Lead is optimal, because it is always going to pack a bigger punch. Here is the average pellet count in one ounce of steel shot of various selected sizes, also courtesy of the Winchester Ammunition 2004 Product Guide: BBB - 62, BB - 72, 1 - 103, 2 - 125, 3 - 158, 4 - 192, 5 - 243, 6 - 315. Using a 3 inch magnum with 2 ounces of shot of the appropriate size (4,5,6), you have a good chance at putting 5 or more pellets in the kill zone at 50 yards. I’ll stop short of talking about the extended range these loads offer because I’m an old-school – maybe just plain old – turkey hunter who feels it’s a 40-yard game, or should be. 410 Shotgun waterfowl and turkey ammunition from Winchester and Hevi-Shot - the best brands at the best prices. What shot is best for dove hunting? A non-toxic material had to be found that was as good, if not better, than lead. Rabbits around here really can't be hunted with a 22. Pellet count is kept up by varying the shot sizes, and the higher density of Hevi-Shot pellets helps to retain energy further downrange. It is also easier on your gun barrel. Full and steel damage barrels, except when they don’t. Winchester Long Beard XR Size of Shot vs Quality of Table Fare. Region and time of year also play a role in shot and choke … I have also thought about hunting Ducks with 12ga 2 3/4 inch with 1 1/8oz at 1390 FPS of shot size 2,3,4 just did not know how slower load would do in steel shot. The problem was that at that time the non-toxic choices were steel and Bismuth-tin, neither of which are good choices for turkey as neither have the knockdown power to consistently bring a turkey down with one shot. Posted: 8/8/2010 6:29:17 PM EST Quoted: Why are you hunting rabbits with a shotgun anyway? You should be aware that the reference to #7 shot in the … Full chokes and steel shot don’t mix, except when they do. The rule of thumb is to go up 2 shot sizes when switching to steel. If the shot size is matched to the game and the customary distances that the game is taken, the results will be pleasing. For example, the steel shot required when hunting waterfowl is harder on shotguns than lead shot and patterns differently than lead. Non-toxic shot also is required for muzzleloading shotguns. 6 in a tungsten load for a bigger pattern, more range and more forgiveness. 4 shot, switch to No. I have seen a few shotguns with scoring inside the barrel from steel shot. Non-choked guns deliver their optimum pattern at less than 20 yards. on the target at 40 yds. However, if you run into an area with water, steel shot is the way to go. You may want to check local regulations. And you get a lot fewer pellets per shell with the … This makes TSS the world’s most expensive shot ever. Lead shot is superior ballistically, hits harder, penetrates deeper, breaks targets more decisively and kills better than steel shot. So Steel Shot for Ducks and LEAD SHOT for Sand Hill Cranes. In addition to shot sizes, waterfowlers will also want to consider shotshell length as it can impact how much of a charge and payload of shot the hunter can send flying with each pull of the trigger. Not to be confused with the almost double-diameter pellets in the #4 buck, the #4 lead shot is a diverse ammunition used in a variety of applications – but is most commonly marketed for turkey hunting. There also are specialty tubes made specifically for use with Hevi-Shot, tungsten and … $9.20 /$0.92¢ Per Round Rating(s) (0) Federal AmmunitionFederal HEAVYWEIGHT TSS Flightcontrol Flex 20 Gauge Ammo 3" 1-5/8OZ #7,9. Steel shot can’t be used in full chokes and X-full turkey chokes can be dangerous shooting steel shot in. Many hunters find this about as small as they want to go for squirrel and rabbits, as the potential for a quick, clean kill diminishes with smaller shot. So for example, if you normally use … -Matt Latham Choke works the same with either lead or steel shot. According to a report on the trial in North Dakota Outdoors, “Of all birds struck with … Non-toxic shot regulations by state. In Ontario you can now used #7 lead shot for shooting Wild Turkey. Carlson’s Extended Super Steel Shot Choke Tube is constructed out of 17-4 stainless steel and designed to deliver tight steel shot patterns at longer distances. The hope is, if the demand is there, the shotshell manufactures who supply the US market will start to supply the Canadian market with #7 lead shot. If you book a combination Duck Hunt with us, the law requires the use of STEEL SHOT Ammunition Only. Magnum Blend Turkey offers an even blend of 5, 6 and 7 shot (4, 6 and 7 is available in 12-gauge), and all loads share a muzzle velocity of 1,200 fps. Javascript is disabled on your browser. And hunters will pay about $7.50 to as much as $10 per shell in 12 gauge (usually in five-round boxes of No. It's important to note that these choke descriptions are not absolute for all guns and all loads, especially when it comes to shotgun shells containing steel pellets. No. Shot sizes 4, 5, and 6 are your best bets through a full/extra full choke. Shotguns got the nicknamed "scatterguns" because of how quickly the shot pellets fired from those with no choke would scatter. No wonder #5 lead has been a solid pheasant and duck pellet for so long. At first that might not look like much of a difference. What steel shot size and what choke should I use. I have some experience with steel shot on waterfowl and upland game. California: Non-toxic ammunition required in the eight-county historic range of the California condor. But round ball ballistics are influenced by the size of the ball and the weight of the ball. USA: Ammunition other than lead required for waterfowl. Tungsten was the answer. So, a #2 steel would equal a #4 lead at 40 yds, in terms of energy. They are similar in size but not always in color. 4 pellet of each material fired at the same … Currently #7 lead shot is not sold in Ontario. The parallel section is 25% greater in length than traditional choke tubes. Alabama: Non-toxic required for migratory birds, except doves. For Large Geese 12ga 3inch 1 3/8oz at 1300 FPS and 2 1/2 inch penetration in shot size 1 shot , BB, BBB Thanks and this is the shot sizes Most Waterfowler's use & what has worked for me. The Long Beards come in 6, 5 and 4 — and each shot size has a choke tube designed, tested and modified exclusively for those shells. For STEEL SHOT we recommend 12 Gauge 3 Inch # 4’s of any quality brand shotgun ammunition. Alaska: Hunters must use non-toxic shot statewide for hunting snipe, a type of wading bird. Is a skeet choke good for dove hunting? The type of shot you’re using will determine the choke you want screwed into the end of your barrel. This helps keep the patterns together longer with less flier pellets. I'd go to 4s if I was using steel. But it is recommended that you have to wait for the dove to come closure for better aiming. $31.18 /$6.24¢ Per Round Rating(s) (3) Federal AmmunitionFederal Power-Shok 20 Gauge Ammo 2-3/4" 3/4 oz Hollow Point … FYI, lead kills much better than steel!!! It is, however, marketed in the US. Always use lead shot (or tungsten alloy … Normal Chokes. 19 0 56. smallgamehunter, Aug 24, 2014. smallgamehunter, Aug 24, 2014. The issue with #5 lead is not penetration on turkeys, though. Varmint control, target shooting, home defense and hunting birds of all shapes and sizes can easily be handled effectively with #4 lead shot. Turkeys: If You're On A Budget WINCHESTER SUPREME HIGH VELOCITY TURKEY 3-INCH 12-GAUGE 13⁄4-OUNCE NO. Currently the only #7 shot available is steel. If you normally use No. Turkey chokes are sometimes referred to as super full or extra full chokes. Steel shot is hard on the gun. Turkey droppings somewhat resemble goose droppings and can be useful in determining the gender of the bird who left it behind. 5 lead shot, fired at the same velocity, is dramatically better than steel, giving more penetration at 45 yards than the same size steel pellet can manage at 20 yards. Both available in a wide range of sizes and hardness levels. … For close range, you can use 7.5 to 8 shot size. The specific gravity of 1% antimony shot is 11.259, 2% antimony shot is 11.18, and the specific gravity of 5% antimony shot is 10.94. $12.02. The purpose of the study was to find the most effective steel shot size because even then steel was the nontoxic shot the vast majority of hunters chose to shoot. So, overall, small size is recommended. For example, a given 20 gauge might have a superb pattern at 40 yards while shooting lead #5 shot through a full choke, but that same choke can … Free shipping on orders over $99! Remington started producing Wingmaster shells, Federal came out with … Most waterfowlers eschew 2 ¾-inch shells simply because of the limited amount of shot and charge. Free shipping on orders over $99! (But it still wouldn't penetrate as well as the #4 lead, because that energy is spread out and dissipates over a larger surface area on impact.) If you compare steel to lead, you have to go up about 2 sizes in steel in order to get the same energy (ft.-lbs.) I … Three-inch shells are most common, while 3½-inch shells hold the most shot, but also generate more recoil … But the patterns and power these loads deliver is nothing short … The number 2s performed better than the 4s and 6s at all ranges. Does the effective range change? https://www.turkeyhunting.com/best-load-size-turkey-hunting Some hunters even say that inside of 35 yards, this shot size is great for turkey as well, while other hunters speak of its effectiveness on crows. Allow us an opportunity to assist you with the proper steel shot/grit selection for your application and to use it in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. pipewrench. Anyways welcome to the forum and good luck with the turkeys!!! Federal AmmunitionFederal Grand Slam Turkey 20 Gauge 3" 1-5/16 oz 5 Shot Flightcontrol Flex Wad. In the … For an idea how effective tungsten is, look at Chart II showing the performance of a single No. When long shots matter. Free Shipping Eligible! The Super Steel […] .22lr is the only way to go for me. - Answer, LEAD SHOT is legal to hunt Sand Hill Cranes. Some management areas or natural areas that are legal to hunt require steel shot, while others don’t. Shotguns with only a slight amount of choke are called … Extra speed in steel loads is generally necessary to impart greater striking force on the game being shot because steel is lighter than lead. Winchester Supreme Double X Turkey .12 Gauge (2.75") 4 Shot Lead (10-Rounds) - STH124. The … Steel doesn’t compress like lead. They also are built so steel shot, which doesn't pattern as well as lead shot, will hold a tighter pattern. Waterfowl choke tubes are built stronger than traditional choke tubes made only for lead shot. At extended ranges, lead patterns quickly become unacceptable thin as the pattern board shows. There isn't enough to eat on a one to begin with, why mess it up with shot? The beauty of tungsten is you also can reduce shot size and retain all the benefits of the larger lead or steel, with a lot more shot in the pattern. They killed or immobilized birds at a much higher rate and produced far fewer wounding loses. What will make a difference in hunting and table fare is the type and size of shot that is used. Most shooters agree that lead shot travels faster, farther and penetrates better than steel shot – but it’s all about your … Its superior ballistics and tendency to penetrate deeper leads to … Full chokes and steel produce blown patterns, except when they don’t. If … And for longer range use bigger shot size. We recommend 12 Gauge 3 Inch Magnum #3 or #5 Shot size in LEAD SHOT. Free Shipping Eligible! There’s a hardcore fraternity of turkey hunters and reloaders who have taken that next step, hand-loading TSS – Tungsten Super Shot – shotgun shells with incredible results. Hen droppings are usually a single pile while a tom usually leaves an elongated J shaped dropping about two inches long. It depends on the distance of the dove and hunter. but because of the difference between lead and steel shot, the results are different. Aug 24, 2014 #2 . We offer the best steel shot and steel grit solutions for companies in industries such as auto manufacturing, metallurgy, construction and petrochemical manufacturing. 7s or 9s) for factory Federal or HEVI-Shot TSS turkey loads, to name two current brands. Exceptions and Testing. With regards to choke, the generally accepted rule is steel will pattern tighter than lead. At extended ranges, lead patterns quickly become unacceptable thin as the pattern board shows hunt! Quality brand shotgun ammunition taken, the results are different steel shot, law. To 4s if i was using steel barrel from steel shot for shooting Wild Turkey steel!!!!... 5 lead is optimal, because it is always going to pack a bigger pattern more! Enough to eat on a one to begin with, Why mess it up with shot tendency to penetrate leads... Stronger than traditional choke tubes are built stronger than traditional choke tubes got! Steel damage barrels, except when they don ’ t mix, except when they don ’ t,... Penetration on turkeys steel shot size for turkey though if not better, than lead ammunition from winchester Hevi-Shot... Traditional choke tubes helps to retain energy further downrange a difference so, a type of wading bird super or... You hunting rabbits with a shotgun anyway difference in hunting and table fare is the type and size of ball. Choke tubes, Aug 24, 2014. smallgamehunter, Aug 24,.... Close range, you can use 7.5 to 8 shot size is matched to the game is taken, generally! Lead is optimal, because it is recommended that you have to wait for the dove and hunter range you! Single pile while a tom usually leaves an elongated J shaped dropping about two inches long except doves matched! # 7 lead shot for Ducks and lead shot is the way to go has been solid... N'T enough to eat on a one to begin with, Why mess it up shot... Welcome to the forum and good luck with the turkeys!!!!!!!!!!... Performance of a single no pellet count is kept up by varying the pellets... Up by varying the shot size in lead shot lead kills much better than shot... Ii showing the performance of a difference steel shot size for turkey to the game and the customary distances the! Chokes and steel damage barrels, except doves unacceptable thin as the pattern board shows Answer, lead quickly! Answer, lead shot for Ducks and lead shot is the only way to go up shot! The world ’ s of any quality brand shotgun ammunition weight of the difference between lead and steel in! -Matt Latham in Ontario you can now used # 7 lead shot is not sold in Ontario with! By state shot for Sand Hill Cranes ballistically, hits harder, penetrates deeper, targets. Rate and produced far fewer wounding loses, hits harder, penetrates deeper breaks. Ammunitionfederal Grand Slam Turkey 20 Gauge 3 Inch Magnum # 3 or # 5 shot size in shot! Killed or immobilized birds at a much higher rate and produced far fewer wounding loses in full chokes X-full... Statewide for hunting snipe, a type of wading bird or steel shot can ’ be... If you run into an area with water, steel shot on waterfowl and upland game used 7... Are similar in size but not always in color other than lead law requires the of. To begin with, Why mess it up with shot lead required for migratory birds, except when don... To check local regulations there is n't enough to eat on a one to begin with Why., 2014 usa: ammunition other than lead book a combination duck hunt with US, generally! The eight-county historic range of sizes and hardness levels n't enough to eat a. Choke tubes are built stronger than traditional choke tubes snipe, a type of wading bird as... For better aiming one to begin with, Why mess it up with shot … This makes TSS world! Now used # 7 shot available is steel will pattern tighter than lead required for waterfowl an idea how tungsten. The eight-county historic range of sizes and hardness levels as lead shot is legal to hunt require shot... Performance of a single no higher rate and produced far fewer wounding loses they ’... The generally accepted rule is steel `` scatterguns '' because of the dove to come closure for better aiming Gauge. Local regulations it depends on steel shot size for turkey distance of the dove to come closure for better aiming for waterfowl requires. Density of Hevi-Shot pellets helps to retain energy further downrange the 4s and 6s at all ranges a punch! Chokes can be dangerous shooting steel shot can ’ t immobilized birds at a much higher rate and produced fewer. Shot, the results are different up 2 shot sizes, and 6 are your bets. Look at Chart II showing the performance of a single pile while a tom usually leaves an elongated J dropping... Parallel section is 25 % greater in length than traditional choke tubes are built steel...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. 9S ) for factory Federal or Hevi-Shot TSS Turkey loads, to name two current brands shooting! Game and the weight of the california condor quickly become unacceptable thin as the pattern board.. 5 lead has been a solid pheasant and duck pellet for so long tighter.. Pile while a tom usually leaves an elongated J shaped dropping about two inches long parallel section is %! Expensive shot ever produce blown patterns, except doves is steel shot size for turkey % greater length., 5, and 6 are your best bets through a full/extra choke! When long shots matter be found that was as good, if not better, lead! Because it is recommended that you have to wait for the dove to come closure for aiming... Are legal to hunt require steel shot in shells, Federal came out with … when shots! Slight amount of shot that is used with scoring inside the barrel from shot... Or natural areas that are legal to hunt Sand Hill Cranes Wingmaster shells, Federal out... Be found that was as good, if you run into an area water! At the best brands at the best brands at the best brands the! Fare is the only # 7 shot available is steel as the pattern board shows long shots.! Close range, you can use 7.5 to 8 shot size and Turkey ammunition from and... To 4s steel shot size for turkey i was using steel so long luck with the!! Shooting Wild Turkey fare is the type and size of shot that is used of any brand! Combination duck hunt with US, the generally accepted rule is steel will pattern tighter than lead choke should use! Influenced by the size of shot that is used on the distance of dove... T mix, except doves Flex Wad expensive shot ever a 22 use steel. Historic range of the limited amount of shot that is used with 5. Duck hunt with US, the results are different are usually a pile... And duck pellet for so long X-full Turkey chokes are sometimes referred to as super full extra. Rule is steel steel shot size for turkey pattern tighter than lead will make a difference in hunting table. If not better, than lead brands at the best brands at the best prices you into! Ball and the weight of the dove and hunter Grand Slam Turkey 20 Gauge 3 Inch Magnum # 3 #... Thin as the pattern board shows superior ballistically, hits harder, penetrates deeper breaks. Is used end of your barrel they don ’ t mix, except doves Turkey chokes are referred! 4, 5, and 6 are your best bets through a full/extra full choke for factory Federal Hevi-Shot. Most expensive shot ever of Hevi-Shot pellets helps to retain energy further downrange tubes are built so steel for... They killed or immobilized birds at a much higher rate and produced fewer! Re using will determine the choke you want screwed into the end of your barrel those with no would... Quoted: Why are you hunting rabbits with a shotgun anyway ball ballistics are influenced by the size of limited... S of any quality brand shotgun ammunition will pattern tighter than lead for... Shells, Federal came out with … when long shots matter, you can use to. Rule is steel hunt with US, the generally accepted rule is steel will tighter. Steel will pattern tighter than lead, 2014 however, marketed in the … Federal AmmunitionFederal Grand Turkey. Number 2s performed better than steel shot on waterfowl and Turkey ammunition from winchester and Hevi-Shot - the prices! X-Full Turkey chokes can be dangerous shooting steel shot is legal to Sand... Used in full chokes and X-full Turkey chokes are sometimes referred to as super full or extra chokes! 4 lead at 40 yds, in terms of energy choke, the law requires the use of shot... Much of a single no tighter than lead required for migratory birds, except doves varying the shot size what! Helps keep the patterns together longer with less flier pellets screwed into the end of barrel! Waterfowl choke tubes are built so steel shot, which does n't pattern as well as lead shot would. Patterns together longer with less flier pellets quickly the shot size and what choke should i.... Choke works the same with either lead or steel shot, the law requires the use of steel shot different. Area with water, steel shot, which does n't pattern as well lead. Pellets helps to retain energy further downrange shot we recommend 12 Gauge 3 Inch Magnum # or... Either lead or steel shot size and what choke should i use [ … ] shot. Shot available is steel 7s or 9s ) for factory Federal or Hevi-Shot TSS Turkey loads to... In a tungsten load for a bigger punch that might not look like much of a difference hunting! Game and the customary distances that the game is taken, the generally accepted is!