Turkey load penetration testing

[macobb]

I am looking for a way to test penetration of my rounds at 40 and 50 yards. Has anyone found anything they feel comparable to the penetration you'd want on a turkey? Any thoughts welcomed

[idgobble]

Go buy a Butterball.

[3bailey3]

I have heard of people shooting phone books, seeing how many pages the shot goes though, the old thick ones.

[paboxcall]

Search the word from your question - penetration - on the home page here on OG. Literally 13 pages of threads come up in this search. Certainly you'll find what you are looking for before spending the money on shells and testing. If you find nothing, you'll at least get a good sense of what works for others who did their own testing.

[Happy]

A stick of pepperoni with a #2 pencil pushed through the center may get you close

[coyote1]

I have heard a tied down Campbell soup can recommended more than once. What is unclear is whether the shot should go through both sides or not.

I did the soup can test with 7.5 shot trap loads earlier this spring. They only penetrated one side at 35 and 40 yards. At 35 they did put a good dent in the opposite side.

[Sir-diealot]

I have heard a tied down Campbell soup can recommended more than once. What is unclear is whether the shot should go through both sides or not.

I did the soup can test with 7.5 shot trap loads earlier this spring. They only penetrated one side at 35 and 40 yards. At 35 they did put a good dent in the opposite side.

Next time don't use the chunky soup.

[zelmo1]

All this modern ammo is deadly out to 40 yards, do we really need to know if it is" technically " capable of killing at 70 yards? Maybe a .243 will do it? 

[mikejd]

All this modern ammo is deadly out to 40 yards, do we really need to know if it is" technically " capable of killing at 70 yards? Maybe a .243 will do it? 
[/quot

I agree.
However u remember years ago on this forum guys where shooting real turkey necks from grocery store, some guys may have even made turkey necks out of ballistic gelatin.

[bbcoach]

Over the last several years, many tests have been done by individuals on this site.  Some have used cans, some phone books, some ballastic gel and some have even done necropsy on birds they have killed at different distances.  Lead will kill to 40, Longbeards beyond and TSS beyond.  IMO, we have data that tells us our guns and shells will kill past 40 yards so call them in under 40 and ENJOY THE SHOW!  This sport is about learning  to call, getting them close and enjoying the sights and sounds of a gobbler or even a hen looking for company at 3 to 5 yards.  IMO if you haven't experienced a bird in your lap, you should and stop worrying about HOW FAR!   

[macobb]

I think my message got twisted some how. I think anyone that takes this sport seriously would rather have a tom strutting at 10 yards rather than 50. I just want to know my cut off so if that old tom does hang up if i can make an ethical shot. I wish I would never have to shoot further than 20 yards again. However, I also know that isn't likely.

[crenshawco]

Buy the KPY Shotshell Ballistics software and you can do all the penetration testing you want at the click of the mouse. It's much easier on the shoulder too. The generally accepted standard is 1.25" ballistic gel penetration.

[Rapscallion Vermilion]

Buy the KPY Shotshell Ballistics software and you can do all the penetration testing you want at the click of the mouse. It's much easier on the shoulder too. The generally accepted standard is 1.25" ballistic gel penetration.

Good suggestion, unless you only have Macs in the house  .  If you want something more hands on, you can mix up your own ballistic gelatin and have at it.

[bbcoach]

No judgement here.  Just stating the facts of our equipment.  After I posted, I saw your post on your new 20 gauge.  TSS has made the 20 and .410 GREAT turkey guns.  Many hunters on here are opting for the 20 and TSS and it has leveled the playing field with the 12 and lead.  With the right choke and 3 inch TSS, your 20 will do it's job past 40.  Set your killing range at 40 and if he is a little past that, should you decide to harvest the bird, it will take care of a slight misjudgement of distance.  I would shoot that 20 and TSS at 50 and see if you have at least 100 in 10 and you should be ok.  I'm sure some of the guys that have switched to the 20 and TSS will chime in. 

[bonasa]

What is your "round" or load of choice? I cannot think of any turkey load on the market that would not have sufficient kinetic energy at those ranges to kill, should your pattern be adequate enough.