Thinking about a new gun for hunting turkey.

[blumboss33]

What's the effective killing range of your combo? Did you harvest any of those birds past 40 yards?

My son and I tested multiple loads out of his Weatherby SA-20. The Hevi-shot Triple Beard gave us the densest pattern at 40 yards. However, we both misjudged the distance this Spring and he rolled a big strutter at 46 steps - the bird went down hard, and I thought he had finally notched his first tag, but there wasn't enough power and he lost the bird.

I think that the Triple Beard density at 40 yds was mostly 7 shot, which couldn't get the job done on a big ole' Tom. Using hindsight I'm kicking myself, because his gun-coke combo had a slightly weaker pattern with Win XX Magnum #5 but likely has more effective killing power due to the larger shot (straight 5 vs TB).

We knew that under 40 yds was the ideal range, but losing a bird because you misjudge 10 yards is tough to swallow. It also doesn't leaves any room for error in judging distance when hunting inside the timber - simple shadows on the ground can make judging 5 yd increments challenging...

 

[bogey]

I use all 7 shot either hevi shot or hevi weight. My weatherby sa08 20 with sumtoy choke is a deadly 40 yard gun and have shot them a fair bit farther with it.

 

[geo4061]

Check out the thread Coyote Shotgun Ammo and Choke Test. I think there may be info in there that will help. I love my Versa Max with an EO Tech.

 

[grinnergetter]

Benneli Nova, Kicks turkey choke, shooting 3 1/2 Winchester XR #6. Purchased in 03 and so far is undefeated out to 60 yards. I have literally smoked coyotes at 50 yards. DRT. Don't know if it's typical but I pretty much love my turkey gun. I remember at least 3 birds taken at or close to 60 yards.

I don't go looking for 60 yard shots but if the obstinate bird just won't come any closer then the LR option is available.