turkey loads in smoothebores

[trapper Bergerson]

I am trying to work up a good load for turkey hunting in my Dan Caywood 12 guage english fowler. what are some loads that any members have tried to use and the results. I am just guessing here but I plan to start with a 1 1/4 ounce of 6 shot behind about 80 grains of ff powder. plan to use felt wads. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Trapper Bergerson, St. Ltn - MN, #152

[Ty Davis]

I haven't developed a turkey load but I use 60 grains powder and a charger and a half of #6 for small game. I suggest to start with your normal powder charge and a charger and a half to two chargers of shot to start with. Shoot it at a large paper target to see what kind of pattern you are getting. Be mindful to sure you don't donut your pattern. If you aren't getting any shot in the center you probably have too much powder.

I remain,

[Delbert Hupp #169]

You'll need to experiment around a little, but I have found that the" 2 scoop rule ",as a friend of mine calls it, works very well. The "rule " is whatever your powder load is ,double that in a shot load. (example 70Gr. of powder/140Gr. of shot) I have used this in several of my smoothbores and although it kicks alittle, it works great, I have killed several turkey and squirrel with such a load. Also, I do not use a cushion wad, only over powder and overshot cards. But as previously stated, you'll need to experiment and find the load combo your gun likes. Hope this helps.

[flintlock62]

I find #5 shot patterns very well.

[dw25650]

I like the 6 shot in a 1 1/2 to 2 volume shot to 1 of powder in my 20 guage Tulle. I like as many shot in he pattern as I can get as I always go for a head shot. It doesn't take a lot of heavy shot to penetrate the head and neck. That load and a trick I use is extremely lethal.

Dave Wade #37

[Ty Davis]

Okay Dave, I'll bite. What is the "trick"?

[Delbert Hupp #169]

#6 Shot is all I ever use, patterns great, gets good range and has killed everything I have shot at. My guns dont pattern as well with #4 or #5 shot. But there again, you got to find what your gun likes.

[trapper Bergerson]

well I had a great hunting season as I got three nice birds in four states, a merriam in Montana, a rio cross in Kansas and a eastern in Iowa with the smoothbore. the bird in Kansas was 24 pounds. Am planning next seasons hunt already and hope to take in Florida to complete the slam. Thanks for your input. Trapper