question on patterning
 

I'm fairly new to the sport of Turkey Hunting and have a question. I have been shooting in my gun and have been getting an average of about 7 in the vertebra/skull area at 40 yards. Would you consider this good? And would you take a shot at a turkey with this type of pattern?

RE: question on patterning
 

This is only my 3rd year turkey hunting so i am new to this as well.
I just got a new gun and it's puting around 30 or so pelets in the head and neck area, maybe a dozen or so are in the brain area or spine, at 40 yrds.
I would shoot with that at 40yrds.

I would think your would be ok with what you said if it did that consistantly.


Leon

RE: question on patterning
 

I wouldnt feel comfortable with only 7 in the kill zone at that yardage; you might want to consider limiting your shots to a shorter distance or trying a different choke, 7 is not very good @ 40 yds.

what is your setup? gun, choke, shells, etc.

RE: question on patterning
 

If you are getting 7 bbs consistently in the vertebrae and skull, you're fine...

Most guys will say they want between 12-15, but in reality it only takes just 1...

You just increase your odds, obviously, with a denser pattern.

If you're using #6 shot, your probably on the end of the string, so be sure of your distance. If you're using #4 or #5, you may be OK if you misjudge by a yard or two, as those bbs have more killing power...

RE: question on patterning
 

Yes, I am getting an average of 7 consistantly (took 6 shots). Lowest was 5 (only once), highest was 9.

My setup was #5 shot, 3" remington magnum heavy shot, cabelas turkey super full choke, remington 870 26" barrel.

I laser ranged the target and know it was 40 yards.

RE: question on patterning
 

i would think you would get better results from the hevi shot, sme of the posts of guys using that stuff claim good patterning out to 50-60 yrds; dont know as i havent tried it myself.

RE: question on patterning
 

BC your gun is shooting fine don't be afraid to take that 40 yard shot. You have a good shooting gun there my friend!!!

RE: question on patterning
 

I used to use fed 2oz #6 and got consistenly 15-19 in head and neck at 40 yards. switched to heavy shot 1 1/2 oz #6 and my numbers almost doubled at 40 yards. that stuff is unbelievable.

RE: question on patterning
 

Bobco,

Seems like you don't have a dedicated turkey barrel (26", I'm guessing non-ported), so the 5-10 pellets at 40 yards is actually pretty decent.

Being that you're new to turkey hunting, have you sighted-in at ~10 yards, just to determine target density and shiftage? Just asking, because it's not like shooting slugs. You just can't set up at 30-40 yards and determine your optimal pattern.

If you haven't tried close range, give it a few shots. Your pattern may be 6 inches to the left/right, which would mean at 30-40 yards a large portion of your pattern could be off the target.

Other than that, I personally would feel comfortable squeezing the trigger at 40 yards with your gun. I've taken birds in the past with a gun that would put 3 in the head/neck at 35 yards...

RE: question on patterning
 

Yeah I'd take a 40 yard shot with your gun. Good luck.