Mtns, I agree with you as far as shooting the most consistent and even pattern. I also do not count pellets, never have. If I cannot look at a pattern(s) and judge whether it will be a reliable, consistent turkey killing pattern(s) without getting out a tape measure, drawing a perfect circle, and counting every little hole in that circle, 3 times no less to make sure I get it right, then something is wrong with me.
We both know that it only takes 1 pellet in the right place to kill the biggest gobbler around. More pellets in a given area just increase the probability of that 1 pellet striking a vital area, up to a point. However, to many pellets in a small area increases the probability of a miss, especially at closer ranges. I think mostly people just have fun trying different chokes, loads,barrel lengths, shotguns, shooting in different weather conditions trying to find that ultimate combination that will put up an incredibly high number of pellets in that magical circle that must be so important.
One thing you have to consider is today look at all the different turkey chokes and turkey loads that are available compared to years back when there were fewer or even none of either of them if you go back far enough. Look at all the articles written suggesting that you need 50 pellets in the turkeys head or neck to kill him. All of this is great for selling turkey chokes and turkey loads. But, I personally want a good hunting pattern, not really as concerned about having a pattern that would win a still target competition. Turkeys move their heads, they are not nearly as stationary as those targets we shoot.
