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Turkey Guns & Shooting => Lead Shooters Section => Topic started by: the Ward on February 09, 2013, 10:51:38 AM

Title: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: the Ward on February 09, 2013, 10:51:38 AM
I was in walmart yesterday checking out what they had for ammo and saw these.They were 12 gauge 3" 1 7/8 lead.Had them in 5 and 6 shot.Never had heard of them before.wonder if they're just strut shocks in a different box?They were 9.99 a box.Mite have to give them a whirl for that price!Anybody have any info on them?
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: camodawg on February 09, 2013, 12:52:54 PM
I saw them in walmart also. They had them in 3" and 3 1/2" #5's and #6. I couldn't find anywhere on the box that said if they were flight control wads or not. 
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: BrowningGuy88 on February 09, 2013, 02:45:50 PM
Look like strut shocks to me.
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: the Ward on February 09, 2013, 05:40:07 PM
Yea probably are  strut shocks with new packaging.I couldn't tell from the box if it had the flite control wad either.Thanks for the replies!
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: Deputy 14 on February 09, 2013, 11:45:05 PM
If anyone buys some cut one open and see. Would be a nice find if they don't have the FCW.
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: gaswamp on February 10, 2013, 04:40:05 AM
Quote from: Deputy 14 on February 09, 2013, 11:45:05 PM
If anyone buys some cut one open and see. Would be a nice find if they don't have the FCW.

no fcw
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: devin4484 on February 10, 2013, 01:59:06 PM
ya they are just strut shok in new packaging.
Title: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: 2much2loud on February 11, 2013, 10:47:51 AM
Has anybody had any luck patterning them?
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: appalachianstruttstopper on February 11, 2013, 11:48:36 AM
I have a mosseberg 535 with 20" barrel and factory X Factor choke and they shot similar to the Winchester grey box 1 7/8 #6 copper. Winchester #6's put an average of 100 pellets on a sheet of printer paper @ 40yds, and the lead Federal 1 7/8 #6's   put an average of 90 pellets @ 40yds. They have a standard pedal type wad, not the FCW. They performed exactly like I expected to comparing buffered lead to copper coated buffered lead.
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: darn2ten on February 13, 2013, 12:23:37 AM
Tested the 3-1 7/8-6 strut shok last year. With a polished 24" barrel charles daly maxi mag with a JH .660 the best it put up at a lasered 40 was 141 in the 10". Two other shots were in the low to mid 130's. I was very happy with that!
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: surehuntsalot on February 13, 2013, 09:17:48 PM
anybody know if the 20ga is the same price as the 12

guess I'll be going to wally world
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: appalachianstruttstopper on February 13, 2013, 10:49:13 PM
Quote from: surehuntsalot on February 13, 2013, 09:17:48 PM
anybody know if the 20ga is the same price as the 12

guess I'll be going to wally world
I don't believe federal makes a strut shok for 20. Still the best federal lead shell is their wing shok pheasant 3-1.25-6 copper plate buffered without flight control wad. If your 20 shoots FCW good, I would shoot the 20 mag shok lead #6's.
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: surehuntsalot on February 14, 2013, 10:33:48 PM
was in my local wally world the other night and I saw the turkey thug ammo behind the counter and they had 20ga
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: ericjames on February 15, 2013, 08:59:19 AM
Quote from: devin4484 on February 10, 2013, 01:59:06 PM
ya they are just strut shok in new packaging.

I saw on another forum where they cut one of each open and the turkey thug had more powder and buffer than the strut shok, I will look for it and post what they said about it
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: ericjames on February 15, 2013, 09:04:07 AM
This came from a respected sorce they cut one of each open - This is a Qoute  from the other forum!


guys i had a bud get some of this ammo and he came over 2nite and we cut the tops off and......

TURKEY THUGS : 3" : powder 49.2 : buffer 17.0 : 1 7/8 #6's lead shot 1.894.oz : fps 1210

THE BLUE BOX : 3" : powder 36.5 : buffer (very little) : 1 7/8 #6's lead shot 1.880 : fps 1210

both had same wad cup but the blue box shells had a higher Gas Seal , hull and primers same.

powder looked the same. we will shoot them in a few weeks.
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: bushwhacker on February 15, 2013, 04:46:52 PM
 At my local wal mart they have this ammo in 20 gauge with 1.25 oz #5 shot only. I would have bought some had they had it in 6's. $9.99 for 12 or 20 gauge.
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: appalachianstruttstopper on February 16, 2013, 06:01:21 PM
Quote from: surehuntsalot on February 14, 2013, 10:33:48 PM
was in my local wally world the other night and I saw the turkey thug ammo behind the counter and they had 20ga

Cool, I'm gonna hafta check em out. My Walmart don't have'em yet, and I was looking on federal's website and didn't see them. I wanna try them in my compact 870 20ga.
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: ericjames on February 16, 2013, 09:29:41 PM
All I am gonna say about the turkey thugs in the 3.5-2-6 is the 1 shell I shot was the best pattern I have ever had from lead @ 40 yards. But before I talk to good about them I wanna shoot at least 2 more to make sure that all of them shoot like the first one did , if they do I will go back and buy the rest of the 3.5" #6's they have..
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: 3" 870 Shell Shucker on February 17, 2013, 01:17:56 AM
I looked at them a little while ago.  $9.99 per box of 10.

Buffered Lead Shot, Not Copper-Plated (Just Like Remington Nitro Turkey), but in a Federal Hull and Federal Wad.

I hate the Remington Nitros, but I hope the Federals shoot good.  Please tell me they do.
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: the Ward on February 17, 2013, 06:51:59 AM
Yikes!Did you guys see the post over on the turkey gun forum?Wad stuck in barrel, powder loooked to have oil in it!I picked up a box the other day in 5# 12 gauge,haven't shot them yet hope they go off!       
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: ericjames on February 17, 2013, 09:36:44 AM
I didn't see the nothing about it but they went boom out of my gun. I will go ahead and post the pic once I get it off my phone. I didn't want to until I shot them a few more times. But they patterned very well in my 835
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: the Ward on February 17, 2013, 10:03:40 AM
Looking forward to the pattern  pics.Can't wait to get out to do some shooting myself!Just been too windy when i did have time to go out.Don't mind shooting in the cold but i absolutly hate trying to shoot in the wind!
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: ericjames on February 17, 2013, 10:19:02 AM
Well folks here it is I wasn't gonna post this until I shot them again because the count seemed kinda high but anyway here they are @40 yards out of a 24" 835 with a pure gold .670. I could not find what I normally mark the circle with so I had to find something else and the circle came out to 10.25" ...This was a 3.5-2-6 load (http://i1023.photobucket.com/albums/af355/BAMAMUDIGGER/2013-02-15190329_zps16525c74.jpg)
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: Tom Foolery on February 17, 2013, 10:43:38 AM
Not cool about the wet powder or whatever caused the misfire on the turkey guns board.  That said, ericjames, that is one heck of a pattern!  Looks like I will have to pick up a couple boxes.
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: ericjames on February 17, 2013, 10:51:30 AM
I wanna shoot a few more to see if this was a fluke or something but if I shoot 2 more and they shoot like this , my local walmart will have a ammo shortage on the turkey thugs because I will go buy every box they have. Now I will say this is 1/4" bigger circle so that's makes up for a few pellets but that's all I could find to mark it with
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: SumToy on February 17, 2013, 08:17:54 PM
They are OLD SCHOOL.  :z-winnersmiley:  We have a good load for the smaller bore guns now.  We test fired one today.  Looks good at 40. 
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: ericjames on February 17, 2013, 09:47:14 PM
what kind of numbers did you get William or did you count
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: SumToy on February 18, 2013, 09:11:46 AM
We did not count them. The wind was way to high to really see a good number count.  It was a new choke lay out also.  We had a 665 in the SBE with 3inch 5's.  It will roll him at 40.
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: mightyjoeyoung on February 18, 2013, 11:21:19 AM
William, what choke style and dimensions would you recommend with the 20 gauge strut shok/thug 6s in a TC Encore pro hunter?
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: 3" 870 Shell Shucker on February 18, 2013, 11:26:39 AM
If I see some locally, I may give a box a try just to shoot something different.  Those Plain Lead 6's might be a good experiment for my GT .650 choke.
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: ericjames on February 18, 2013, 01:21:46 PM
Quote from: SumToy on February 18, 2013, 09:11:46 AM
We did not count them. The wind was way to high to really see a good number count.  It was a new choke lay out also.  We had a 665 in the SBE with 3inch 5's.  It will roll him at 40.
That's good to hear, I was gonna compare the old federals to these but I just cant make myself cut one up, but just looking at the hull they look identical. I had to go check the box to figure out. I wanna shoot the 5's also but in the 3.5" I just like a heavy payload in my 835
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: SumToy on February 19, 2013, 10:25:53 AM
They will work out of any choke that shoots the HV13 good.  I think in our choke it will be the 562-3.
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: cluck on February 19, 2013, 10:47:22 PM
Has anybody seen these in 3"-2-6s for the 12 gauge?    Many thanks cluck
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: appalachianstruttstopper on February 19, 2013, 10:57:23 PM
Far as I know 1 7/8 is heaviest payload in 3".  2oz. in 3.5. Give'em a try for the price, you might be suprised.
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: cluck on February 20, 2013, 05:46:22 PM
Got a box of 3"17/8 6s. Got to wait on a warmer day.  cluck
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: scdxt on February 20, 2013, 07:26:57 PM
I shot the 3 17/8 6 from a stoeger m2000 24" barrel today at 40. Got 131 in 10" with kicks .665. Not bad for $10 a box. Good even pattern as well
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: Tom Foolery on February 20, 2013, 08:18:55 PM
I grabbed the wrong box, wanted the 3.5" 2oz load but got the 3" 1 7/8oz......always a good idea to read the box.
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: R AJ on February 20, 2013, 09:19:32 PM
I have only seen 3" #5 loads for the 20 gauge at my nearest WalMart.

I also noted that they were going through Haas sp? Outdoor World in Mississippi.
Do you suppose that all the Thugs are using these shot this spring?
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: 3" 870 Shell Shucker on February 21, 2013, 03:04:59 AM
I will pick up some of the 3" 1 7/8 Oz. #6's and try through a .650, .655, and .665 in my 870.
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: BrowningGuy88 on February 21, 2013, 09:31:38 AM
Quote from: RAJ on February 20, 2013, 09:19:32 PM
I have only seen 3" #5 loads for the 20 gauge at my nearest WalMart.

I also noted that they were going through Haas sp? Outdoor World in Mississippi.
Do you suppose that all the Thugs are using these shot this spring?

I seriously doubt that!
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: 3" 870 Shell Shucker on February 21, 2013, 10:18:40 PM
My local WM only had 1 case of #4's in 3" 12 gauge, 1 case of #5's in 3" 20 gauge, and 1 case of 3.5" 12 gauge.  I'm not buying any more #4's.
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: Rockhound on February 23, 2013, 09:34:49 AM
Quote from: Daman on February 21, 2013, 09:31:38 AM
Quote from: RAJ on February 20, 2013, 09:19:32 PM
I have only seen 3" #5 loads for the 20 gauge at my nearest WalMart.

I also noted that they were going through Haas sp? Outdoor World in Mississippi.
Do you suppose that all the Thugs are using these shot this spring?

I seriously doubt that!

I bet they are, most on that show when asked what kind of shell they shot, replied #5.

The big tv hunters surprisingly still shoot lead
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: surehuntsalot on February 23, 2013, 04:44:41 PM
Quote from: Rockhound on February 23, 2013, 09:34:49 AM
Quote from: Daman on February 21, 2013, 09:31:38 AM
Quote from: RAJ on February 20, 2013, 09:19:32 PM
I have only seen 3" #5 loads for the 20 gauge at my nearest WalMart.

I also noted that they were going through Haas sp? Outdoor World in Mississippi.
Do you suppose that all the Thugs are using these shot this spring?

I seriously doubt that!

I bet they are, most on that show when asked what kind of shell they shot, replied #5.

The big tv hunters surprisingly still shoot lead

what is surprising about that,lead has been taking turkeys for years and years
I have alot of lead shells bought up and will be hunting with it this year,I took my birds last year with 20ga lead shells that cost less than a dollar a shell.
birds are not armor plated,nor do they wear bullet proof vest
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: Rockhound on February 24, 2013, 04:18:04 PM
Quote from: surehuntsalot on February 23, 2013, 04:44:41 PM
Quote from: Rockhound on February 23, 2013, 09:34:49 AM
Quote from: Daman on February 21, 2013, 09:31:38 AM
Quote from: RAJ on February 20, 2013, 09:19:32 PM
I have only seen 3" #5 loads for the 20 gauge at my nearest WalMart.

I also noted that they were going through Haas sp? Outdoor World in Mississippi.
Do you suppose that all the Thugs are using these shot this spring?

I seriously doubt that!

I bet they are, most on that show when asked what kind of shell they shot, replied #5.

The big tv hunters surprisingly still shoot lead

what is surprising about that,lead has been taking turkeys for years and years
I have alot of lead shells bought up and will be hunting with it this year,I took my birds last year with 20ga lead shells that cost less than a dollar a shell.
birds are not armor plated,nor do they wear bullet proof vest

Oh i 100% agree  i have big lead stockpile,  im shooting htl now but its only a matter of time before its to pricey and when the pile is gone ill shoot it again.  It doesn't bother to me to shoot it and if im in a place where i know the shots will be under 30 yds like my farm for example,  i still put lead in the tube and save the htl for more open areas
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: surehuntsalot on February 24, 2013, 10:13:18 PM
Quote from: Rockhound on February 24, 2013, 04:18:04 PM
Quote from: surehuntsalot on February 23, 2013, 04:44:41 PM
Quote from: Rockhound on February 23, 2013, 09:34:49 AM
Quote from: Daman on February 21, 2013, 09:31:38 AM
Quote from: RAJ on February 20, 2013, 09:19:32 PM
I have only seen 3" #5 loads for the 20 gauge at my nearest WalMart.

I also noted that they were going through Haas sp? Outdoor World in Mississippi.
Do you suppose that all the Thugs are using these shot this spring?

I seriously doubt that!

I bet they are, most on that show when asked what kind of shell they shot, replied #5.

The big tv hunters surprisingly still shoot lead

what is surprising about that,lead has been taking turkeys for years and years
I have alot of lead shells bought up and will be hunting with it this year,I took my birds last year with 20ga lead shells that cost less than a dollar a shell.
birds are not armor plated,nor do they wear bullet proof vest

Oh i 100% agree  i have big lead stockpile,  im shooting htl now but its only a matter of time before its to pricey and when the pile is gone ill shoot it again.  It doesn't bother to me to shoot it and if im in a place where i know the shots will be under 30 yds like my farm for example,  i still put lead in the tube and save the htl for more open areas


:icon_thumright:
I hunt with the exact same game plan
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: cluck on February 25, 2013, 03:31:35 PM
Took my 870 12ga. with ventalator .655 and 3-17/8-6s thugs and put 82 hits in 10 in inchs at 40 yds. Then replaced ventalator with rem. super full .665 and same load and put 100 even in 10 inch at forty. Super full was good even pattern. I have a rem. extra full .687? But didn't try it. Going to basspro saturday. If you were buying, what choke would you buy? Have shot some winchester shells and put up to maybe 110 in 10" with these same chokes. Would be completly satisfied if I could reach 120ish with 3-2oz.6s. Thanks a many.      cluck
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: bushwhacker on February 25, 2013, 05:14:32 PM
 I have three 870's, one 3" express and two super mags and they all like my Jellyhead .665 with Winchester hv 3.5/2/5's in the super mags and grey box 5's in the three inch gun. That choke will run you about $60. The two super mags average around 110 to 120 in ten at forty. Can't remember exact count with the 3" gun but i remember it being similar to that.
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: Matt81302 on February 25, 2013, 06:44:19 PM
I picked up a box of 3 1/2in. 2oz. #5 Turkey Thugs and a box of 3 1/2in. 2 1/4oz. #5 with the FCW. From the sounds of it I should have just stuck with the Turkey Thugs. We shall see. Hoping to get a chance to shoot them later in the week.
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: 3" 870 Shell Shucker on February 25, 2013, 09:13:48 PM
QuoteGoing to basspro saturday. If you were buying, what choke would you buy?


The Indian Creek .665 is probably the best RemChoke Turkey choke you'll find at Bass Pro.  Others would be the Jelly Head and the Gobblin' Thunder.  BPS doesn't sell Pure Gold chokes.
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: Spring_Woods on February 26, 2013, 07:44:01 AM
Saw these the other night. Sounds like some shot okay and some not at all!

Which shell do you guys reckon would shoot best out of an 870 SM with a PG choke?
Title: Re: Federal "Turkey Thug"?
Post by: mr perfect on March 13, 2013, 09:18:12 PM
i was wondering the same thing i have some of each just thought they were same the numbers on the box say they are .