Pellet penetration

[RutnNStrutn]

 

[snapper1982]

Good comments. I realize that I might seem to sensitive to the penetration issue, but it's partially due to experience last year.

I Coerced a reluctant old gobbler into range after playing a subtle game of footsie for several hours. I shot him at about 25 yards with #6 Heavishot. When I cleaned him, I found a large copper plated lead shot, maybe #4 size, just under the skin on his lower neck. Even though I don't know the circumstances of how it got there for certain, it got me thinking more about not just how many pellets hit, but how the pellets perform when they hit.  But I agree #6 lead will kill turkey's all day. I just don't think they allow as much 'wiggle room' as HTL or larger lead pellets.

I bet if you had shot that bird at 40 with lead 6s you would not have had to hope for the "wiggle room" of the larger size lead shot that you found in him. Bottom line to far is still to far no matter what size shot you are using.

[zelmo1]

I have had an old featherflex decoy shot by another hunter and it left pellets in the foam. I do not know how far they shot but it was big shot, #4's I think. I heard the shot but was using the restroom at the time. When I got back I could see the decoy had moved some but nobody was around. My point is that people will shoot ridiculous distances. Keep your shots to a reasonable distance and don't worry about the pine trees. Shoot under 40 yards with confidence. Al Baker

[Marc]

I bet if you had shot that bird at 40 with lead 6s you would not have had to hope for the "wiggle room" of the larger size lead shot that you found in him. Bottom line to far is still to far no matter what size shot you are using.

My feeling is, I would rather have the confidence of a dense pattern at the ranges I am comfortable shooting, rather that having larger pellets capable (but not as likely) to kill birds at further ranges...

The pattern density with #6 Hevi-Shot or #6 lead is more than adequate at 40 yards, and I cannot imagine not killing a bird at these ranges as long as I put the pattern where it is supposed to go.

I have had an old featherflex decoy shot by another hunter and it left pellets in the foam. I do not know how far they shot but it was big shot, #4's I think. I heard the shot but was using the restroom at the time. When I got back I could see the decoy had moved some but nobody was around. My point is that people will shoot ridiculous distances. Keep your shots to a reasonable distance and don't worry about the pine trees. Shoot under 40 yards with confidence. Al Baker

They have bathrooms where you turkey hunt???  Must be an upscale place.

[GSLAM95]

40 yards and under those #6 lead will do just fine.

[stinkpickle]

They have bathrooms where you turkey hunt???  Must be an upscale place.

[zelmo1]

The restroom was a brushpile in the woods. Mother nature does rule. Al Baker

[Dr Juice]

I learned a lesson years ago by rolling over a gobbler and he flew away. I never recovered him. Since then, I have been using Winchester Extended Range (now discontinued) and Hevi-Shot. I haven't lost one since ... knock on wood (my head).   

[Ihuntoldschool]

Good info for all the loblolly pine hunters out there.

[Chilly]

I have had an old featherflex decoy shot by another hunter and it left pellets in the foam. I do not know how far they shot but it was big shot, #4's I think. I heard the shot but was using the restroom at the time. When I got back I could see the decoy had moved some but nobody was around. My point is that people will shoot ridiculous distances. Keep your shots to a reasonable distance and don't worry about the pine trees. Shoot under 40 yards with confidence. Al Baker

Scary stuff...