Best load for old fixed choke guns

[Nate K]

This is probably a long shot but here goes:

I have an older Ithaca M37 20 gauge with a 28" fixed full barrel that I would like to try and bag at least one turkey with this year. Obviously I will be limited on range compared to my M2 but that's kind of the point.

Do you guys have any advice on different loads (2 3/4" only) I should try from this old gun? I figured for now I'm just going to try as many different loads of lead #5s and #6s and go with what has the most even pattern at a reasonable range but any info would be great!

Also, any warnings on what not to shoot through an older gun would be appreciated!

Thanks.

[roverboy]

My brother in law used to hunt with an old Remington M41 pump 20 gauge. It had a standard fixed full choke. He used to used  1 ounce loads with 5 or 6 shot. It only had a 2 3/4" chamber too. I know it don't sound like much but, he killed at least 8 or 10 birds with it. He didn't take shots over about 35 yards. Federal makes a 2 3/4 Wing-Shok load with 1 1/8 oz.

[CrustyRusty]

Winchester make a load called the Super Pheasant I believe.  May want to check that out

[Deputy 14]

I'd bet some of the flight control was shells from Federal should pattern pretty decent.

[daddyduke]

Had good luck with Federal Game-Shok 2 3/4 #6s.

[surehuntsalot]

Had good luck with Federal Game-Shok 2 3/4 #6s.

X2
I've hade good luck with these shells myself

[pdaugherty]

If you've got an older gun that you want great performance out of I would try the Hevi-Shot classic doubles. They're a great load that works well with older guns. I've shot some of the #6s in my dads old 16ga and they performed great, plus it's a HTL load too.

[kyhareraiser]

are these shells a 3" shell or 2 3/4? sounds like what i'm looking for

[Takeaim1st]

Nate K, Sir.   An Ithaca model 37 featherlight 20 gage - 2 3/4 inch chamber is the shotgun I hunt with. I use Federal Heavyweight # 7 in it . The little gun has taken many gobblers.  It is a pleasure to carry due to the light weight. It patterns very well, at least out to 30 yds. That is the farthest distance I have ever shot it for patterns.  I have never taken a gobbler past 27 yds. , most have been less than 25 yds. The topography  where I hunt is ridges and hollows, I try to setup so that when a gobbler comes in, He is in my comfort zone for making the shot. I purchased several boxes of the Federal heavyweight 7 , from Rodgers sporting goods, on line,  a couple weeks ago, as they have discontinued production of them and now manufacture the TSS shells. If the Heavyweights are still available the price has been reduced.