Turkey shells 3" or 3.5"
03-13-2016, 12:51 PM
#11
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: NY
Posts: 2,820
03-15-2016, 06:07 PM
#12
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: SW Michigan
Posts: 1,906
I use 3" to save my shoulder.
Look up the recoil table compiled by Chuck Hawks - the force (in ft/lbs) for a 10 ga is almost equivalent to dangerous big game loads used for elephants; the force from a 3.5 shell in 12 ga is similar. I've harvested birds at almost 60 yds with 3" 6-shot, I don't want or need to go further...
My 10yo son is shooting 3" from his Weatherby 20 ga.
I use Winchester shells, son will be using Hevishot Magnum 4,6,7 blend this spring. I'll be trying the Hevishot from a new choke before hitting the woods.
Look up the recoil table compiled by Chuck Hawks - the force (in ft/lbs) for a 10 ga is almost equivalent to dangerous big game loads used for elephants; the force from a 3.5 shell in 12 ga is similar. I've harvested birds at almost 60 yds with 3" 6-shot, I don't want or need to go further...
My 10yo son is shooting 3" from his Weatherby 20 ga.
I use Winchester shells, son will be using Hevishot Magnum 4,6,7 blend this spring. I'll be trying the Hevishot from a new choke before hitting the woods.
03-19-2016, 12:36 PM
#13
Fork Horn
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: PA
Posts: 470
I use Hevi Shot Mag Blend, and I shoot 3 1/2 shells, so far this is the best pattern I've been able to get out of my gun, but I haven't tried TSS shot (yet). I know a lot of people think the bigger shells are overkill, but the recoil doesn't bother me.
03-19-2016, 12:43 PM
#14
Dominant Buck
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: On an Island in Vermont
Posts: 22,605
I use an older Benelli SBE and run 3 1/2" Hevishot Magnum 4,6,7 blend. Nothing lives at 40 yds. Hard on the shoulder especially with a 6 pound non gas operated Benelli without the new recoil mitigation stock.
03-19-2016, 12:52 PM
#15
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Allegan, MI
Posts: 8,019
03-19-2016, 01:37 PM
#16
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: VA.
Posts: 1,415
Yeah, I'm going to have to get me some of that tri-plex shot. Hevi-shot is currently offering up to a $20 discount on shot purchased through the end of June, fwiw.
03-19-2016, 01:45 PM
#17
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Allegan, MI
Posts: 8,019
03-19-2016, 01:54 PM
#18
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: VA.
Posts: 1,415
I hear you. Bismuth is also cheaper by the price/box count. Midway has some hevi shot that cost about $13 per single box of 5 w/rebate. That type of metal plus the payload weight plus profit does make it pricey. I'll try one or two boxes just to see how it performs. I don't like said prices and it won't become a habit.
Last edited by Game Stalker; 03-22-2016 at 09:54 AM.
03-19-2016, 03:04 PM
#19
Dominant Buck
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: On an Island in Vermont
Posts: 22,605
Without a rebate the loads I use are about 5 bucks a shot. Way too much money but seeing how I only use one or two per year depending on if I try to fill the second tag not a bad price to pay for the performance of a bang flop at any normal turkey range. The Hevishot Magnum 4,6,7 blend is the best I have ever patterned out of my Benelli by a mile.
03-19-2016, 04:20 PM
#20
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: VA.
Posts: 1,415
I've heard similar reviews of that load. That's one of the reasons I'd like to try it. Besides, once you've used a product you can give true reports to other potential users, like you just did. Nothing like first hand experience.