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#1
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Nontoxic turkey loads
I haven't hunted turkeys too much in the past; just a time or two......so I know just enough to be dangerous!
![]() The area I put in for for turkey permits this year encompasses an area of wetlands. Last winter, while turkey hunting, I came across some turkeys & turkey sign.......LOTS of turkeys & turkey sign! I'm thinking about checking this area out thoroughly if I get drawn this year, as I don't think too many folks will be hunting it for turkeys (looks more like a duck area than a turkey area). At any rate, the lead turkey loads I've developed will be illegal to use here, so I am wondering if there is anyone out there who has hunted a lot with nontoxic shotshells. MI law decrees that no shot bigger than #4 can be used, so that rules out my hevishot reloads (#2s), which would have been my first choice. I was at Gander the other day and they had some Remington HD (3"- 1 5/8oz- #4) on sale...5 rounds/$8 :eek! I also have some older factory loaded bismuth (3"- 1 3/8 oz-#4) I really don't have enough shells to do some extensive pattern testing like I would like to. Which do you think I should go with? I'm thinking the HD because it is denser, but would like some other opinions. Thanks in advance.................
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If your dog thinks that your the greatest, don't go seeking a second opinion! |
#2
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HD..and 5 for 8 bucks is fairly cheap. Bismuth is ok..but has a tenddency to crack and split. HD is hard,heavy and not for use in old M-12s and Belgian Brownings. Use it with either an improved mod choke or in a steel shot full
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skeet@huntchat.com Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote!" Benjamin Franklin |
#3
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A friend of mine who is a fanatic turkey hunter switched from lead to Hevi Shot because he got better patterns and more range. He tested a whole bunch of different lead, Hevi Shot, and Bismuth loads on the pattern board.
He's shooting a 12 gauge 3 1/2 inch Benelli (I think), and claims the Hevi Shot is a legitimate 65 yard turkey killer. I'm not certain what size shot he's using.
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“May we never confuse honest dissent with disloyal subversion.” Dwight D. Eisenhower "If the freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter" George Washington Jack@huntchat.com |
#4
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If you stick with a dense shot like Hevishot or a bismuth load, you will be able to use a smaller shot size than if you stuck with a steel. Because you're head shooting in the spring, I know guys using 7-1/2's believe it or not. My gun shoots #5's the best so that's what I shoot out of it but honestly I haven't used my shotgun in about 8 or 9 years as my non-toxic Easton arrows have been working well enough.
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Aim small... ![]() |
#5
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Took out my Browing 2000 yesterday useing the 2.75 in. barrel. I have True Lock thin wall chokes installed in that barrel and installed an extra full flush choke. Tried a no. of lead loads, Kent and Win. 4, 5, and 6s. Both brands threw excellent patterns with 5s. Then went to Heavy Shot Classic Doubles in case I want to hunt a Fed. WPA. Tried both 4s and 5s, each did well, but surprizingly the 4s were better in that particular gun. Have 2 dedicated turkey guns, that'll stay home this year, decided to try the 2000.
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VFW Life Member, NRA Life Member, Wisconsin Conservation Warden Assoc. Life Member, Wisconsin Waterfowl Assoc. Life Member |
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