Post by: hunterednate on December 29, 2022, 09:35:28 AM
I've been seeing tons of coyotes around my waterfowl hunting spots this year and want to do some predator control.
I shoot a Winchester SX4, and was considering buying a Carlson's coyote choke tube to swap out when I'm calling dogs instead of birds. Plan on shooting 3" #4 buck for the coyotes or 3" lead BB.
My question is: do you think my Carlson's Turkey Choke tube do the job with this load out to like 50 yards? It's .665 constriction. Would love to hear if any of you have experience using this choke tube with the larger diameter lead shot (BB or #4 buck). Would be nice to just use this choke instead of shelling out $70 for the coyote choke tube if it'll work.
Thanks all. I'll keep you posted if I get one this winter.
Post by: jasnt on December 29, 2022, 09:56:05 AM
Post by: hunterednate on December 29, 2022, 10:01:24 AM
I’ve had my best patterns with #4 buck running im choke. With my shotgun anything tighter seems to doughnut hole the pattern pretty good. I’d recommend testing with the chokes you have now before buying any. You maybe presently surprised
Interesting. I yes, I've got an IM factory choke, as well as Carlson's extended modified I use for waterfowl. Will check both of those on Sat with the #4 buck. Thanks!
Post by: KFhunter on December 29, 2022, 10:23:28 AM
I got a few turkey loads I'll use
Post by: MR5x5 on December 29, 2022, 10:32:39 AM
Post by: duckmen1 on December 29, 2022, 01:00:09 PM
I just pulled my #4 buck loads out for a timber standfor my buddy to use. Those loads smack hard on target and the shoulder. Lol
Post by: boneaddict on December 29, 2022, 01:15:23 PM
Post by: bearpaw on December 29, 2022, 01:30:04 PM
Post by: KFhunter on December 29, 2022, 01:34:34 PM
Post by: hunterednate on December 29, 2022, 02:41:20 PM
Full support in getting them dogs. The one thing I would keep in mind though is if you are actively in the field for waterfowl and have your gear for birds you cannot be in possesion of lead. You have to have a non toxic shot. Just a heads up. But smack those dogs.
I just pulled my #4 buck loads out for a timber standfor my buddy to use. Those loads smack hard on target and the shoulder. Lol
Thanks for this reminder.
Post by: jasnt on December 29, 2022, 02:44:46 PM
25 yds. 5” circle
Post by: duckmen1 on December 29, 2022, 03:45:10 PM
Post by: birdshooter1189 on December 29, 2022, 04:26:46 PM
If rifles are allowed, I'd pack a rifle along with you. But if you don't have a rifle, shoot them with whatever you've got.
Post by: rainshadow1 on December 29, 2022, 04:55:49 PM
Expensive I know, but it's the only way to know for sure.
Sometimes with big stuff, like the 4buck, the super tight chokes will actually spread faster. I think the pellets are crossing each other or some such nonsense... But sometimes cyl or Improved will send a clump further than a jellyhead will.
You have to test.
Post by: Loup Loup on December 31, 2022, 11:22:27 AM
That being said I also carry a single 20 gauge with #3 buck when hiking in sways. And only in heavy sage. Very easy to wield specially off the right side one handed.
On the BB: copper plated bb are great on coyotes to 40ish yards. Years ago I couldn’t find copper platted, so bought two boxes of regular lead bbs. The lead will deform in a tight choke and also will deform on hitting hair, hide, and bone. The lead will drag hair with it into the wound channel. The result of all this is much lesser penetration than copper plated, and having to shoot multiple times and lost coyotes. I quit using it and settled on #4 buck. I relegated the remaining lead bbs to Bobcats and coons.
The APHIS atrial gunners use T shot. But they are mandated to use steel. And they’re shooting gov shells. If they pull the trigger once they pull it eight times! As I was told, “ the shells are the cheapest part of this operation”.
Also, I wouldn’t shoot steel through a tight choke.
Have fun.
Post by: hunterednate on February 15, 2023, 01:20:10 PM
Thanks again for all the data and advice on this thread.
Post by: tallcooljuan on February 19, 2023, 10:29:53 AM
I learned a valuable lesson when I started turkey hunting and patterned my shotgun for the first time: What you want has no bearing on what you get. EVERY shotgun/choke/load combo is unpredictable so you MUST pattern each one to know.
I’ve learned to start with what I have- it might already be the best.
Believe it or not I use 2 3/4 high velocity 5 shot for turkey in a modified choke. Pattern your shotgun and believe it.
Post by: konradcountry on February 19, 2023, 01:31:57 PM
If I really want to go long then I use a 3.5" shell with 00 and a stock full choke. I'd feel good at 70.
But I really like how #4 patterns at 40-50 yards. In Washington woods it is pretty ideal.
Nicest coyote I have ever seen was at a waterfowl spot. Walked out some with binocs and it was about 10 yards from me :'(
Just be careful since some of those waterfowl areas can have some really nosey neighbors. I've had someone call because they thought I was going for deer in spring :rolleyes:
Post by: cem3434 on February 19, 2023, 02:56:11 PM