davetucker Posted March 12, 2008 Report Share Posted March 12, 2008 was doing reaserch on what to use for gauge shotgun while hunting turkey's.I know 20 will do but is 12 over kill?I myself don't believe in overkill but have never hunted turkey before.It is just coming around here in maine.I really want a cartridge for partridge,(which my sons .410 doesa perfect job).I am going to buy this for my pro hunter so i want an all around barrel! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HUNTINGMAN Posted March 12, 2008 Report Share Posted March 12, 2008 Overkill is something you should not have to worry about on turkeys since you are aiming at the head and neck and dont have to worry about tearing up any meat.As for all around guage I would probably go with the 12,the 20 is good but may not have the power if you decide to hunt other things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbeck Posted March 12, 2008 Report Share Posted March 12, 2008 When it comes to putting turkey's on the ground, over kill doesn't exist. Definatley use the 12 ga. These birds have some staying power. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted March 12, 2008 Report Share Posted March 12, 2008 Think it is probable that you could get a little more range out of a 12 gauge than what you would get with the 20. Both will work though, guess it is all up to your preference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Turkeygirl Posted March 12, 2008 Report Share Posted March 12, 2008 Either or...whatever you can handle. I stuck with a 20ga...andb eeing lighterweight, it's got kick. But my other 20 ga...I've shot turkey, deer, squirrel, rabbits, grouse...all by just changing the choke in it and whatever ammo I'm using. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethan Givan Posted March 12, 2008 Report Share Posted March 12, 2008 A 12 gauge is definitley NOT overkill for turkey. Turkeys are tough birds, and if you want to be able to take them out to longer ranges you will need the extra power, and shot quantity of the 12 guage. It's also easier to find various turkey loads for a 12 guage than a 20. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leo Posted March 12, 2008 Report Share Posted March 12, 2008 Most states limit you to no bigger than #4 shot. On a per pellet energy basis the 12ga has very little advantage over the 20ga. The advantage the 12 has is number of pellets. Bottomline it only takes one #4 in the right place to permanently down a gobbler at 50 yards. Shotguns throw a pattern at the bird and not a single precisely aimed pellet. Therefore your best bet, to score a critical hit is the gun that's throwing the most pellets in the densest pattern downrange. Can you find the right choke and load combination to routinely dump birds at 50 yards with a 20ga? Yes, you can. Don't kid yourself though, it takes a heap more trial and error to pull this off with a 20ga than a 12ga. Personally, I'll stick with the 3 1/2" 12ga and not feel guilty in the slightest. I know it will get the job done every time at 50 yards. The purpose of patterning in my mind is eliminating any doubt as to when you can ethically pull the trigger. The old adage, "Nothing walks away from too much gun!" comes to mind. Wounding something because you didn't have enough gun is way worse, than overkill any day of the week. The 20ga is enough but is the 12ga overkill? No way no how. You are still limited to #4s with a 10ga and the velocity is the same. If you gain any range using the 10ga vs the 3 1/2" 12ga I personally have never seen it. It's not over the top either in my honest opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Kid Posted March 12, 2008 Report Share Posted March 12, 2008 12 gauge all the way Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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