Turkey shells 12 gauge bang for you buck

[silverbullet555]

I'm sure I could find a bunch of threads, but we're moving right now and time is super short. I need to pick up some shells for a hunt we are going on.

I was thinking bigger shot size, but some at cabelas are 7 and 9 shot.

What do I want in the way of shot size, etc?

Specific recommendations of shells that are good bang for the buck are welcome.

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[TheCougar]

I’ve had good luck with the Winchester Xtended Range shells. I prefer the #4 or 5 shot. They group as well, and hit hard as far out as the much more expensive Hevi-shot.

 

[ezmorningrebel]

Winchester Longbeard XR #6's are a popular budget option. My sportsman's cant keep them in stock.

 

[silverbullet555]

Winchester Longbeard XR #6's are a popular budget option. My sportsman's cant keep them in stock.

I’ve had good luck with the Winchester Xtended Range shells. I prefer the #4 or 5 shot. They group as well, and hit hard as far out as the much more expensive Hevi-shot.

Thanks x 2

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[N2TRKYS]

When I shot store bought shells, I shot Nitros 4x5x7. They were awesome in my 12ga. Now, I handload TSS and shoot #7.5s.

 

[weaver]

Lot of people around here shoot Winchester xr #6s
I prefer hevi 13 #7s but it all depends on what your gun shoots well.
Hevi-shot costs twice as much but its negligible once you have the gun patterned and it's only a couple shots a year at turkeys.
You can also use cheap shells to get your poi close.


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[huntineveryday]

I shoot fiochii golden pheasant loads in 5 shot the last 8 years. 3 inch loads. I usually hunt archery most of the season, but will use shotgun if I'm with friends or taking my kids out. My shots are usually 40 yards and under. My son's taken two birds with 5 shot golden pheasant out of a 20 gauge.

 

[silverbullet555]

Thanks for the insight. School principal's husband is taking my son out for a youth hunt. Son gets first shot, but I get 2nd.

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[Gbrecka]

Winchester XR #5 here. Great pattern and usually can catch them on a sale and rebate

 

[bowieknife50]

Whatever 4s or 6s are at Walmart the night before season starts.


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[beerbucksducks]

Remington Nitro 5s or 6s


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[Downeaster]

Longbeards seem to be a pretty universally decent shell for the money. They are only in 5's and 6's for 3" 12ga i believe.
I'd start there

 

[Thess87]

XR 5-6’s is what I run

 

[Jimss]

I harvest 3 to 10 toms a year in multiple states and have great results with Longbeard 6's. Most of my shots are in the 15 to 45 yard range. I've found that if I can get within 40 yards and make a good shot that every shot is a dead bird. I don't miss very often....and if I do it's not due to the shell it's because of me! I would have missed the shot with every shell made! The one thing I've learned over the years is not to take shots longer than 50 yards and make sure I take my time and line up a great kill shot. If I wait things out for a good shot it usually ends up in success!

When I first started turkey hunting I watched quite a few youtube videos on shell comparison and reviews. Some of them compared shot sizes and different shell manufactors. From what I remember #6 hold their pattern better at long range and had more pellets on a turkey head than larger shot (4's and 5's). There is more shot/shell in 6''s vs 4 or 5's.

Buffered and moly-coated pellets produce a denser pattern than conventional shot. Hevi-Shot broke the World Record with a pattern that scored 42 pellet holes in a 3" circle at 40 yards, and holds world record titles in every class! It also delivers 20% more knockdown energy and up to 40% longer range than lead shells. HEVI-13 pellets are about 20% denser than lead and penetrate far deeper. Is it worth the high price/shell....the choice is yours to have the ability to shoot a little farther? Most of the toms I shoot are almost too close and I often have to wait for them to move farther out to shoot.

Longbeard shells are no slouch. Shot-Lok™ Technology, your shot is protected during in-bore acceleration, launching the round in a near-perfect circle for hard-hitting and extremely tight long-range patterns. The results – 10% greater penetration over standard lead loads beyond 50 yds and twice the number of pellets in a 10" circle out to 60 yds.

Longbeards are medium priced. The past few years there are always mail in rebaits for a couple $ off. If you ask me, it's really not worth double the price for the high dollar shells.....I've had great success with Longbeard 6's so will likely continue using them unless there is significant price drop in other shells.

 

[Linedawg]

I really like the long beard #5 shot I also like the way the end is sealed closed so no chance of moisture getting in ,I also run the long beards in a 20 youth gun pattern is awesome in both guns.

 

[Tradchef]

I’ve had good luck with the Winchester Xtended Range shells. I prefer the #4 or 5 shot. They group as well, and hit hard as far out as the much more expensive Hevi-shot.

Another vote for Winchester XR’s. I use the #5s in mine. Here’s my 2019 Montana Merriam that took a face full of XR’s.

 

[hobbes]

Longbeards are hard to beat in a lead ammo. You have to take a big step in price to get an improvement. I stayed in the lead camp for about 25 years. Just know that they can be incredibly tight at close range.

If you really break down costs, the finances for a $2 shell vs a $8 shell isn't that much when you shoot maybe 5 shells a season ($10 vs $40). It's still difficult to spend when most birds I kill are 30 yards or closer and dead is dead (said that a lot of times). I have, however, jumped on the TSS handloading bandwagon. I've avoided testing at long range and haven't went for insane pellet counts, but instead a great pattern at 40 that isn't a single projectile at 15.

 

[Netherman]

I also like the XR's. They make them in 12 and 20ga. Though I think they only offer the 20 in #5.

 

[jmez]

Whatever 4s or 6s are at Walmart the night before season starts.


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This except I use 6's. Keep your ranges reasonable, shoot them in the head and 6's are plenty.

 

[silverbullet555]

I went ahead ordered xr shells in 5 and 6 also a xr choke. Cabelas had 10% off today, plus $3 rebate per box, active junky and 15% off gift cards made it worthwhile.

AJ has the wrong amount so I will see how that works out. Usually goes ok.

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