If you had the to choose between 3.5 #5 or #6 longbeard which would you go with and why? I know the 6s pattern a lot better because of more available shot in shell. But what would be furthest you would shoot with the 6s? Don't plan on shooting over 40 just curious if the 6s will do the job. Im fairly new to turkey hunting just trying to decide on 5s or 6s. Ive got a Mossberg 835 with a Indian Creek choke in the mail. Thanks!
Quote from: tonybforua on February 09, 2015, 09:54:50 AM
If you had the to choose between 3.5 #5 or #6 longbeard which would you go with and why? I know the 6s pattern a lot better because of more available shot in shell. But what would be furthest you would shoot with the 6s? Don't plan on shooting over 40 just curious if the 6s will do the job. Im fairly new to turkey hunting just trying to decide on 5s or 6s. Ive got a Mossberg 835 with a Indian Creek choke in the mail. Thanks!
The highlighted is arbitrary at best. Turkey hunting is not a "see how far you can kill'em" sport. But for me, I don't shoot past 40 no matter and the vast majority have come within 20-25 yds..Used 6's for years and have never had a problem.. Any good "copper-plated" load will kill turkeys at 25-35 yd ranges, maybe a bit more...Here again, for me, I would use the 6's. They will carry enough energy at these distances to get the job done....Good luck to you this season..
I have no plans of shooting over 40. I guess I should have stated my question as would 6s do the job inside 40 and just for my curiosity what is the ethical range of 6s? I have very little knowledge of what shot will do what being new to this. Just asking to make myself more know-ledgable on this topic. Thanks!
You'll be MORE than fine at that range shooting 6's....however...if you can't find 6's don't even hesitate to get some 5's they will crush a bird at 40 and under. Either way you should be fine. Best of luck!!! :-)
Thanks for the info drum817. Cant wait for my IC choke to get here to see how it patterns. Kinda wish I would have bought a Truglo SSX now from what ive read online. Hope the IC does me well.
I like the 6's for pattern density. pattern will fail before penetration, but the 5's hold a pretty good pattern also. either one will do a fine job.
Quote from: tonybforua on February 09, 2015, 05:56:03 PM
Thanks for the info drum817. Cant wait for my IC choke to get here to see how it patterns. Kinda wish I would have bought a Truglo SSX now from what ive read online. Hope the IC does me well.
The IC will serve you well....plus it's made in the U.S.A. (ssx made in china).... Please let us know how it patterns!!! :icon_thumright:
Will do. Going to convention this weekend. If I get back in time Im gonna run some threw it.
Quote from: tonybforua on February 09, 2015, 09:12:36 PM
Will do. Going to convention this weekend. If I get back in time Im gonna run some threw it.
. Have fun at the convention!!! Wish I was gonna be there!!!
I bought a box of both to see what shot the best out of my gun. 6s won so I went and bought the rest my local gun store had left. I would suggest shot both and make your decision based on that.
the 6's have more bb's but my gun shot the 5's tighter
I have never tried the 3.5 in. But with 3in #5s I was getting 172 to 175 in the 10 at 40. I have always shot the biggest shot I could get a good pattern with.
Quote from: ep427 on February 19, 2015, 08:47:57 AM
I have never tried the 3.5 in. But with 3in #5s I was getting 172 to 175 in the 10 at 40. I have always shot the biggest shot I could get a good pattern with.
What gun and choke are you using?
Im not a numbers guy either. But with my Winnie 1300 KGT 665 and Win LB # 6 shot turkey is going for a ride in my car at 40 yds. :firefighter:
:drool: I am a bibber shot guy if it patterns well. I shoot 3.5 #5's. Al Baker
At 40 and in, it makes no difference at all. Both have more than enough pellet energy and pattern density to kill. We're not allowed to discuss beyond 40 yds on this site. But from my pattern testing, the 5s are going to run out of pattern density at about the same distance the 6s run out of pellet energy.
If you don't want to punish yourself use the 3". My son is using those and even the #4's are patterning very well out of his winchester SXP using an IC tube. Good luck
I've always liked 6's but have killed 'em 5's too. What ever patterns best in your gun is what I would shoot.
Ifn 40 yds is your ABSOLUTE max then go with #6....but what if yr in ideal conditions and a big ol gobbler sticks his head uo at 50+.....prolly still kill him but heres the pellets difference 2oz. of shot#5 has 340 ....2oz. of #6 shot has 450.....my advice shoot em both and pick the most consistent pattern....GOOD LUCK!!!!
I agree with the most consistent patten or even pattern with no holes to your effective range. I simply cannot see the sense of counting pellets. Am I missing something? My best Gobbler was 22lbs, one inch spurs and 10.5 beard this spring. Dropped at about thirty yards with BPS pump old model shooting only 3 inch shells with Long Beard # 4's. I shoot number 4's in case I need to make a longer shot. I tried to post a picture but kept getting an error. Just wondering if I am wrong in thinking too much attention is being paid to pellet count.
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.
I shoot 3" number 5 Longbeards...Those 3 1/2"...MY GOD!!! Why would you take that punishment???!!!
The three inch 5's will kill at 40, no problem, given a good pattern density out of your gun of course, and they'll have a little extra kick if you misjudge the yardage some.
Most of your shots are going to likely be in close. 20-25-30 yds. so either 3" 5's or 6's will be WAY more than you need. The main problem with them, if you consider it a problem, is how tight they shoot in close (15 yds. and under). You better be "on" at those yardages!
I agree with you Ihuntoldschool. I guess I was venting too much. I just read so much on the forums that, in my opinion, is essentially not really useful to the novice hunter or really any hunter. I agree that their are many different loads and chokes on the market then yesterday. I do keep up with many of them such as the new LB which I have switched too.
But I see novice hunters getting into the sport reading stuff like you must have the newest and best shotgun. The best Turkey loads patterned to 200 pellets at 40 yards or you can kill a Turkey at 80 yards with the new loads if you feel it is an ethical distance. It is a wonder they ever kill a Turkey or do not become totally discouraged.
Best thing for a novice in my opinion is to get with an experienced Turkey hunter or hire a guide to see what it is like in the real world. I also agree with sixbird 3 inch is all you need to kill a turkey while enjoying the hunt and shot. Sometimes we just make our world too complicated.
As well as i've seen the Win L.B patterns go with #5s or even #4s... never can tell when u may have one hang up a lil further or misjudge distance.