Got to say something-- Chokes/Loads

[Setterman]

I see a million threads with folks fretting over chokes and which loads to use. To be honest it really makes me scratch my head as to why people feel the need to spend so much $$$ and waste so much time over this stuff. Another poster in another got me thinking, and thought I would give my $.02 from a long time chasing and killing these crazy birds.

I grew up in the river bottoms of Mississippi, and hunted turkeys there and AL as a youngster and on through my college years before moving here almost 10 years ago. I had the luxury of getting to know some of the legendary turkey killers in that part of the world.

These folks kept things simple and straight forward when it came to guns, shells, and chokes. They weren't after rifle tight patterns, and weren't worried about the latest and greatest material to craft pellets out of either. Still aren't today.

With that said some of these same folks went on to start businesses which are market product to turkey hunters, therefore they do mfg chokes tubes to meet current market demands, and talk about different loads and so forth. This is nothing more then capitalism at work. Nothing wrong with it, and no ill intentions behind any of it.

But and this is the important stuff from my perspective. I hunt with these same folks every year, and every year they have the same guns, same chokes, and shoot the same loads they have for decades. They kill as many birds as they want, and rarely if ever miss or wound a bird.

I adopted this approach when I started and have not waivered over the years. It is simple, and works extremely well, and is far easier and less expensive then this new stuff.

Gun X + Modified Factory Choke Tube + Load of your choice = consistent success out to around 40 yards. That is it.

I have 2 turkey guns currently, a Browning Gold which I have had forever, and it sports a factory modified tube, and i shoot WInchester HV 3.5" 2 oz #5 loads out of it. It is a very bad decision for a longbeard to test it's lethality.

My new gun is a SBEII which I also shoot a modified factory choke out of, with the same load as above. Guess what, it will flat kill a longbeards butt out to 40 yards and probably further, I just haven't taken a shot longer then that.

I have been fortunate over my life to kill a lot of longbeards, getting up around 150+ now, and not once I have I shot one with anything other then the above choke/load combination. The other guys I mentioned have killed literally hundreds upon hundreds of birds, and make me or really anyone else look foolish when it comes to success, and they use the exact same philosophy.

My point is not how many birds I or others have killed, it is that consider saving $$$ and time, and keep it simple. It works, and the other info I provide just as a basis for my opinion.

To each their own, and do what makes you happy, but keep in mind that it doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. I know with the economy sucking $$ is tight, and this might give a few hope that it won't cost a ton to be successful.

 

[Grizzly Johnson]

Good post....

 

[RAFI]

Most of the turkey i shoot are 30 yards or less.took a bunch of turkey with lead 6 but I love trying new chokes and shells.the hevi patterns so much better and for the average turkey hunter they will do better with it.do they need it no

 

[Anonymous]

Its all a wienie measuring contest. I personally like to try and cut there heads off with one shot, but 1 pellett in the brain will kill em.

 

[bvoss]

Good post. I used to shoot the Winchester HV # 6's out of my 835 with a factory choke. I killed a lot of birds with that set up. I ventured to the Nitro shells with a JellyHead choke tube out of curiosity and a desire to get increase my killing range. Funny thing is, even though this is a long range set up, I usually kill most of my birds at 30 yards or so.

 

[REN]

cant disagree with anything you have posted! I personally like to try shells and chokes because IMO it is fun to tinker around with it no different then i like to shoot a bunch of different ammo out of my 243 just because i like to tinker and shoot it.

I think you CAN improve on something that has worked fine and there is nothing wrong with that. Yes dead is dead without a doubt but TO ME its just fun to see how dead you can actually get one.

I pattern mine to 40yds, but of the 60+ birds i have killed the furthest one was at 34yds lol.

 

[4onaside]

Good Post, Setterman. Sometimes "state of the art" gets in the way of common sense. However, that said, as REN said, messin around with loads chokes and the like is part of the fun. There is one call that I have complete confidence in and it goes with me every time. However, every now and then, I'll buy a call and try it, even though I know in my mind that I can't improve on what I already have. Just screwin around!

 

[REN]

But and this is the important stuff from my perspective. I hunt with these same folks every year, and every year they have the same guns, same chokes, and shoot the same loads they have for decades. They kill as many birds as they want, and rarely if ever miss or wound a bird.

I adopted this approach when I started and have not waivered over the years. It is simple, and works extremely well, and is far easier and less expensive then this new stuff.

Gun X + Modified Factory Choke Tube + Load of your choice = consistent success out to around 40 yards. That is it.

this is the only part i somewhat question (not in theory but it may just be how you wrote it)

Once i find the choke and ammo i personally like best then i am done messing with it. However i would assume the folks you hunt with did the same. They bought a gun, choke and ammo and shot it to see what it did. if it shot effectively to them then the search was over. I would assume they didnt just get a gun, choke and bought random ammo and just trusted it shot good.

Gun X + Modified Factory Choke Tube + Load of your choice = consistent success out to around 40 yards. That is it.


this one i dont really truly believe in, but that is just my opinion. You cant just say any gun (GUN X) + a Mod choke + any turkey ammo = kills at 40yds that is just not really true or a realistic idea. All guns are different as is ammo. It may not been how you meant it though so i will just leave it at that.

 

[TheLBLman]

Setterman, I've been saying similarly for years. My first many turkeys were killed with the same shotguns I used for quail hunting and other small game. I've killed several turkey's with three different 16 gauge guns, all of which have 2 3/4" chambers.

I'd speculate there are probably more turkeys missed due to too tight a choke than would be lost should all turkey hunters be afield with a simple set-up using just a factory "modified" choke.

 

[backstraps]

Good post, and I agree. But at the same token, a rusty old beater can get you back and forth to work same as the over priced mercedes....alot has to do with personal preference....trying new things, etc.

The thing I like the best about your post, is that the newest,latest,greatest isn't "needed" to kill a bird. Keep the birds within a close distance and hit em in the right place..they will die

 

[REN]

thats what i was trying to get at Backstraps you just said it much better then i did.

a rotary phone still WORKS but there are other options that allow you to make a phone call, some are better then others but still nothing wrong with using a rotary phone.

 

[Gravey]

I shoot the xtra full choke that came with my 835 and Winchester Supreme 3 1/2" #5's. Most birds are 30 yards or closer although I've killed one at just under 60. That said there are 2 reasons I don't try other chokes: one is in my signature and the other is I'm too cheap.

 

[muddyboots]

Personally I like for them to ride in the back of the truck. If they hang up at 60 yards i want to know i can killem. That comes from patterning different shells and choke combos. When i found the one i like which was 6 years ago i have not changed it.

 

[Grizzly Johnson]

Personally I like for them to ride in the back of the truck. If they hang up at 60 yards i want to know i can killem. That comes from patterning different shells and choke combos. When i found the one i like which was 6 years ago i have not changed it.

I don't get many days to hunt.... I have $$$$ invested in equipment, shells, time, license, gas, and calls..... I'm not going home empty handed if I can help it.

:grin:

 

[TheLBLman]

At some point, many hunters decide the quality of the hunting experience becomes more important that the quantity of the kills. For me, there's nothing like calling them in, and having them up very close before the trigger is pulled. Most of the time, I'd rather just watch them walk away when it doesn't happen this way, then look forward to another day of hunting.

Not saying I haven't gone to an optical sight, a dedicated turkey gun, and heavier-than-lead shells. But am saying, it hasn't changed how I hunt and what I value as a quality hunting experience. I NEEDED to go to an optical sight. Even Setterman may someday do that. I see no reason not to take advantage of the heavier-than-lead shells. But the only reason I have a dedicated "turkey" gun now is because it wasn't practical to put an optical sight on the old side-by-side I'd been using for years as my "turkey" gun. But as long as most of the turkeys I want to shoot continue to be under 35 yards, it's really not going to matter much what kind of choke or shell is being used.

 

[Setterman]

Setterman, Have you ever shot a bird and lost it? I have.

Knock on wood, no. I also only take shots which are high percentage, and enjoy getting birds 30 yards or closer before taking the shot.

With that said, I did beat one to death with a stick last year that wasn't dead and due to a freak set of occurrences I had zero extra shells to finish him off with. I posted the story here, and it is one that will stay in my mind for ever.

 

[RAFI]

At some point, many hunters decide the quality of the hunting experience becomes more important that the quantity of the kills. For me, there's nothing like calling them in, and having them up very close before the trigger is pulled. Most of the time, I'd rather just watch them walk away when it doesn't happen this way, then look forward to another day of hunting.

Not saying I haven't gone to an optical sight, a dedicated turkey gun, and heavier-than-lead shells. But am saying, it hasn't changed how I hunt and what I value as a quality hunting experience. I NEEDED to go to an optical sight. Even Setterman may someday do that. I see no reason not to take advantage of the heavier-than-lead shells. But the only reason I have a dedicated "turkey" gun now is because it wasn't practical to put an optical sight on the old side-by-side I'd been using for years as my "turkey" gun. But as long as most of the turkeys I want to shoot continue to be under 35 yards, it's really not going to matter much what kind of choke or shell is being used.

so your guess distance is the quality hunt?If i take a gobbler at 50 yards that i called in and moved on several
times and it was a young gobbler that means more than the 4 year old gobbler than ran into my call.not to me.

 

[Setterman]

At some point, many hunters decide the quality of the hunting experience becomes more important that the quantity of the kills. For me, there's nothing like calling them in, and having them up very close before the trigger is pulled. Most of the time, I'd rather just watch them walk away when it doesn't happen this way, then look forward to another day of hunting.

Not saying I haven't gone to an optical sight, a dedicated turkey gun, and heavier-than-lead shells. But am saying, it hasn't changed how I hunt and what I value as a quality hunting experience. I NEEDED to go to an optical sight. Even Setterman may someday do that. I see no reason not to take advantage of the heavier-than-lead shells. But the only reason I have a dedicated "turkey" gun now is because it wasn't practical to put an optical sight on the old side-by-side I'd been using for years as my "turkey" gun. But as long as most of the turkeys I want to shoot continue to be under 35 yards, it's really not going to matter much what kind of choke or shell is being used.

I agree Wes, and hopefully I don't have to go to optics for a very very long time.

I am not into shooting long distances, I like the personal aspects of turkey hunting. The other references I made in my original post revolve around calling birds in, and shooting at them inside 40 yards.

Please understand I started this, not to stir anyone up or have an argument, but to give folks who are on tight budgets hope that they don't have to invest a ton of $ into this stuff to be successful or enjoy the sport. I also did it to hopefully keep others from getting frustrated trying to figure out the shell/choke combo stuff, as it can get confusing.

 

[RAFI]

Setterman, Have you ever shot a bird and lost it? I have.

Knock on wood, no. I also only take shots which are high percentage, and enjoy getting birds 30 yards or closer before taking the shot.

With that said, I did beat one to death with a stick last year that wasn't dead and due to a freak set of occurrences I had zero extra shells to finish him off with. I posted the story here, and it is one that will stay in my mind for ever.

have you missed one? if not we all know your a liar now.lol

 

[Setterman]

Setterman, Have you ever shot a bird and lost it? I have.

Knock on wood, no. I also only take shots which are high percentage, and enjoy getting birds 30 yards or closer before taking the shot.

With that said, I did beat one to death with a stick last year that wasn't dead and due to a freak set of occurrences I had zero extra shells to finish him off with. I posted the story here, and it is one that will stay in my mind for ever.

have you missed one? if not we all know your a liar now.lol

I really haven't ever missed. I know I know, but I haven't. I have also killed a ton of turkeys, so either I am the luckiest person on earth or just so freaking deadly that I ought to go down in history for this achievement. :grin:

I guess if you count missing on a 1st shot but killing the bird with a follow up as missing then technically yes I have. But I have never missed or lost a shot bird. Screwed myself now haven't I.

 

[RAFI]

lol we need to go hunting sometime setterman.i want to hunt royal blue or whatever they call it now.I joke with you because your one of the few that will joke back on here without getting too mad.

 

[scn]

Great post, Jim!

 

[REN]

The HOOK don't miss son! [end sarcasm]

 

[TheLBLman]

Please understand I started this, not to stir anyone up or have an argument, but to give folks who are on tight budgets hope that they don't have to invest a ton of $ into this stuff to be successful or enjoy the sport.

I totally understood, and like you, I have noted that some very wealthy and accomplished turkey hunters haven't "bought in" to their NEEDING anything beyond their old multi-purpose shotgun to both enjoy and be accomplished turkey hunters.

When a turkey is under 35 yards, you're sitting with most any shotgun with a factory modified choke, there's much less chance of missing a bird, and much greater opportunity to connect with a 2nd shot if needed.

Sometimes I believe that "marketing" has tried to turn a hunting sport more into a shooting sport, by shifting our focus onto "how far" you can make a shot instead of "how close" you can get before you shoot. After all, no one NEEDS a new choke, a new gun, or a new shell to kill a turkey when they're up close & personal.

 

[REN]

without a doubt marketing is at play just as it is in all aspects of hunting. You dont NEED a 7mm or 300mag to kill a deer or a $400 scope on top of it. You dont NEED camo or a tree stand, you dont NEED a turkey call to be successful....its all in how you choose to hunt and what makes it fun to you. I dont think anyone is saying people NEED a new choke, gun or shells...just sharing what others use incase it helps a fellow hunter.

I dont buy into the traditionalist aspect of hunting that much, meaning i dont buy into just because that is how my dad did it or past generations that is the way it should be done. Every generation has been limited or exposed to new technology which has allowed them to modify or improve their hunting in some degree or another. Ethics are the main aspect of the "tradition" of hunting i truly and deeply believe in.

I do however agree that "distance" is starting what seems to be the marketing pitch these days. Ive never shot one over 33yds and currently dont have any plans to but i do want to know what my gun shoots at 10, 20, 30 and 40yds so I am prepared for all scenarios. shooting a mod choke at 35yds i dont believe gives you a MUCH less change to miss, in addition i think it gives you a much BETTER change at hitting multiple birds by mistake.

again man its all in what you like to do and how you like to do it. Everyone enjoys different things, so do what you like and just be sure to have a good time while you are doing it.

 

[Vermin93]

I'm getting ready to buy my first shotgun for turkey hunting. The ones that I'm considering come with a turkey choke. I figured that would be good enough. What is a modified factory choke?

 

[tnturkey30]

Never missing ......in my book is impossible if you have shot at enough turkeys....if I had shot close to 150 turkeys and never missed....people I believe would question if I was hunting inside the butterball plant....I have shot a boat load of turkeys and have missed my fair share over the years...I shoot an aftermarket tube and hevishot and believe we need to do our best to make sure are guns and ammunition perform to there fullest potential while hunting these crazy little black birds...most people who boast about not missing in my eyes .....probably don't kill alot or bait the...re turkeys....and do shot extended tubes...they just like to boast

 

[muddyboots]

Most of my misses come from misjudging yardages.

 

[REN]

All mine have come from DUMB decisions!

 

[Setterman]

Never missing ......in my book is impossible if you have shot at enough turkeys....if I had shot close to 150 turkeys and never missed....people I believe would question if I was hunting inside the butterball plant....I have shot a boat load of turkeys and have missed my fair share over the years...I shoot an aftermarket tube and hevishot and believe we need to do our best to make sure are guns and ammunition perform to there fullest potential while hunting these crazy little black birds...most people who boast about not missing in my eyes .....probably don't kill alot or bait the...re turkeys....and do shot extended tubes...they just like to boast

You sir would be incorrect. The majority of misses I have seen over the years come from misjudging the distance, not having your head down, or doing something stupid.

I have missed technically, but luckily for me I don't shoot nor have I ever shot a single shot gun. So in the end I killed the bird, and chose not to count it as a miss.

I have never called a bird to myself where I fired my weapon that I didn't walk out of the woods with a bird in hand.

If you don't believe me then, well tough luck. I will be more then happy to post a few pics to show the evidence.

I can promise you one thing, questioning my word and/or my integrity when it comes to hunting/fishing will only end up with you getting embarrassed. Even throwing the word bait baiting in the same topic as me, is something I find offensive. Most on here will vouch for my hardline stance against poachers and people of low class in the woods.