How slow will you go?

[Penguin907]

When looking at payload velocity do you get concerned about performance with slower loads? I've heard slower usually patterns tighter, but not sure at what point it really decreases pellet lethality.

[BandedSpur]

Impossible to say without first specifying what shot material and size. But since you have recently been posting about lead 4s, I will answer for that. Lead 4s will still penetrate 1.25" of 20% ballistic gel to 48 yards when launched at "only" 800 fps. The answer would be a lot different with lead 6s. High velocity generally buys you little except extra recoil unless it is a marginally penetrating pellet like lead 7.5s for example.

I load all of my TSS loads at 1100 fps (keeping them subsonic),and see no reason for more speed.

[Tom007]

"Speed Kills", I would stay with velocities over 1000fps.

[Penguin907]

Impossible to say without first specifying what shot material and size. But since you have recently been posting about lead 4s, I will answer for that. Lead 4s will still penetrate 1.25" of 20% ballistic gel to 48 yards when launched at "only" 800 fps. The answer would be a lot different with lead 6s. High velocity generally buys you little except extra recoil unless it is a marginally penetrating pellet like lead 7.5s for example.

I load all of my TSS loads at 1100 fps (keeping them subsonic),and see no reason for more speed.

How'd you calculate those numbers? Asked my original question because #4 doesn't want to crimp as well with my load, so reducing the charge a bit to get a better crimp.

[Bowguy]

I disagree with the speed theory. Believe it's marketing bs. We've killed birds as long as can be with regular velocity and more shot.
They typically reduce payloads id think to not make a pipe bomb out of your barrel.
So idk bout this being fact but if each shot did have slightly less energy but you hit them with more shots. Would the total energy on target change?
Than we add typical ranges. Tons of birds have been shot with shells right at 1000 fps. I wish they still made em and have about 100 Winchester supreme mags left.
In my testing easier slower shot patterns better, easier most times.

[Bowguy]

I disagree with the speed theory. Believe it's marketing bs. We've killed birds as long as can be with regular velocity and more shot.
They typically reduce payloads id think to not make a pipe bomb out of your barrel.
So idk bout this being fact but if each shot did have slightly less energy but you hit them with more shots. Would the total energy on target change?
Than we add typical ranges. Tons of birds have been shot with shells right at 1000 fps. I wish they still made em and have about 100 Winchester supreme mags left.
In my testing easier slower shot patterns better, easier most times.
I should mention I agree with Tom's assessment of staying over the 1000fps id not be more than 100fps over that if shot was added to load

[Ihuntoldschool]

Turkeys don't care and you shouldn't either. 

You hand load so shoot the best pattern and forget about speed.

High speed helps steel shot but that's about it.

[BandedSpur]

Impossible to say without first specifying what shot material and size. But since you have recently been posting about lead 4s, I will answer for that. Lead 4s will still penetrate 1.25" of 20% ballistic gel to 48 yards when launched at "only" 800 fps. The answer would be a lot different with lead 6s. High velocity generally buys you little except extra recoil unless it is a marginally penetrating pellet like lead 7.5s for example.

I load all of my TSS loads at 1100 fps (keeping them subsonic),and see no reason for more speed.

How'd you calculate those numbers? Asked my original question because #4 doesn't want to crimp as well with my load, so reducing the charge a bit to get a better crimp.

KPY Ballistics Program. You can enter any shot material, size, speed, etc to calculate penetrative ability. I was just giving an honest answer to your question. I do not recommend 800 fps loads, but you asked how slow you could go. Obviously, you could get more distance than 48 yards with lead 4s if you speeded them up, but they will still work at "normal" turkey killing distance when launched at much lower velocity than one might think. Again, as I said, I load my TSS shells to 1100 fps.

Just don't think you are leaving anything on the table if your loads are 1100 vs 1300 fps unless you are shooting a marginal penetrator to begin with.

[joey46]

Looking through some old boxes and 1090 shows up often.