#4's or #6's

[tha bugman]

If you had to just grab a box of #4's or #6's and had not even patterned the gun before (not that I would ever do this)...which would you choose?  My debate is whether or not to go with the larger size or potentially more pellets on target.  Your thoughts?

[davisd9]

Lead or heavier than lead? Lead I would use 5s and HTL I would use 6s


Sent from the Strut Zone

[tha bugman]

sorry I should have put that in there....I was referring to lead

[WildTigerTrout]

I would go with the #6's. In my experience most shotguns throw better patterns with smaller size shot. I do own a Rem. 870SM that patterns better with #4's but IMO that is a rarity.

[allaboutshooting]

I'd choose the #6 shot without question. It's really all about the retained energy at the target and a swarm of #6 shot will deliver more than enough energy to cleanly kill a turkey at any ethical range. Since #6 shot flows better and will consistently deliver more dense and even patterns than #4 shot, it's always my choice.

You can see the real difference by looking at this evaluation: http://allaboutshooting.com/article_info.php?articles_id=724

That #4 shot pattern is the best I've ever seen with that size shot but it still has gaps that might allow a turkey to escape.

Thanks,
Clark

[Twowithone]

6 shot all the way.

[R AJ]

My first 10 choices would be #6s; after that I'd have to think about it.

[Old Timer53]

Swarm of #6's !!!

[tomstopper]

I have always used #6....

[alclark2]

6s!

[strutzone]

6's