Shot size for turkey ?
#1

OK so what shot size do you recomend ?
I shoot a 3 in magnum shell.
My gun a Winchester Model 1300 pump uses 2 3/4 or 3 in magnum.
So what shot size would you recomend ?
Maybe this next year I will have pictures.
Thank You
jrbsr
I shoot a 3 in magnum shell.
My gun a Winchester Model 1300 pump uses 2 3/4 or 3 in magnum.
So what shot size would you recomend ?
Maybe this next year I will have pictures.
Thank You
jrbsr
#2

JR.The best advice I can give ya is to try diffrent shot sizes and diffrent brands and see what patterns best from your gun.What patterns best outta my gun may not be any good at all outta your gun and vica-versa.Rather than buy lots of diffrent shells and then bein stuck with a bunch that don't pattern well.maybe you can borrow diffrent shells from some of your buddies.Only takes a couple of each to know if they'll pattern or not.
#3

I agree with what Jim said as well. Also, depending on what size choke restriction you have in your turkey choke, certain sizes shoot certain pellet sizes better. An example:
I have the very same gun as you, and with using a .665 choke restriction, #5's seem to pattern best for me. Granted, #6's have the greatest amount of shot per ounce, but by using #5, or #4's, they will have much more down range energy over #6's. Again, like Jal mentioned, you will have to determine what's your best distance pattern wise while using your gun.
I have the very same gun as you, and with using a .665 choke restriction, #5's seem to pattern best for me. Granted, #6's have the greatest amount of shot per ounce, but by using #5, or #4's, they will have much more down range energy over #6's. Again, like Jal mentioned, you will have to determine what's your best distance pattern wise while using your gun.

#4
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,913

I have used #5 and #6 and both worked well. Fives put a better thumping on what they do hit, sixes give you a little better coverage. Both killed quickly. I don't like the 4's as well, or at least my gun doesn't.
#5
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Calif
Posts: 1,894

Pattern is everything inside ethical ranges for your own turkey thumper!The fellas are right on the money!Match the shot size 6,s,5,s4,s to your highest % pattern and there you go!For me I like the knock down power of 4's!!At 40 yards with one of my reloads, 4's crash through the biggest of gobblers cranium like a hot knife through butter!!!!


#6
Fork Horn
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Iowa/Nebraska
Posts: 262

With my 1300 I use 4 shot 3'' winchester Supreme® Double-X® Magnum and High Velocity Turkey Loads. This works well for me with HS extra full choke but it could be different for your setup.
#7
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: west central wi USA
Posts: 2,210

My older model BPS has the same choke system as your 1300. It'll shoot great patterns with either Winchester Supreme or HV 4's or 6's. It won't shoot 5's consistantly???
#8
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Missouri USA
Posts: 5,420

I like 5 shot the best, but you need to shoot several different sizes of shot and loads to see what does the best out of your gun. The Nitro Hevi-Shot #5 is awesome out of my Rem. Super-Mag.
#9
Fork Horn
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Cropsey IL USA
Posts: 365

The patterning advice above is sound and don't forget the different manufacturers shoot different as well my 11-87 shoots the Rem 4x6 or 4's very well but win. or federal not worth a darn get some of your pals together and everyone buy a box of loads of different makers and shot sizes and have a patterning party that way the cost of shooting a variety of loads is more managable.