Gear Test: The Best New Turkey Loads
We tested four of today's top loads to see which one you should be using this spring.
Not too long ago, turkey hunters had only spare No. 6 squirrel loads, low-end No. 4 buckshot, or goose-crushing BBs to choose from when taking to the springtime woods. But with the growing popularity of the sport came innovation in products designed specifically for serious turkey hunters—chief among them specialized shotgun configurations and high-performance shotshells. Today’s turkey loads combine various smooth-flying metals and special pattern-enhancing wads to send hundreds of tightly grouped projectiles blistering downrange to wreak havoc on a turkey’s relatively small vital target area of head and neck. The results have been choke and shotshell combinations that deliver payloads well beyond the once-accepted range of 40 yards. We put four of today’s top loads to the test in a head-to-head showdown to determine which one you should be packing in your vest this spring. AdvertisementRelated PhotosSUBMIT YOUR PHOTOSADVERTISEMENTAdvertisement |
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Comments (8)
I too was sticker shocked, but then I thought to myself, how many shells would I be using in a season? 3-5 to pattern and then I have the rest to hunt with. How is bagging a turkey not worth a $5-6 shell?
I shoot Hevi-13, Blended 5-6-7, AND with their rebate they are 11.49 for 5...Ten years ago I would have laughted at the idea!But ammo has gone crazy the last 10 years..as everyone knows..
But out of my turkey gun it will put 90% of the shot in a 30 inch target at 40 yards...I am kind of disapointed at ODL testing,,,not much science to their method..There are tons of us folks who hunt turkey that could show you what we have done with different loads. Comparing Winchester extended to the other loads was sort of a unfair comparison..just my two cents worth..Call them up close and shot them in the face!!
I've shot hevi 13 since it was introduced. I have difficulty believing that a box of $8 shells can shoot as well as it does. At 40 yds my pellet count is as good as the tested loads at 25 yds. P.S. - A turkey is worth a $5 shell to me all day long.
Note to my first post, I hunt in a wooded area with most shots being inside 12 yards, the article talks about shooting out to 40 yards which never happens for me. In all fairness I've not tested my shells - 2 3/4, 1.25 oz #5, 3.75 dram eq. Federal Upland Load, past 15 yards. Also to R.B. not bragging but usually one shot per bird per season, it's easy to hit them at 8 yards.
Really guys, who can't afford the $30+ price for 10 shells? You shoot maybe three to 5 for patterning then you've got the other 5 for birds. How often do you spend $$$'s for other 'stuff' to hunt with? My real problem is that there was no HeviShot or Remington shotshell comparison and no actual pattern-to-distance comparisons. If OL is just comparing prices then lay out a more complete price evaluation; if a 'real' evaluation/comparison is your goal, then complete the task. Don't just compare a select few loads!
I agree with all the other comments that $27/5,$34/10 is way over price. I may think about $18/10 being that you probably shoot 3 to 4 shells in our 5 day Wisconsin season.But I got good kill's with cheaper turkey loads.
I think you have to realize who the majority of your readers are. We are the everyday working people who can just barely afford to take the time off from work to hunt. No way can we afford the prices of these specialty shells, especially when you can get a box of 25 2 3/4" #4's for less than $10.00. And I have to believe they get the job done just as well as your high priced specialty shells. You should keep this in mind when you decide to tell us what we should be using.
First make sure the load you are shooting is legal in your area. Secondly, are you guys nuts? $27/5, $18/10, $34/10!! I did some testing with my 870 and am shooting shells that are $8/25 and have the mounts and meat to show they work.
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First make sure the load you are shooting is legal in your area. Secondly, are you guys nuts? $27/5, $18/10, $34/10!! I did some testing with my 870 and am shooting shells that are $8/25 and have the mounts and meat to show they work.
I think you have to realize who the majority of your readers are. We are the everyday working people who can just barely afford to take the time off from work to hunt. No way can we afford the prices of these specialty shells, especially when you can get a box of 25 2 3/4" #4's for less than $10.00. And I have to believe they get the job done just as well as your high priced specialty shells. You should keep this in mind when you decide to tell us what we should be using.
Really guys, who can't afford the $30+ price for 10 shells? You shoot maybe three to 5 for patterning then you've got the other 5 for birds. How often do you spend $$$'s for other 'stuff' to hunt with? My real problem is that there was no HeviShot or Remington shotshell comparison and no actual pattern-to-distance comparisons. If OL is just comparing prices then lay out a more complete price evaluation; if a 'real' evaluation/comparison is your goal, then complete the task. Don't just compare a select few loads!
Note to my first post, I hunt in a wooded area with most shots being inside 12 yards, the article talks about shooting out to 40 yards which never happens for me. In all fairness I've not tested my shells - 2 3/4, 1.25 oz #5, 3.75 dram eq. Federal Upland Load, past 15 yards. Also to R.B. not bragging but usually one shot per bird per season, it's easy to hit them at 8 yards.
I've shot hevi 13 since it was introduced. I have difficulty believing that a box of $8 shells can shoot as well as it does. At 40 yds my pellet count is as good as the tested loads at 25 yds. P.S. - A turkey is worth a $5 shell to me all day long.
I agree with all the other comments that $27/5,$34/10 is way over price. I may think about $18/10 being that you probably shoot 3 to 4 shells in our 5 day Wisconsin season.But I got good kill's with cheaper turkey loads.
I shoot Hevi-13, Blended 5-6-7, AND with their rebate they are 11.49 for 5...Ten years ago I would have laughted at the idea!But ammo has gone crazy the last 10 years..as everyone knows..
But out of my turkey gun it will put 90% of the shot in a 30 inch target at 40 yards...I am kind of disapointed at ODL testing,,,not much science to their method..There are tons of us folks who hunt turkey that could show you what we have done with different loads. Comparing Winchester extended to the other loads was sort of a unfair comparison..just my two cents worth..Call them up close and shot them in the face!!
I too was sticker shocked, but then I thought to myself, how many shells would I be using in a season? 3-5 to pattern and then I have the rest to hunt with. How is bagging a turkey not worth a $5-6 shell?
Post a Comment (200 characters or less)