Need shell advice.

[GoodOlBoy]

Turkey hunting with a single shot H&R with a modified choke. I am looking at the following rounds (IE what I can get in my area or order easy.

Remington 20 Gauge Premier Hevi-Shot Magnum Turkey Load Shotshell, 3" Shell, #4 Shot, 1-1/4 oz., 1175 fps

Winchester 20 Ga 3" 1-5/16 oz., #5 Turkey, 1200 fps

or

Remington 20 Gauge Premier Magnum Turkey Load Shotshell, 3" Shell, #6 Copper-Plated Shot, 1-1/4 oz., 1185 fps

I usually prefere Remington anything to Winchester anything on shells (Just a quirk) And I am leading towards the copper plated #6 shot. However I could pretty easily be talked into the #4 heavi-shot.

Whats your opinion?

GoodOlBoy

[rickjordan]

I've shot both the Remington rounds and the Winchester rounds and personally like Remington like you do! I would go with the #4s though- shot all my birds with them! Patterned both the Remington and Winchesters last year and got FAR better patterns with the Remingtons in my Nova but that shoots 3 1/2 inch not 3 inch!

[Jack]

The real answer is, unfortunately: buy a box of each and pattern test them. Then use whichever patterns best in your gun.
My thought, as far as the ones you are looking at: you aren't talking about a 45-50 yard turkey gun, so retained energy per pellet at long range isn't a big factor here- not like it would be in a 3 or 3 1/2 inch 12. So, look for pattern density and an even pattern-which you'd more likely get with the 5 or 6 shot.
FWIW, my turkey gun (a 12 gauge) absolutely loves Winchester's #5 shot turkey loads.

[multibeard]

Jack is right!! You need to find out what your gun likes.

I have used Rem Premier copper plated 6's in my 12 ga for years.

Two springs ago my grandson finally was old enough to be able to hunt (12) with the Ithaca Super Single Full choked 20 ga that I bought for him when he was 4 weeks old.

I bought a box of Rem Premier 6's. I got a great pattern. He has shot birds the last two spings and the both went down stone cold DEAD.

My feelings are that it doesn't take large shot to kill a turkey. It take a good hit and with the difference in number of shot per load, 4's just do not have the amount of shot that a load of 6s does.

As far as range I have never had any problem with the smaller shot doing the job at longer ranges.

[petey]

Yup,

You have to pattern that gun. I personally use the Winchester Supreams. I shoot 2 oz of #6's out of my 12 gauge. She'll put a whallop on them and believe it or not can get an extra 5 more yards than the Rem Hevi-shot. Both shoot well to 40 yards though.

It's still a 40 yard gun, although I've stretched it a bit farther. I'm talking 6 to 10 in the kill zone. It only takes one, but I don't gamble, once I get below 3-4 in the kill everytime, then that's my range. I personally prefer them to be between 20 and 30 yards. Once they hit 30 they are toast. Any closer than 20 and she's starting to get tight. I've killed them as close as 5 yards, but you need to hunker down since you're shooting a quarter sized load at that distance. Some guys claim 50 and 60 yards, but where's the fun in that? Heck If I could kill every bird I've had at 60 yards I'd have my seasons wrapped up in no time. I guess I like to hunt more than the first 5 minutes on the first morning.

You'll be hooked once you call your first bird in. I've traveled to 9 different states and shot quite a few in my short hunting career. It still calls me back every year! You don't need the big guns with the super loads though. I've called them in and killed big ol birds with a modified choked 20 gauge. Just shortens your range a bit. Of course, you don't even need a shotgun. Break out the bow and you're in for a real thrill! Don't get me started on turkey already..heck deer season is just about to start!

[GoodOlBoy]

ROFL I am already addicted to practially every type of hunting except duck/goose (sorry just don't like being that cold and wet its just me)

When I was a kid I use to take turkeys with a single shot 22 at about 50-70 yards. Since I don't that is leagal for turkey in this state (probably wasn't back then either) AND since I don't have that kind of eyesight any more I will stick with my 20 gauge modified choke. I figured it would come down to patterning, but it never hurts to ask. I was hoping to get at least one "Don't waste your money that ammo is complete garbage" response to help me narrow the field :p

Anyway I may have a few opportunities for turkey this year. Heck I don't even own a call.

I know it isn't turkey but I have an itch to go after a few sage hens, pheasant, quail, dove, chuka, squirrel, hog, deer, coon, possum, and predators too. Sheesh I got it bad. :D Why does it feel so good?

GoodOlBoy

[GoodOlBoy]

Another question are any of these at risk of damaging the barrel of an H&R Model 88 Made in 1974? It ain't in mint condition but it is danged close and I love it WAY to much to risk damage to it.

Thanks

GoodOlBoy

[GoodOlBoy]

Remington Nitro Turkey Ammunition 20 Gauge 3" 1-1/4 oz of #5 Buffered

And add this to all of the above questions.

Thanks

GoodOlBoy

[gspsonny03]

I use the Remington copper plated 6's and haven't had a problem killing turkeys with them. I do believe that you need to pattern your gun to see which will shoot best for you though. Best of luck to you.

[GoodOlBoy]

Yep thats the general consenses. What about risking damage to the gun? BTW The shooter was a '74 model, the gun was an '80 model. Lemme throw that correction in there.

GoodOlBoy

[gspsonny03]

GOB,
I was hoping someone else would field this, but, anyway here goes. I'm not 100% sure on this and I would hate to give you bad info.. Copper plated is not steel, so I can't imagine that it would effect your gun as far as bulging the barrel. I have shot it in my 870 wingmaster without any problems and it was made back in 70 or 72. More recently I have been shooting it in newer guns. Personally with my guns I wouldn't have a problem, I can't speak for yours. You are shooting a modified, I just don't see a problem unless you have a problem you are not aware of. Sorry I can't be of more help.

[Jack]

I think all the loads mentioned are lead loads- won't be any problem in your gun, GOB, unless you're trying to stuff 3 inchers in a 2 3/4 chamber or something.....

[Lilred]

GSP,
I got a wingmaster made bout the same age as yers....I love that gun to death. Mean at a turey shoot too but throws buckshot like you wouldn't believe.

On topic, I agree with what everybody says about patternin the gun first. I got a Winchester 12 that HATES Winchester buckshot loads but loves em in birdshot. Actually them "Yankee" shells as we call em...Fiochi...shoot real good in the gun too.
I use #4's fer turkey.

[jmarriott]

Kent makes some #5 turkey loads that really perform well in my 870. If you see them at the store it would be worth a box to try them out.

They are lead only and seem to be buffered. I get 20 % more pellets at 30 yards than rem #5.

I had never heard of Kent before a guy gave me 5 shells.

[GoodOlBoy]

Gonna see if I can find me some o them copper plated #6s to start out.

My old H&R model 88 has been taken better care of than I have. She still looks almost new and I have put a mount of shells through her. 3" chamber. Modified choke. Ya cock it, ya pulls the trigger, it goes bang. Done deal. No worries bout nothing else. No safeties, no jams, no jellies.

GoodOlBoy

[gspsonny03]

Lilred,
You want to treasure that gun, because they are getting hard to find. I've pretty much put it back in the gun cabinet and only take it out on special ocassions and hunt with my benelli. I don't care as much for the new 870's. Course I like wood on my guns not synthetic.:)

GOB,
I don't think you will be disappointed with that selection. Now if you can only find some birds to hunt.:D

[GoodOlBoy]

Ain't that the truth. . . . .:rolleyes:

:D

GoodOlBoy