 | 10:32 PM
  #10  
Spike
 
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Default

Generally go with whatever your gun patterns best with. #4's hit harder at longer ranges, and generally will do more damage than smaller shot sizes, but there are fewer of them in a shell.
williams99 is offline  
Reply


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.