3 Inch Loads

[BowTech03]

So I recently picked up a new gun that can only shoot 3 inch shells, which I am totally fine with, but what I am wondering is what is the best/a good turkey load for this length of shells?

[eckum54]

I'm actually in the same boat as you. I recently purchased a new gun and have been asking around to find out what types of shells will do the best, and everything I have been told is as fallows...it all depends on what your gun likes. I have talked to many people, especialy those who own the same gun as myself and the all tell me verying things, but the big one is get an idea of what works for other people that own the same gun, buy some shells and start shooting..not the most economical idea but what are you gonna do...for instance my gun holds 3 inch but it seams to pattern the best with 2.75 inch hevy shot...you also have to look at your choke, if you are running with an included choke or spending some cash on an after market choke...all affect the results. Good luck and start shooting

[DonBo]

Oh boy, here we go. There is no easy answer to your seemingly simple question. First off let me start by saying I shoot only 3" loads, and they are PLENTY for turkey hunting.

My gun really likes Federal Premium #5's. You could have the exact same gun with the exact same choke and you may find these shells don't work for you at all. Fact is, the only way to know which loads will shoot best from your gun is to shoot a bunch of different shells and see.

Borch put together a wonderfull post that is stickied to the top of this forum, "Patterning info, results and questions" that is a MUST read for anyone who's wondering about different loads for different guns. That's a great place for you to start your search. Good luck!

[Whoknows]

My gun can only handle loads to 3" and it performs quite well in the turkey woods. My gun/choke combo really likes the #6 winchester supreme's. Finding out what brand\size works best for you can get quite expensive, especially with the heavy metal loads. At about $12 for a box of 10 these loads fit the bill and whatever is left over after turkey hunting you can save for the following year or use late season pheasant hunting.

Good luck

[Powerstroke]

I shot my first turkey with a 20ga. and a 3" load.

Don't get hung up on how much you're shooting. A 10ga or using 3.5" loads can take birds, but there is a certain amount of physics involved. #4 shot can only weigh so much and only travel so far with enough energy to kill. 5's and 6's weigh less so you can see how that will effect things.

Your best bet is a tight pattern out to 40yds. If you can eek out a decent pattern at 45 or 50yds that is great, but you need to consider your shot size and material.

Read Borch's post for more info. Generally, most people stick with 3" loads and take plenty of birds.

[trolloni]

Everything mentioned here is spot on , my gun loves 3 inch 4x6 Remington loads try and shoot as many as you can at real size turkey target ,10,20,30, and 40 yds. when ya find the right combo with the gun work on youre calling and camo patterns and get em in as close as possible for me i think 20 yds is ideal and a more exciting hunt! i tried 3 1/2 loads and it makes you think you can kill em farther out some guys can but after patterning with em and knocking my neck outa wack for 3 weeks i decided it wasnt worth it!

[Hoyt4]

good post all the points above are good tips. My gun loves 3.5 #4 winchester supreme (black death)

My remington 870 is better with 3 inch #5. If you do get an after market choke tube it will help with your pattern and keep it tighter. I really do suggest the 40 yds above for patterning your shotgun.Go pick up a few targets and see if a buddy your hunting with will go in on some shells and head out and shoot for a day.Good luck.