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Turkey Guns & Shooting => 10 Gauge Turkey Guns => Topic started by: Ridge Rooster on September 14, 2021, 07:00:29 PM

Title: BPS 10 project.
Post by: Ridge Rooster on September 14, 2021, 07:00:29 PM
Bought a used 26" barreled BPS Stalker 10Ga with intent to modify to a turkey specific gun. I used it in its factory configuration to kill a nice Kentucky tom this past spring. After shooting the gobbler I tore it down and sent action to Rob Roberts to lighten the trigger and drill/tap for a Sumtoy FF base. They did an excellent job. While action was being worked on I sent barrel to Comp n Choke to have shortened to 21.5" and threaded for Tru-Choke threads and had them send me one of their turkey chokes in XXFull chokes. After getting both back I send gun to Ethridge Hydrographics in Cadiz Kentucky to have gun dipped in Old School  Mossy Oak Bottom Land. Just got gun back from them today, they also done excellent work as usual, I mounted Sumtoy base and FF3 torqued and Loc-tited, I shot Apex thru gun in factory configuration and it done great, I was using a Indian Creek in it then. I ordered enough reloading components to last me a life time but I am having trouble finding load information. I did contact Hawg Lips and he gave me a load that utilizes the same amount of shot as the Apex load but I would like to find other loads to try. Can anyone direst me to some load information? I am looking for something with a large payload of 2 5/8oz to 3oz load data. I have Cheddite hulls, Lil Gun powder, TPS wads and Mylar. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks
Ridge Rooster



Title: Re: BPS 10 project.
Post by: Ridge Rooster on September 14, 2021, 07:13:43 PM
I am sure someone is thinking you don't need 3oz of shot to kill a turkey, I know I have killed 6 with a 410 but this is a hobby and I am a pellet counter who loves to mess with loads. I have a good bit of shot but would be willing to purchase some more for load advice.

Thanks
Ridge Rooster
Title: Re: BPS 10 project.
Post by: Ridge Rooster on September 15, 2021, 09:24:47 AM
Shot Apex out of it in factory configuration with Indian Creek choke and got great patterns but the price went up to over $70 dollars for 5, Nitro has a 2 5/8oz load that I have not tried, Nitro also offers a 3oz lead load. Has anyone dissected an Apex or Nitro and figured out recipe?

Saw where Ballistic Products offers a manual for loading 10ga called "The Mighty 10". Question is for people who own or have looked at this manual and is it worth buying.


Thanks
Ridge Rooster
Title: Re: BPS 10 project.
Post by: the Ward on September 15, 2021, 10:47:12 AM
I know there is a couple members here that load tss/ hevishot in the 10, hopefully they see this and can help you out. Also, there was a member on duck hunters refuge who unfortunately passed on recently that has a book on reloading the 10. I think his wife is still selling them, i believe it is at the top of the page in the shooting forum. I don't know what all loads there are, but i believe they are all tested loads. might be worth a try. Sounds like your ten turned out awesome! I took a turkey this spring with mine with the new 24" barrel and indian creek .710. Used old Rem hevishot 6 shot.Tried to post up pattern pictures and stuff but i just can't get it to work!
Title: Re: BPS 10 project.
Post by: Ridge Rooster on September 15, 2021, 02:39:01 PM
Yes sir it turned out pretty nice. I will look into the manual you mentioned.

Ridge Rooster
Title: Re: BPS 10 project.
Post by: Ridge Rooster on September 15, 2021, 02:40:54 PM
yes I need to figure out how to post pictures. How was your pellet count with the 6's?

Ridge Rooster
Title: Re: BPS 10 project.
Post by: the Ward on September 16, 2021, 09:07:03 AM
The load was Remington Hevishot 1-7/8ths ounce 6 shot. I am not sure of the 10" count with this as i only have a small number left so i just shot a turkey head target to check poi. I had just patterned both Winchester 5s and old Rem 4x6 duplex, and both of them surprisingly shot identical 168 in the 10" at 30 yards with the 24" barrel and I.C. .710 choke. The Hevishot #6 was much denser than either of those loads on the turkey head. I normally pattern at 40, but where i shoot sometimes gets a little flooded and i can't set up target at that distance. All the patterns were very even, and to point of aim, slightly high, but i fixed that with a taller bead.I passed on a deal a few years ago to buy a bunch of those shells from another member, i just was short on cash at that time, and now i'm wishing i could have bought them. I had previously patterned them through a pure gold .680, and i think they were in the 170ish at 40. Hot core though, not forgiving for hunting with a bead. I decided i was just going to go back to using my 10 for waterfowl  and sold my turkey chokes. Then i was able to get a 24" barrel and decided to start taking it for turkey again lol!
Title: Re: BPS 10 project.
Post by: Ridge Rooster on September 16, 2021, 09:36:25 AM
When I used and checked pattern I used Apex ammo. It is exspensive but damn they pattern! 450 in 10" and another 300 in 20". I had adjustable sights I believe they were either Tru-Glo Mag Gobble Dots, or Williams Fire Sights. Just before season I put a Meadow Creek mount on rail with a FF3. After killing turkey I broke it down and sent it off to have it Drilled/Tapped for Sumtoy base for FF3.

Ridge Rooster
Title: Re: BPS 10 project.
Post by: the Ward on September 17, 2021, 08:29:50 AM
When I used and checked pattern I used Apex ammo. It is exspensive but damn they pattern! 450 in 10" and another 300 in 20". I had adjustable sights I believe they were either Tru-Glo Mag Gobble Dots, or Williams Fire Sights. Just before season I put a Meadow Creek mount on rail with a FF3. After killing turkey I broke it down and sent it off to have it Drilled/Tapped for Sumtoy base for FF3.

Ridge Rooster
Wow, I'd say that's some impressive numbers! What size shot in the Apex shell?I tried a meadow creek on mine, but it sat a little too high for me. I would have to raise the comb on the stock to get a good cheekweld, and i didn't want to mess around doing that on a dual purpose gun. If i come across another 10 i will probably do what you did and go the drill and tap/Sumtoy mount. Yea i can't get the picture posting thing figured out. My son, who is fairly computer savvy, couldn't get it to work either. We couldn't get the pictures to re-size to post.He said he would try to figure it out again when he gets some free time.
Title: Re: BPS 10 project.
Post by: the Ward on September 17, 2021, 08:42:45 AM
I just got a new mag spring and follower in yesterday. I figured i would put in a fresh one before waterfowl season for preventative maintenence. I got them from midwest gun works. I have a lot of steel shot for it, so it is going to be my main gun this season. I have a small reserve of 12 gauge steel, so i am going to use that only on certain hunts.Hard to find steel 12 gauge now, especially cases. We usually stock back up after season, but with the current ammo situation it's been difficult.Thankfully 10 gauge has been readily available, so i stocked up on it earlier this year.I know the only 10 gauge turkey ammo i could find locally was the Winchester and Remington. I wanted to try the new Federal grand slams with the flex-wad, but couldn't find any. I have a decent amount of turkey loads, so i am set for a few years,  hopefully by then the ammo situation will have improved.
Title: Re: BPS 10 project.
Post by: Ridge Rooster on September 17, 2021, 02:08:18 PM
Shot size in Apex TSS that I was using is #9's. These rounds produced similar numbers in my buddies SP10 and his H+R 10. I think you can get 8's and maybe even 7's in the Apex but they say the 9's will kill them way out further than I ever plan to shoot.

Really want to get the handloads developed because of the price on the Apex.

Macks Praire Wings had some Mag Blend turkey loads last time I looked. They say they are the best factory patterning ammo turkey ammo other than Apex or Nitro. I have not tried them but hear they are great and half the price almost of Apex.

I got fat cheeks so the Meadow Creek did fine for me. I may wind up putting a God A Grip shotgun wedge on stock, I have done this on several of my other turkey guns, just to give my eye a little lift and cheek a little cushion.

Ridge Rooster
Title: Re: BPS 10 project.
Post by: Ridge Rooster on September 18, 2021, 04:33:27 PM
Just shot an Apex thru my gun with the Comp N Choke XXfull and it did 400 in 10" at 40 yards. Good but my Mossberg 835 with Indian Creek .675 put 470 in 10".
If I am gonna pack the big 10 I want to see a bit more than what the Mossberg will do that is why I have purchased reloading components. I am also gonna see if Mr. William at Sumtoy can make me a little tighter choke.

Ridge Rooster
Title: Re: BPS 10 project.
Post by: the Ward on September 19, 2021, 07:36:04 AM
I'm sure Sumtoy can get a choke built that will shoot what your looking for. I may try the Magblends in the future, i have heard they are very good in the 10 also. I know they pattern very well in my 12 gauges. That Tss though is on another level altogether when it comes to performance. I am pretty content at the moment with how my gun is shooting, I wanted a forgiving pattern at closer range with the bead, and for the most of the areas i hunt it's near ideal. Downside is there are sometimes i may have to let one walk in more open terrain. It is fun and addictive though to try and get a gun shooting at it's maximum potential,  I have had a lot of enjoyment and personal satisfaction testing and trying new combos during the summer. Looking forward to hearing how your 10 patterns with the tss handloads and new choke combo.
Title: Re: BPS 10 project.
Post by: Ridge Rooster on September 19, 2021, 11:38:18 AM
Will keep you posted. My goal is to see 500 in 10" and 300+ in 20". I have a list of some loads I have gathered and still in searching for more. I know that Nitro Ammunition Company offers a load that they say will do what I am after but dang they exspensive!

Ridge Rooster
Title: Re: BPS 10 project.
Post by: Ridge Rooster on September 19, 2021, 04:27:32 PM
Cleaned bore really well and shot another Apex about 1hr ago. Got 515 in 10" and 238 in 20" at a laser ranged 40 yards. Would just buy Apex if it wasn't so high.

Ridge Rooster
Title: Re: BPS 10 project.
Post by: 4nolz2 on September 19, 2021, 08:46:22 PM
If you have some TSS trading stock (most any gauge) I probably have a couple 10 gauge Nitros if you want to try them
Title: Re: BPS 10 project.
Post by: the Ward on September 20, 2021, 11:51:21 AM
Cleaned bore really well and shot another Apex about 1hr ago. Got 515 in 10" and 238 in 20" at a laser ranged 40 yards. Would just buy Apex if it wasn't so high.

Ridge Rooster
[/quote] That is awesome! :you_rock: That is about 3 times the pellets in the 10" than i'm getting with the ammo i have been shooting. That is going to be devastating to any turkey for sure!
Title: Re: BPS 10 project.
Post by: 4nolz2 on September 20, 2021, 08:41:51 PM
Answered your PM ridge rooster
Title: Re: BPS 10 project.
Post by: Tom007 on September 23, 2021, 08:55:59 AM
Wow, numbers in the 500’s are rare…..that will do the job for sure..good luck..
Title: Re: BPS 10 project.
Post by: Ridge Rooster on September 23, 2021, 11:26:10 AM
Yes the 515 count has been the most I have personally witnessed in the 10" at 40. My hunting buddies 835 did high 400's with Apex 3.5" 9's. Nitro claims that using their recommended choke and ammo will do 490-540.

Ridge Rooster
Title: Re: BPS 10 project.
Post by: Tom007 on September 23, 2021, 12:40:46 PM
Fantastic, great gun there……
Title: Re: BPS 10 project.
Post by: 4nolz2 on September 30, 2021, 07:18:50 PM
RR the Nitros I sent you I've never got >500 more like 450 but Nitro says they can maybe you'll be able to.


WE REALLY NEED TO BE ABLE TO POST PATTERN PICTURES HERE IF A MODERATOR SEES THIS!!!!
Title: Re: BPS 10 project.
Post by: Ridge Rooster on September 30, 2021, 09:07:38 PM
What type and constriction choke have you tried it through?

I need to figure out how to post a picture.

Ridge Rooster
Title: Re: BPS 10 project.
Post by: 4nolz2 on September 30, 2021, 10:50:57 PM
Name it I've tried it best so far in my sp-10 was Jebs high voltage .675.I wish I could post pictures
Title: Re: BPS 10 project.
Post by: Ridge Rooster on October 01, 2021, 06:08:48 AM
My hunting buddies SP10 with 23" barrel and Rhino (I think it is a .690) will do high 400's with Apex 9's. I just had Mr. William at Sumtoy  make me a .680 to try. Waiting on a wad splitter to show to start loading and will give it and the Comp n Choke .695 mentioned above, a try.



Ridge Rooster
Title: Re: BPS 10 project.
Post by: the Ward on October 01, 2021, 01:01:17 PM


WE REALLY NEED TO BE ABLE TO POST PATTERN PICTURES HERE IF A MODERATOR SEES THIS!!!!
  :icon_thumright: Amen to that!
Title: Re: BPS 10 project.
Post by: 457121 on October 03, 2021, 12:30:35 PM
Yes sir it turned out pretty nice. I will look into the manual you mentioned.

Ridge Rooster
Ridge Rooster,
I have both 10ga. reloading manuals mentioned, the Ballistic Products "Mighty 10" and Joe Speroni's "High Performance Reloading for the 10ga."
Title: Re: BPS 10 project.
Post by: Ridge Rooster on October 10, 2021, 07:19:38 PM
Just got "The Mighty 10", seems like most of the large payload recipes call for STEEL powder. Having issues finding STEEL

Ridge Rooster
Title: Re: BPS 10 project.
Post by: deadbuck on October 15, 2021, 11:16:27 AM
Ridge Rooster, I admire your quest for the highest numbers possible. I shoot the 2 1/2 oz TSS recipe from Hal and have found that in my gun  a constriction in the .700-.710 range is better than .685-.695. That recipe costs me about $10 per shell to load myself. One question, why do you want to shoot #9 shot when you can get away with using larger shot sizes since you have a huge payload? Just wondering, I would rather have 200 TSS6 at 100 yards than 700 TSS9 at 40 yards knowing the effectiveness of the larger shot sizes at distance, but that is just me
Title: Re: BPS 10 project.
Post by: Ridge Rooster on October 15, 2021, 12:29:36 PM
I guess the way I understand, I could be wrong, but I have heard that 9's will kill at nearly double the distance we are allowed to talk about on this forum. The way I figure it is that I would like to keep the maximum number of shot in the 10" at 40, hence keeping the chance for maximum amount of shot in the 10 any further. It is also just a quest as my 12's will do over 400 in 10" at 40. I figured if I am gonna pack the extra weight it aught to have the performance to justify.

Ridge Rooster
Title: Re: BPS 10 project.
Post by: Ridge Rooster on December 25, 2021, 06:55:45 PM
Shot 2 handloads today because weather was good. These were the first I ever loaded for the 10. Both just cleared 500 in 10" and 380-400 in 20" with 3oz's of #9TSS. Pretty impressive patterns. I loaded up 4 more to try in my Buddies H+R and his SP10.

Ridge Rooster
Title: Re: BPS 10 project.
Post by: Ridge Rooster on December 26, 2021, 07:39:45 PM
Update on handload that shot good in my BPS. The H+R showed a little pressure as the shell wouldn't eject and primer hole looked a little deep but my buddies SP10 put 550 in the 10", couldn't get a good 20' count cause 1/2 of the shot hit above the target.

Ridge Rooster
Title: Re: BPS 10 project.
Post by: Ridge Rooster on December 27, 2021, 08:48:11 PM
Backed load off a grain and shot a 550 in 10" and 316 in 20". Unsure if I am going to settle on this load but you got to stop somewhere. Lol Seems to be the kinda performance expected out of the 10 gauge. This has been a quest just to see how good we could get them and only that. We are aware it is overkill but using a ten, 12, 16, 28, and 28 could be considered overkill also as I use a 410 a good bit. The 410 was a really difficult shotgun to get what I considered acceptable and repeatable patterns at 40, the big 10 not so much. But it has all been enjoyable! Got to get my shot trap complete!

Ridge Rooster
Title: Re: BPS 10 project.
Post by: Ridge Rooster on January 01, 2022, 10:14:42 AM
Shot yesterday at one lower grain than last load that shot mid 500's and got 617 in 10" and 300+ in 20". Got the load figured out. Buddies SP10 liked the higher grain load and his H+R Single shot pierced a primer. We have noticed that it seems to have something going on because it pierces primers on factory loads also sometimes. Well at least we got 2 10's patterning like you would expect a 10ga to perform. Nitro and Apex didn't come close to what we can get with handloads so if you are going to use a 10 and want maximum performance than from our experience handloading is a must.

Ridge Rooster