With all the new turkey hunting equipment we see on the market, sometimes it is overwhelming as to which is actually a benefit to the hunter. Sometimes I have to simply shake my head at some of the so-called new and improved ideas out there today.

My personal opinion is that of all the equipment that has been introduced over the years, the modern shotshell is among the top of actual improvements. The modern shotshells available today have made leaps and bounds in improvements above the paper shells of the early years. The loads today are of improved technology with powder, wads, and pellets. Although no shell on earth is a substitute for good woodsmanship and judgment,  today's loads certainly do not give a disadvantage. Charts are available on the web of modern shotshell performance. Charts are  also available on velocity and weight with ft lbs on impact. They may change your view of pellet size and what is most effective on the ol’ toms head.

I have spent several years patterning the latest loads in 20, 12 and 10 ga.  Why shoot lead 4's when a hevi 6 is equivalent and puts over 1/3 more pellets downrange to do what we are intending?? Preference I guess. The price of the shells is a big factor for a lot of hunters and we all shop for the best price for performance most of the time. At $5 -$7 a shell they do cost. Is a turkey worth that to me? you bet. Another factor I see when modern loads are discussed is the "what pellet size is needed" question.  A lot of hunters stick to the "Big pellets make big holes" equation. How many shooters know that a 12-13 grm hevi #6 or #7 pellet fired at equal velocity will penetrate deeper than a 9gram lead 4? Not many. Think about how the 15 gram hevishot #7 pellet performs at 1300 ft per second. Lesser are the days of "knockin a turkey out" at 40 yards and running him down to have to stomp his head which we all have done at one time or other. A certain shell maker in Missouri uses a 12gram per cubic centimeter (weight ) pellet in their available hevi shot turkey shells as well as other well known shell makers. Another shell company uses a 13 gram per cc pellet and yet another uses a 15 gram per cc pellet. Not listed are TSS pellets which are tungsten high density. The TSS pellets are 18 gram per cc and #8 & 9's have the same weight as Lead 4's and 5's.  The TSS pellets are only found in hand loads by private loaders. Nobody sells the shells commercially. Lead pellets have an average weight of 9 grams per cc. When comparing 12-13gram per cc Hevi shot to 9grm per cc lead it is a good comparison to drop about 2 pellet sizes. For example, a lead 4 is equal to a 12-13 gram hevi 6 and so on. This helps to explain the advantages of Hevi shot over lead.

The advantages of killing power, range, density are above lead capabilities. The effect of more ethical kills and less crippling makes the hevi shot a true turkey hunter asset. This has nothing to do with wanting to shoot a turkey farther. A big part of ethics is based on the capabilities of the equipment, regardless of range. The zone of comfort with your turkey rig lies in its’ capabilities, as well as hunter preferences, and how well we perform at the moment of truth. The capability of the hunter to have good judgement and aim true is the controlling factor. This varies from hunter to hunter as some guys prefer to get them to 30 yards and under. With more game commissions nationwide seeking non-toxic alternatives for shot, this is the way of the future I believe.  I don't recommend TSS simply because of price...and availability. 

Now all of this seems a bit much for hunting but it's just a habit for some of the more serious shooters. No, it's not needed for hunting by all means. Lead shells have killed and will continue to kill turkeys for years. Some hunters are perfectly satisfied with their setups. There is nothing wrong with that at all and I am not out to say this is the only way to go about hunting turkeys. Compare patterns with the hevi versus lead....proof is in the patterns.

How much do you respect your quarry? You may be surprised at what a little tweaking will do. In most cases of the average shooter firing a box or two a year, finding a better combo will save them money on trying different shells and chokes to pattern. Invest your hard earned money in performing shells and you will have far better gains downrange at least than buying the most expensive turkey gun you can find. We at least need a quality firearm but not necessarily dipped in gold. Folks like myself enjoy shooting year around and love to learn more about turkey guns, chokes and patterns. A lot of hunters enter the woods with uncertainty of their guns performance and whether it's "good enough" so to speak. All things considered, misses and poor judgment shots still happen, after all it is still hunting. Practice learning ranges in the woods and the benefits will pay off. Hunt and shoot safe.  And remember… take a kid hunting. There are far worse things a child can learn about other than the outdoors.   

Jim Ward

President

Alleghany Highlands Longbeards NWTF