20 guage load

[mallard79]

What do you think about shooting a 20 guage with #7 1/2 hevi shot for turkeys?  Is it enough?  The problem I have is that My two 12guages don't pattern all that great, even with the 3 turkey chokes I have bought for them.  I have tried multiple loads in each gun with the different chokes.  They shoot ok petterns at 20-25 yards but not so great at 30-40 yards. The 20guage with 7 1/2's shoot a good pattern out to 40 yards with a full choke.  What do you think?
Thanks for any input you have.

[satchel3006]

try oldgobbler.com those guys are hardcore turkey hunters theres even a section dedicated to the 20 gauge

[WDFW-SUX]

The remington high density loads pattern better than Hevi shot.


http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=519100

[mallard79]

Thanks! I checked out oldgobbler.com and there isa TON of great info on that site.
Thanks for leading me in the right direction.

[baldopepper]

Several of the younger hunters in our group have shot 20's over the last few years with very good luck.  They have been shooting mostly 6's and have killed several big toms.  Personally, I don't find turkeys all that hard to kill if, like anything else, you hit em!  That big red head makes a great target and the misses are usually buck fever on the part of the shooter.  Try to have your gun in a ready postition to alleviate wild last second manuerving and take your time on the shot.  Turkeys are great at coming in at the most inopportune time, so be aware of where your gun is sitting-all those little branches and pieces of clothing that fall or get sat on it while your waiting can be in the way jut enough for the birds to spot the movement and be gone!!!  Turkeys arent like deer, they won't stand their looking at you after they see movement.  Also, let em keep coming!!  Sometimes buck fever sets in and hunters will fire away at a bird out of range that is still coming in. 

[Intruder]

7 1/2s are a little small even for heavi shot type stuff.  I'd be afraid that at 40 you wouldn't have the energy to break neck bones or penetrate the skull.  Most 20s I've seen pattern great out to 35 w/ 6s.... I'd say if you want shoot farther, go to a 12.  Stick w/ 6s though.

[C-Money]

I would get a box of Federal or Remington turkey loads in #5 or #6, use your full choke and go shoot one! 12 or 20 ga, you should be fine! I'd like to see the patterns you are getting with your 12ga, but you will be fine with the 20ga.

[dawei]

What do you think about shooting a 20 guage with #7 1/2 hevi shot for turkeys?  Is it enough?  The problem I have is that My two 12guages don't pattern all that great, even with the 3 turkey chokes I have bought for them.  I have tried multiple loads in each gun with the different chokes.  They shoot ok petterns at 20-25 yards but not so great at 30-40 yards. The 20guage with 7 1/2's shoot a good pattern out to 40 yards with a full choke.  What do you think?
Thanks for any input you have.

This will answer all of your questions about using a 20ga for turkey hunting................

http://oldgobbler.com/TheForum/index.php/board,114.0.html

[PA BEN]

My kids have killed plenty of turkeys with 3" - #5's out of a 20 gauge w/a extra full turkey choke.