my pattern, opions?

[Eddie234]

I went out and patterned my shotgun the other day, I have a winchester model 1300, with an undertaker choke. I tried Winchester HV #4's and 5's in 3in 1 3/4oz, I think the 4's were better, the 5's shot to the left, where as the 4's were centered. At 40 yards the 4's had 94 holes in the circle, 34 in the neck and head, 7 in the skull and spine. The four sections of the target had 23 to 27 holes in each sections.

Do you guys think this is good or could I do better?

[Strut10]

The shot pictured should certainly have killed the bird. But, I believe your setup should be capeable of a good deal better. Maybe try #6's.

[Nut]

Yes try the #6's next, but if you are confident with that....

[Hoyt03]

agree try 6's

[Eddie234]

I'm new to turkey hunting and certainly I don't everything but I've read a few article's that say #6's tend to peter out at 40 yards or more? Do you guys get good penitration at that distance with #6's.

[Strut10]

I'm new to turkey hunting and certainly I don't everything but I've read a few article's that say #6's tend to peter out at 40 yards or more? Do you guys get good penitration at that distance with #6's.

True.

But (I would say) the majority of turkey hunters choose to call their bird into the 40 yard range anyhow. So, generally, lead #6's do the trick. I've killed a couple birds with #6 lead shot and never had any issues with penetration whatsoever.

[Leo]

#6s are a huge step down in energy per pellet versus #4s.

True you will put more holes in paper.

#6s have 225 pellets per ounce

#4s have 135 pellets per ounce

So theoretically with the same weight load that's 66% more holes in the paper. But that's also 66% less energy per pellet. A single #4 has the potential to do 2/3s more damage than one #6.

#5s have 170 pellets per ounce

That's only a 26% difference.

Inside 40yds #6s will kill turkeys effectively.

Figure out how many pellets are in the load you are shooting. Then figure out which load is putting the highest percentage of it's pellets into a 10 inch circle at 40yds.

If you just count holes you'll probably go with the smaller shot every time. If you compare the load percentages inside that circle you might decide that is a mistake

[PA_RIDGE_RUNNER]

I use #6copper coated shot. My longest shot was my first bird at about 55 steps and it went down on the spot. Since then I have learned to be a little more patient and got them into the 20-30 yd rang before I pull the trigger. Something else you should do is shoot a shot at about 15 yds to see what size your pattern is at that close range.

[Eddie234]

thanks for the replies, I am going to have to try a 10 and 20 and 30 yard shot and go from there. Where I hunt 40 yards would be a rare shot, I have limited clearings. Something under 30 yards would be normal. As soon as I get back to the range I'll let you know my results.

Thanks again.

[huntinguide]

agree 6's are all i use and are fovord by friends, will kill. Seen several 50+ kills with 2 oz. 6'S

[Eddie234]

I was a Cabela's last night and found a comp-n-choke for my gun in XXXfull for $10.00 in the bargin bin, they recommend #5 or 6's for that choke so I picked up a box of #6 shells. I'll take it to the range some time this week and see what I can do.

[Hoyt03]

u got a good deal, my cnc shoots 5 and 6's real well, over 100 hits in the head and neck

[Strut10]

I was a Cabela's last night and found a comp-n-choke for my gun in XXXfull for $10.00 in the bargin bin.

You got a deal !!!!!!!!!

Try Winchester Supreme #6's with that tube.

[Eddie234]

I called the comp n choke folks and they were nice enough to exchange my .665 for a .655. went out today and shot some. Shooting Winchester 3" HV #6 in 1 3/4 oz. I think I have pretty good combo.

The pictures are listed as 20 yards, 30 yards and 40 yards.

[toddyboman]

your 30 yard target it looks like you hit a little left.....a big cluster of hits just in front of the bird.....You think that was the gun or you?

But the bird would have still been floppin ;) :D:D

[Eddie234]

I had a really strong cross wind blow about the time I shot. I figure the 20 and 40 yard shot was pretty even so it was the wind that messed up the 30 yard shot. I was using a bench rest with shooting sandbags.

[Guest Colorado Bob]

Use #4's. A close in shot they are will work---a longer shot I like the larger pellet & the energy it has. I've used both 4's & 6's over the years. Itr seems everytime 6's were used I'd find some pellets wadded up in the neck feathers----they had not effect on the killing of the gobbler. I've never found a 4. What good are the extra hits if they don't penetrate? Use the 4's. CB

I've killed gobblers with 6's, 4's & 4x6 combo loads. Now it's 4's.

[Flintlock1776]

If there are 12 pellets in the kill zone be happy and good luck