Heavier third shell?

[BlakeJ]

I thought about something the other day, and will probably start doing it.

I shoot mag blends, and for the third shell in my gun I'm going to have Hevi 4's. I've only had to use the third shell a couple times, and it was out there. I want the most distance I can get on that shot.

Does anyone do this?

[SinGin]

I try not to need a third one or a second one but I have heard a couple of old timmers doing it and a person could see why.

[Cut N Run]

I started hunting with a single shot and it made a world of difference.  You'll learn to let the bird get closer and make the first shot count.   

Jim

[d.winsor]

I try not to use a shot size over #5 because a sparse pattern with #4 shot will break bones and not necessarily kill a bird, though it will usually die from such a injury.  Usually by the time you use a third shot the bird is some distance away.  As mentioned above wait for them to get closer, pattern your gun so you know where the sure kill range is and stick to it.  I shoot one time, win loose or draw, That is enough for me, I am trying to hit the bird in the head, a running bird and you with a tight pattern is not a sure shot situation.  I have never taken a second shot, if I ever do it will be because the first shot wounded the bird.  My very next act would be to check my poa, poi and pattern density to make sure my shooting is not off.  Good luck with whatever you choose to do.

[30_06]

I lose pattern density big time with the larger pellets so I prefer to stick with my original shell.

[WyoHunter]

I lose pattern density big time with the larger pellets so I prefer to stick with my original shell.

[DirtNap647]

have not tried it but heard of others doing it

[Gooserbat]

Not to be a know it all, but learn your gun, and it's capabilities and stay with in them and you won't need a 2nd or 3rd shell.

[surehuntsalot]

I always carry 5 shells in my 12ga and 20ga

[WildTigerTrout]

I don't use a different load for the third round but I know other turkey hunters who do.

[tomstopper]

Not to be a know it all, but learn your gun, and it's capabilities and stay with in them and you won't need a 2nd or 3rd shell.

[TRKYHTR]

Alot of the time I only have 2 shells in my gun. I've never shot at a turkey 3 times in my history of turkey hunting.

[mudhen]

Many a coyote has died from the H-13 #5's I usually have in the magazine, but no turkeys with the 3rd shot that I can recall...

mudhen

[ncturkey]

Old Time'sr use to do it. Think about your question and you will come up with the answer on your own. Let say you shot and miss a turkey that is in range, then you miss again while he is still in range. Mostly likely the bird will be either at the far edge of being in range or out of range. If he is still in range the same shell you used for the first shot will kill him. If he is out of range the #4's will proabbly not do you any good. You could get lucky with a load #4's. But we should depend on luck for the shot. We own the bird a good clean kill. learn the effective range of your gun and load and you will not need that #$ load for the third shell in your gun.

[trackerbucky]

I always carry 5 shells in my 12ga and 20ga

I always load up too.  It makes the gun heavier helps reduce recoil.