turkey loads

[sloe bear]

 I new to hunting turkeys, I am looking for a good load to use, for a 20ga fowler, I know they a a tough bird to kill my son and grandson have taken birds with modern 12ga shot guns and had to use 2 shots to complete the kill. and as I only have one the first shot needs to count. any help will be appreciated thanks.

[SCLoyalist]

Take a look at:    http://home.insightbb.com/~bspen/SmoothboreLoads.html
Somewhere in there he talks about a turkey load.

 Caywoodguns.com has a brief section on turkey loads.    

And, if you'll use the search function on this site for the word "turkey", you'll find several threads, including this one:
http://americanlongrifles.org/forum/index.php?topic=4220.0

Whatever load you start with, take it  and pattern it and have an idea at what range it quits being effective, and keep your shots within that distance when you have a live bird in front of you.

[PPatch]

I always used number six shot for turkeys (modern shotgun), I can't advise you for a muzzle loader. Learn all you can about calling them in, that is where the fun is in turkey hunting. I used grand dads box call for gobbling and a mouth call for close in.

dave

[Osprey]

It should NOT take two shots to kill a turkey no matter the weapon, hit 'em in the head like you're supposed to and it only takes one.   

[Don Getz]

I used to hunt turkeys a lot, used a Savage over and under, 22 Magnum over a 3" 20 ga. magnum.    Shot a lot of turkeys
with the 20 ga. using #6 shot.......tried for head shots, and never needed a second shot.   I did have turkeys get away
with a 22 mag. shot.......Don

[sloe bear]

Thanks for all the information, this seems to be a hot topic with lots of information, I will have a lot of work getting the load that is right. when the snow stops and the fog lifts and the sun comes back around I'll be at the range . I really need to get a good call box any suggestions? I like the looks of the Gobbler Knob how about it would that be a good choice to start with? thanks Jim

[sqrldog]

sloe bear
Fortunately one thing AL does have is a good turkey population and a long season with a liberal bag limit. I'm not familiar with the call you referenced but do have a a couple of friends that make excellent box calls at a reasonable price. I make a custom glass, slate, and aluminum pot call but do not make a box call. If you're interested in contacting them pm me. I'm not sure about ALR's policy on posting their contact info they wouldn't mind.  I also hunt with them with blackpowder killed a bunch with percussion now working up a load in my Manton copy made by Rod Gates. Tim

[PPatch]

Sloe Bear;

That Gobbler Knob call looks like a good long range call plus making all the yelps, purrs and clucks one generally uses to bring them on in for a shot. In my opinion the only drawback to a box call like that it takes both hands to use. I use a box call such as that for the early morning (dawn) gobble and to keep their interest while still some distance out. I then switch to a diaphragm call, also known as a mouth call, to bring them on in. That way I can have my gun at the ready and still give an occasional responce as they get closer. Once you get them coming though you don't want to overdo the calls, in fact it is best to keep quiet once you have them answering and feel they are on the way.

dave

[SCLoyalist]

A few years ago, a friend and experienced Turkey Hunter, gave me strong recommendations for a "Foolproof" Lynch box call - Model 101 as I recall.    To go with the call, get a good set of decoys (jake and submissive hen would be my suggestion) .   Also, get yourself a cushion or turkey seat you can be comfortable sitting on for an hour or so.

My advice on calling would be not to do too much of it, lest you say something wrong in turkey language and warn the birds off.   Get a video or two on turkey hunting, or watch the TV turkey hunting episodes.     Even better, find an experienced turkey hunter to mentor you a bit, show you how to set up decoys, give you pointers on when to call and when to shut the heck up, etc.

Good luck.  SCL

     

[Osprey]

I use a box call some, but 99% of the time I use a slate pot and striker of some sort, normally have 3 in my vest and a dozen different strikers, each combo gives a slightly different sound.  I find much more versatility for softer calls and purrs.  I gag on mouth calls and can't use them, so one of my slates is a Primos that came with a leg strap.  I can strap it on my thigh, off to the side, and work it with one hand while I've got the gun up on birds coming in.

When they get close remember the best call is often light scratching in the leaves, just reach behind you where they can't see...

[WaterFowl]

sb..tell us about the fowler...is it choked..flint ? percussion?..are you using lead or non-toxic?

[sloe bear]

The fowler is  a flintlock 20 ga choked down  to full chock , it was made by Ken Moors, it's on it's way so I looking for the loads, Ken said he included the ones he used, I'm just looking for alternatives and what others use. I have shot Flintlocks rifles for 35+ years and so I'm not new to the game just a flintlock shot gun. and hunting turkeys. I'm looking forward to this springs hunt.

[WaterFowl]

sb does this Fowler have the Colerain turkey choke barrel? ..58 cal at muzzle 62 cal at breach?

[Curt Lyles]

sloe bear  

    the load i use in a 20 guage turkey choke colerain barrel is 75 grs 3fff .2 overshot cards,1 19 gauge wool wad with bear grease on it,  2 over shot cards, 1 5/8oz #5 shot and 1 overshot card  .at 25 yards 2 shots will destroy a 9 in paper plate and will do the same on a turkeys noggin too. colerain say.s with the right load this barrel is good for 50 yards but 25 yards is my limit. you might want to put a rear sight on your  barrel also. these choked barrels  make workin up a load a lot easier.but you cant shoot r.balls thru em.o well i guess you can always get another rifle. call if you need help .curt

[Standing Bear]

Don't have a 20 ga so guess i"m just chiming in for the sake of it.  This thing patterns like your fist at 35 yards and kicks like a mule.

Beretta O/U 12 ga

90 gr FFg

plastic sleeve - don't know where Jack got these (he has since passed away) but they came as a cup with no verticle splits just index rings around the tube.  I use a straight razor to split to the 4th ring twice (4 slits)

1 7/8 oz hard 7 1/2 shot - that is what the sleeves hold so I use one for a measure

over shot card.

Have killed 3 birds with 7 1/2 shot and really wonder about the modern turkey hunters using large shot.  Just figure they get a hole in their pattern.  This load of 7 1/2 is much more dense.
TC

[stude283]

tcompton,
             How far were the 3 turkeys you killed with 7 1/2's.From what I've seen 7 1/2 is deadly in close,but loses penetration if far out.

[Pat_Cameron]

colerain say.s with the right load this barrel is good for 50 yards but 25 yards is my limit.


I have killed 5 straight with my colerain barrel. The farthest was 42 yards.
It was a mistake, I had a bird sneak in behind me and I turned and everything looked
good, so I killed it. I could not believe it when I paced it off. Three times. I would not
have shot if I realized it was that far away. Sometimes things happen fast and I think I
got a bit lucky. I have shot one at 30 and one at 33 yards. That is about my limit. 30ish yards
1.5 oz of #5 and 90gr of FFFG.

PJC

[Standing Bear]

tcompton,
             How far were the 3 turkeys you killed with 7 1/2's.From what I've seen 7 1/2 is deadly in close,but loses penetration if far out.

They were all between 30 and 35 yards.  The shot cup keeps the whole mess together and velocity up till about 20 yards so the 7 1/2 doesnt start loosing velocity as soon as it leaves the barrel.  I suppose a paper patch like arrangement could be used to accomplish the same thing.
TC