Turkey hunting forum for turkey hunting tips

Turkey Guns & Shooting => 20 Gauge Turkey Guns => Topic started by: robertreed711 on February 24, 2019, 09:20:45 PM

Title: Long beard XR #5 or #6
Post by: robertreed711 on February 24, 2019, 09:20:45 PM
Hey all, getting ready to order some ammo. Was going to get 2 boxes of #5 and 2 boxes of #6 but wondering if I should just get 4 boxes of the #6.

This is my first 20 gauge set up and it seems like the ~65 extra pellets you get with a #6 would make more sense.

Anyone care to help me decide?
Title: Re: Long beard XR #5 or #6
Post by: Tom Foolery on February 24, 2019, 09:53:37 PM
I'm a fan of more pellets so it'd be 6's for me.
Title: Re: Long beard XR #5 or #6
Post by: Clydetaylor1 on February 24, 2019, 09:54:55 PM
I would go with 6's.
Title: Re: Long beard XR #5 or #6
Post by: RED NECK on February 24, 2019, 11:49:33 PM
I prefer the #6 for 20 gauge but for my 12 gauge I shoot 4 & 5"s,I would get the 6's for sure.
Title: Re: Long beard XR #5 or #6
Post by: BandedSpur on February 25, 2019, 07:32:10 AM
6s in the 20, 5s in the 12 ga, 4s in nothing.
Title: Re: Long beard XR #5 or #6
Post by: robertreed711 on February 25, 2019, 08:25:09 AM
Thanks everyone, that confirms my initial thoughts.
Title: Re: Long beard XR #5 or #6
Post by: limbhanger777 on February 25, 2019, 08:41:32 AM
I even prefer the 6's in 12 ga. Much denser pattern within ethical turkey ranges.
Title: Re: Long beard XR #5 or #6
Post by: robertreed711 on February 25, 2019, 11:38:31 AM
Quote from: limbhanger777 on February 25, 2019, 08:41:32 AM
I even prefer the 6's in 12 ga. Much denser pattern within ethical turkey ranges.

Says the guy talking about shooting 60+ yards.......
Title: Re: Long beard XR #5 or #6
Post by: DBell on February 25, 2019, 01:00:32 PM
Quote from: robertreed711 on February 24, 2019, 09:20:45 PM
Hey all, getting ready to order some ammo. Was going to get 2 boxes of #5 and 2 boxes of #6 but wondering if I should just get 4 boxes of the #6.

This is my first 20 gauge set up and it seems like the ~65 extra pellets you get with a #6 would make more sense.

Anyone care to help me decide?
I'm also curious how the LB 5s pattern. Did you order all 6s already? Probably can't go wrong with either.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Long beard XR #5 or #6
Post by: robertreed711 on February 25, 2019, 01:50:34 PM
Quote from: DBell on February 25, 2019, 01:00:32 PM
Quote from: robertreed711 on February 24, 2019, 09:20:45 PM
Hey all, getting ready to order some ammo. Was going to get 2 boxes of #5 and 2 boxes of #6 but wondering if I should just get 4 boxes of the #6.

This is my first 20 gauge set up and it seems like the ~65 extra pellets you get with a #6 would make more sense.

Anyone care to help me decide?
I'm also curious how the LB 5s pattern. Did you order all 6s already? Probably can't go wrong with either.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No, I haven't ordered yet. Will probably be doing it tonight along with ordering the gun.
Title: Re: Long beard XR #5 or #6
Post by: DBell on February 25, 2019, 04:47:07 PM
Quote from: robertreed711 on February 25, 2019, 01:50:34 PM
Quote from: DBell on February 25, 2019, 01:00:32 PM
Quote from: robertreed711 on February 24, 2019, 09:20:45 PM
Hey all, getting ready to order some ammo. Was going to get 2 boxes of #5 and 2 boxes of #6 but wondering if I should just get 4 boxes of the #6.

This is my first 20 gauge set up and it seems like the ~65 extra pellets you get with a #6 would make more sense.

Anyone care to help me decide?
I'm also curious how the LB 5s pattern. Did you order all 6s already? Probably can't go wrong with either.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No, I haven't ordered yet. Will probably be doing it tonight along with ordering the gun.
You may not be interested if you are set on shooting only the longbeards, but if you want to try some #5, the new fed grand slams do well for me (.570) and if they don't shoot you're only out 12 bucks. Won't look as good as the LB at 40 but if you're happy with a 35 yard gun these things shoot


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Long beard XR #5 or #6
Post by: robertreed711 on February 25, 2019, 06:32:57 PM
Quote from: DBell on February 25, 2019, 04:47:07 PM
Quote from: robertreed711 on February 25, 2019, 01:50:34 PM
Quote from: DBell on February 25, 2019, 01:00:32 PM
Quote from: robertreed711 on February 24, 2019, 09:20:45 PM
Hey all, getting ready to order some ammo. Was going to get 2 boxes of #5 and 2 boxes of #6 but wondering if I should just get 4 boxes of the #6.

This is my first 20 gauge set up and it seems like the ~65 extra pellets you get with a #6 would make more sense.

Anyone care to help me decide?
I'm also curious how the LB 5s pattern. Did you order all 6s already? Probably can't go wrong with either.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No, I haven't ordered yet. Will probably be doing it tonight along with ordering the gun.
You may not be interested if you are set on shooting only the longbeards, but if you want to try some #5, the new fed grand slams do well for me (.570) and if they don't shoot you're only out 12 bucks. Won't look as good as the LB at 40 but if you're happy with a 35 yard gun these things shoot


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Just ordered 4 boxes of the #6 along with the Carlson's LB choke. Ammo was $16/box and I got the choke for $33. Figured I couldn't go wrong at those prices.
Title: Re: Long beard XR #5 or #6
Post by: RED NECK on February 25, 2019, 07:41:27 PM
I have the 5's and 6's,the 6's seem to be a better shell out of my different guns and chokes at 40 yards,the 5's are a 35 yard pattern.Long beards are an excellent shell,the 6's are my favorite for the 20 gauge.
Title: Long beard XR #5 or #6
Post by: DBell on February 25, 2019, 07:48:54 PM
Quote from: robertreed711 on February 25, 2019, 06:32:57 PM
Quote from: DBell on February 25, 2019, 04:47:07 PM
Quote from: robertreed711 on February 25, 2019, 01:50:34 PM
Quote from: DBell on February 25, 2019, 01:00:32 PM
Quote from: robertreed711 on February 24, 2019, 09:20:45 PM
Hey all, getting ready to order some ammo. Was going to get 2 boxes of #5 and 2 boxes of #6 but wondering if I should just get 4 boxes of the #6.

This is my first 20 gauge set up and it seems like the ~65 extra pellets you get with a #6 would make more sense.

Anyone care to help me decide?
I'm also curious how the LB 5s pattern. Did you order all 6s already? Probably can't go wrong with either.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No, I haven't ordered yet. Will probably be doing it tonight along with ordering the gun.
You may not be interested if you are set on shooting only the longbeards, but if you want to try some #5, the new fed grand slams do well for me (.570) and if they don't shoot you're only out 12 bucks. Won't look as good as the LB at 40 but if you're happy with a 35 yard gun these things shoot


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Just ordered 4 boxes of the #6 along with the Carlson's LB choke. Ammo was $16/box and I got the choke for $33. Figured I couldn't go wrong at those prices.
Yup good call. Throw some pics up when you get it shootin


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Long beard XR #5 or #6
Post by: robertreed711 on February 25, 2019, 08:00:39 PM
Quote from: DBell on February 25, 2019, 07:48:54 PM
Quote from: robertreed711 on February 25, 2019, 06:32:57 PM
Quote from: DBell on February 25, 2019, 04:47:07 PM
Quote from: robertreed711 on February 25, 2019, 01:50:34 PM
Quote from: DBell on February 25, 2019, 01:00:32 PM
Quote from: robertreed711 on February 24, 2019, 09:20:45 PM
Hey all, getting ready to order some ammo. Was going to get 2 boxes of #5 and 2 boxes of #6 but wondering if I should just get 4 boxes of the #6.

This is my first 20 gauge set up and it seems like the ~65 extra pellets you get with a #6 would make more sense.

Anyone care to help me decide?
I'm also curious how the LB 5s pattern. Did you order all 6s already? Probably can't go wrong with either.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No, I haven't ordered yet. Will probably be doing it tonight along with ordering the gun.
You may not be interested if you are set on shooting only the longbeards, but if you want to try some #5, the new fed grand slams do well for me (.570) and if they don't shoot you're only out 12 bucks. Won't look as good as the LB at 40 but if you're happy with a 35 yard gun these things shoot


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Just ordered 4 boxes of the #6 along with the Carlson's LB choke. Ammo was $16/box and I got the choke for $33. Figured I couldn't go wrong at those prices.
Yup good call. Throw some pics up when you get it shootin


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Will do. Ordered the gun tonight too, LOL. My card is hurting!
Title: Re: Long beard XR #5 or #6
Post by: petemoss83 on February 25, 2019, 10:53:55 PM
Ive had good luck with the long beard #5's out of my rem 1187 20 ga compact with a carlson long beard choke. Very good patterns to 40yds and beyond.  I always pattern my guns at 20, 30, 40, ....and yes 50yds. I try my best to keep shots close but i like to know i have wiggle room if i make a mistake which we all do! This is a typical 50yd pattern with my setup. So my vote goes to the #5's for my setup that is! Hope this info helps you out and good luck this season! Hope the pic posts.
Title: Re: Long beard XR #5 or #6
Post by: robertreed711 on February 26, 2019, 08:32:24 AM
Quote from: petemoss83 on February 25, 2019, 10:53:55 PM
Ive had good luck with the long beard #5's out of my rem 1187 20 ga compact with a carlson long beard choke. Very good patterns to 40yds and beyond.  I always pattern my guns at 20, 30, 40, ....and yes 50yds. I try my best to keep shots close but i like to know i have wiggle room if i make a mistake which we all do! This is a typical 50yd pattern with my setup. So my vote goes to the #5's for my setup that is! Hope this info helps you out and good luck this season! Hope the pic posts.

Thanks for sharing!

Just for clarification, is the turkey in the photo just to show scale? Seems like looking at that pattern it should have put many more hits on target.
Title: Re: Long beard XR #5 or #6
Post by: PALongspur on February 26, 2019, 08:38:27 AM
Quote from: DBell on February 25, 2019, 04:47:07 PM
Quote from: robertreed711 on February 25, 2019, 01:50:34 PM
Quote from: DBell on February 25, 2019, 01:00:32 PM
Quote from: robertreed711 on February 24, 2019, 09:20:45 PM
Hey all, getting ready to order some ammo. Was going to get 2 boxes of #5 and 2 boxes of #6 but wondering if I should just get 4 boxes of the #6.

This is my first 20 gauge set up and it seems like the ~65 extra pellets you get with a #6 would make more sense.

Anyone care to help me decide?
I'm also curious how the LB 5s pattern. Did you order all 6s already? Probably can't go wrong with either.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No, I haven't ordered yet. Will probably be doing it tonight along with ordering the gun.
You may not be interested if you are set on shooting only the longbeards, but if you want to try some #5, the new fed grand slams do well for me (.570) and if they don't shoot you're only out 12 bucks. Won't look as good as the LB at 40 but if you're happy with a 35 yard gun these things shoot


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

:agreed:

Awesome shells for the money!!
Title: Re: Long beard XR #5 or #6
Post by: HD28 on February 26, 2019, 09:24:28 AM
Here are Longbeard #6s from my 870 20 ga using a Tightwad choke.


20
Title: Re: Long beard XR #5 or #6
Post by: HD28 on February 26, 2019, 09:24:59 AM
30
Title: Re: Long beard XR #5 or #6
Post by: HD28 on February 26, 2019, 09:25:20 AM
40

I say that 40 yds is max. for my gun right now.
Title: Re: Long beard XR #5 or #6
Post by: DBell on February 26, 2019, 10:23:58 AM
Quote from: HD28 on February 26, 2019, 09:25:20 AM
40

I say that 40 yds is max. for my gun right now.
Agreed
What length barrel? This is out of my 870 with 26" barrel
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190226/9cd5384794030010049ad9f30aaae631.jpg)
I just bought a compact 870 with 21" barrel and will be trying to get something to pattern with a .565 Trulock


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Long beard XR #5 or #6
Post by: HD28 on February 26, 2019, 10:30:28 AM
Mine is 21" barrel. .570 Primos Tightwad choke.
Title: Re: Long beard XR #5 or #6
Post by: petemoss83 on February 26, 2019, 06:58:18 PM
Yes that turkey is there for scale reasons and wasnt actually shot by the pattern you see in the pic. Either shell will do the job at 40yds but the #6 will almost always put up better patterns.
Title: Re: Long beard XR #5 or #6
Post by: robertreed711 on February 26, 2019, 08:32:17 PM
Quote from: petemoss83 on February 26, 2019, 06:58:18 PM
Yes that turkey is there for scale reasons and wasnt actually shot by the pattern you see in the pic. Either shell will do the job at 40yds but the #6 will almost always put up better patterns.

Thanks!

Just curious, you say #6 will almost always produce a better pattern but up above you say you prefer #5. Can I ask why?
Title: Re: Long beard XR #5 or #6
Post by: DBell on February 26, 2019, 08:45:00 PM
Quote from: robertreed711 on February 26, 2019, 08:32:17 PM
Quote from: petemoss83 on February 26, 2019, 06:58:18 PM
Yes that turkey is there for scale reasons and wasnt actually shot by the pattern you see in the pic. Either shell will do the job at 40yds but the #6 will almost always put up better patterns.

Thanks!

Just curious, you say #6 will almost always produce a better pattern but up above you say you prefer #5. Can I ask why?
Maybe number wise the #6 is better but his #5 pattern looking like it does in the pic, is his preferred hunting load due to the heavier pellet. Just my guess.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Long beard XR #5 or #6
Post by: petemoss83 on February 27, 2019, 01:24:58 PM
Yes i prefer the 5s because they hold a very effective pattern through my gun and carry more energy than the 6s. I can get 120 in the 10@40 with #5 ....and 150 in the 10@40 with #6 shot. Its really just a personal preference though. 
Title: Re: Long beard XR #5 or #6
Post by: 7shooter on February 27, 2019, 01:41:58 PM
I was told years ago that 2 #6's in the head was more effective then 1 #5.  I always thought that was good logic.