I thought about something the other day, and will probably start doing it.
I shoot mag blends, and for the third shell in my gun I'm going to have Hevi 4's. I've only had to use the third shell a couple times, and it was out there. I want the most distance I can get on that shot.
Does anyone do this?
I try not to need a third one or a second one but I have heard a couple of old timmers doing it and a person could see why.
I started hunting with a single shot and it made a world of difference. You'll learn to let the bird get closer and make the first shot count.
Jim
I try not to use a shot size over #5 because a sparse pattern with #4 shot will break bones and not necessarily kill a bird, though it will usually die from such a injury. Usually by the time you use a third shot the bird is some distance away. As mentioned above wait for them to get closer, pattern your gun so you know where the sure kill range is and stick to it. I shoot one time, win loose or draw, That is enough for me, I am trying to hit the bird in the head, a running bird and you with a tight pattern is not a sure shot situation. I have never taken a second shot, if I ever do it will be because the first shot wounded the bird. My very next act would be to check my poa, poi and pattern density to make sure my shooting is not off. Good luck with whatever you choose to do.
I lose pattern density big time with the larger pellets so I prefer to stick with my original shell.
Quote from: 30_06 on May 11, 2014, 11:44:54 AM
I lose pattern density big time with the larger pellets so I prefer to stick with my original shell.
:icon_thumright:
have not tried it but heard of others doing it
Not to be a know it all, but learn your gun, and it's capabilities and stay with in them and you won't need a 2nd or 3rd shell.
I always carry 5 shells in my 12ga and 20ga
I don't use a different load for the third round but I know other turkey hunters who do.
Quote from: Gooserbat on May 12, 2014, 09:37:42 AM
Not to be a know it all, but learn your gun, and it's capabilities and stay with in them and you won't need a 2nd or 3rd shell.
:agreed:
Alot of the time I only have 2 shells in my gun. I've never shot at a turkey 3 times in my history of turkey hunting.
Many a coyote has died from the H-13 #5's I usually have in the magazine, but no turkeys with the 3rd shot that I can recall...
mudhen
Old Time'sr use to do it. Think about your question and you will come up with the answer on your own. Let say you shot and miss a turkey that is in range, then you miss again while he is still in range. Mostly likely the bird will be either at the far edge of being in range or out of range. If he is still in range the same shell you used for the first shot will kill him. If he is out of range the #4's will proabbly not do you any good. You could get lucky with a load #4's. But we should depend on luck for the shot. We own the bird a good clean kill. learn the effective range of your gun and load and you will not need that #$ load for the third shell in your gun.
Quote from: surehuntsalot on May 14, 2014, 09:48:38 PM
I always carry 5 shells in my 12ga and 20ga
I always load up too. It makes the gun heavier helps reduce recoil.
Quote from: BlakeJ on May 11, 2014, 08:26:55 AM
I thought about something the other day, and will probably start doing it.
I shoot mag blends, and for the third shell in my gun I'm going to have Hevi 4's. I've only had to use the third shell a couple times, and it was out there. I want the most distance I can get on that shot.
Does anyone do this?
Nah...I just use the same shells. Besides, I'm not sure Hevi #4's would be any improvement over Magblends.
Quote from: TRKYHTR on May 15, 2014, 12:51:06 AM
Alot of the time I only have 2 shells in my gun. I've never shot at a turkey 3 times in my history of turkey hunting.
I thought I might be the only one.. I only put two in, the only time I've ever needed the second was my first bird before I knew about after market chokes, patterning, and trying different shells.
Quote from: surehuntsalot on May 14, 2014, 09:48:38 PM
I always carry 5 shells in my 12ga and 20ga
I don't think I've ever hunted in a state that let you have an unplugged shotgun for turkey. I've only been checked in Missouri and Kansas.
Quote from: Gooserbat on May 12, 2014, 09:37:42 AM
Not to be a know it all, but learn your gun, and it's capabilities and stay with in them and you won't need a 2nd or 3rd shell.
So are you using a single shot to or just carrying one shell in your gun?
I carry 3 in mine and all the same shell
Quote from: jblackburn on May 15, 2014, 01:42:32 PM
Quote from: surehuntsalot on May 14, 2014, 09:48:38 PM
I always carry 5 shells in my 12ga and 20ga
I don't think I've ever hunted in a state that let you have an unplugged shotgun for turkey. I've only been checked in Missouri and Kansas.
No plug in Mississippi
I only load up 2 shells. We aren't shooting waterfowl. I see no merit to 3.
I always have two shells in my Benelli. Never had to use the second one. I never load my gun until I get set down at the base of a tree....ready for action. The gun is much lighter to carry unloaded. Never shoot at a running, walking or flying bird, (just my opinion) no need to walk with it loaded. Harder to hit than standing looking for me!!!
Quote from: CT Spur Collector on May 16, 2014, 11:06:59 AM
...I never load my gun until I get set down at the base of a tree....ready for action...
Don't you have to let those Benelli's slam shut or you get the "click"?
Quote from: stinkpickle on May 16, 2014, 11:13:20 AM
Quote from: CT Spur Collector on May 16, 2014, 11:06:59 AM
...I never load my gun until I get set down at the base of a tree....ready for action...
Don't you have to let those Benelli's slam shut or you get the "click"?
Nope, in my M2, I slide the first shell in the tube, push the button with my left index, (I'm right handed) hold the bolt with my right index and thumb. Slide it shut very quietly, insert the second shell and ready for business!! Been doing it for years.
Quote from: CT Spur Collector on May 16, 2014, 11:42:30 AM
Quote from: stinkpickle on May 16, 2014, 11:13:20 AM
Quote from: CT Spur Collector on May 16, 2014, 11:06:59 AM
...I never load my gun until I get set down at the base of a tree....ready for action...
Don't you have to let those Benelli's slam shut or you get the "click"?
Nope, in my M2, I slide the first shell in the tube, push the button with my left index, (I'm right handed) hold the bolt with my right index and thumb. Slide it shut very quietly, insert the second shell and ready for business!! Been doing it for years.
Ahhh...that problem must be limited to the SBE's.
Quote from: CT Spur Collector on May 16, 2014, 11:06:59 AM
I always have two shells in my Benelli. Never had to use the second one. I never load my gun until I get set down at the base of a tree....ready for action. The gun is much lighter to carry unloaded. Never shoot at a running, walking or flying bird, (just my opinion) no need to walk with it loaded. Harder to hit than standing looking for me!!!
Never understood the "no load until setting up" mentality.
Quote from: VaTuRkStOmPeR on May 16, 2014, 12:02:56 PM
Quote from: CT Spur Collector on May 16, 2014, 11:06:59 AM
I always have two shells in my Benelli. Never had to use the second one. I never load my gun until I get set down at the base of a tree....ready for action. The gun is much lighter to carry unloaded. Never shoot at a running, walking or flying bird, (just my opinion) no need to walk with it loaded. Harder to hit than standing looking for me!!!
Never understood the "no load until setting up" mentality.
Let me know the next time you sneak up on one. You won't here in PA.
Quote from: stinkpickle on May 16, 2014, 11:58:14 AM
Quote from: CT Spur Collector on May 16, 2014, 11:42:30 AM
Quote from: stinkpickle on May 16, 2014, 11:13:20 AM
Quote from: CT Spur Collector on May 16, 2014, 11:06:59 AM
...I never load my gun until I get set down at the base of a tree....ready for action...
Don't you have to let those Benelli's slam shut or you get the "click"?
Nope, in my M2, I slide the first shell in the tube, push the button with my left index, (I'm right handed) hold the bolt with my right index and thumb. Slide it shut very quietly, insert the second shell and ready for business!! Been doing it for years.
Ahhh...that problem must be limited to the SBE's.
Don't know about the M2, but I learned this the hard way with my SBE2. I used to try to quietly load up. Cost me a turkey one morning... Mine must be slammed or it will "click."
As for the original post. I always take 3 shells. All Mag-blends. I'm not too proud to say that I've used the second shell a few times. Luckily, I haven't need the third.
Quote from: CT Spur Collector on May 16, 2014, 12:16:06 PM
Quote from: VaTuRkStOmPeR on May 16, 2014, 12:02:56 PM
Quote from: CT Spur Collector on May 16, 2014, 11:06:59 AM
I always have two shells in my Benelli. Never had to use the second one. I never load my gun until I get set down at the base of a tree....ready for action. The gun is much lighter to carry unloaded. Never shoot at a running, walking or flying bird, (just my opinion) no need to walk with it loaded. Harder to hit than standing looking for me!!!
Never understood the "no load until setting up" mentality.
Let me know the next time you sneak up on one. You won't here in PA.
I've never shot a gobbler that I suddenly walked up on. Honestly, I think a turkey deserves to be killed in a more dignified manner than just a momentary, incidental, opportunistic harvest.
But, I have struck birds cutting and running, I do tend to get within 75 yards of roosted birds, I do tend to move in as tight as humanly possible to birds gobbling on the ground before I call to them and I have also been know to crawl a bird or put the sneak on one that's in a field with hens. None of that is conducive to having an unloaded gun.
Guns don't accidentally discharge themselves unless mishandled. The one I carry every day for a living still has yet to get a mind of its own and have a "desk pop."
All of the Benelli autos do it. If your barely closing without manually turning the bolt then your lucky. The reason you are suppose to slam em is so the bolt will rotate into lock position. If it doesn't you get the famous click. I load a shell in the chamber, ease the bolt down then right before it's fully closed I rotate the bolt manually with my left hand while easing it down rest of the way. Super quiet. Also get a stiffer recoil spring to keep it from coming out of battery while walking. May not cycle light loads tho
Quote from: VaTuRkStOmPeR on May 16, 2014, 01:02:25 PM
Quote from: CT Spur Collector on May 16, 2014, 12:16:06 PM
Quote from: VaTuRkStOmPeR on May 16, 2014, 12:02:56 PM
Quote from: CT Spur Collector on May 16, 2014, 11:06:59 AM
I always have two shells in my Benelli. Never had to use the second one. I never load my gun until I get set down at the base of a tree....ready for action. The gun is much lighter to carry unloaded. Never shoot at a running, walking or flying bird, (just my opinion) no need to walk with it loaded. Harder to hit than standing looking for me!!!
Never understood the "no load until setting up" mentality.
Let me know the next time you sneak up on one. You won't here in PA.
I've never shot a gobbler that I suddenly walked up on. Honestly, I think a turkey deserves to be killed in a more dignified manner than just a momentary, incidental, opportunistic harvest.
But, I have struck birds cutting and running, I do tend to get within 75 yards of roosted birds, I do tend to move in as tight as humanly possible to birds gobbling on the ground before I call to them and I have also been know to crawl a bird or put the sneak on one that's in a field with hens. None of that is conducive to having an unloaded gun.
Guns don't accidentally discharge themselves unless mishandled. The one I carry every day for a living still has yet to get a mind of its own and have a "desk pop."
I'm well aware that firearms do not typically discharge on their own. Maybe my point was missed or I didn't explain myself properly. When I leave my truck at "dark thirty" I do not load up until I get to where I'd prefer to set-up. OK, yes, when loaded if in fact I need to move and or get in close, I do not unload, than reload. Don't do it. I trust my years and years of safe hunting practices and my firearm factory built safety. As far as crawling and or sneaking, it's illegal to stalk a turkey in PA, (which has been hashed many times on this forum, not doing it now), so I don't do that. I also carry a Kimber 1911, loaded with one in the chamber, (for many years), it has never "desk popped" either.
So either you missed my point OR I didn't explain myself very well. Sorry.
Quote from: VaTuRkStOmPeR on May 16, 2014, 11:00:13 AM
I only load up 2 shells. We aren't shooting waterfowl. I see no merit to 3.
I see no merit in not putting in that third shell, and I see no advantage to not putting in a 3rd shell?
I look at three shells in the gun, the same way I would in carrying a gun... I would rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.
I certainly would not feel handicapped using an O/U for turkey hunting, but if the gun fits 3 shells, I am stuffing all 3 shells in... tough to imagine ever needing that 3rd shell; but then again, a lot of crap has happened that I did not imagine happening previous to the event... Gun malfunctions, shell malfunctions... etc...
As far as a heavier load for the 3rd shot... I might put in a 3.5" shell as opposed to a 3" (if I had a 3.5" gun) but I would probably stick with #6 Hevi-Shot for all three shells.
Two shells of the same kind in my gun.
In 35+ years of turkey killing I have never shot at a gobbler 3 times. I can count on one hand the times I have shot twice. And all have resulted in a dead bird or two.
In the woods that I hunt,it is always a good chance to run up on some coyotes at any time,when that happens the more than 2 shells go into action.
Use to do it years ago in the 70"s - early 80's, with 2 3/4" 6 shot for the first shot ( patterned best) and 3" # 2 shot for the next 2 as a backup. The thought was for a backup you needed a hard hitting bone busting load because the tom was now on the move , maybe wounded, flying out of there? The precise, rifle like shot at the head was gone= you blew it! Now bust wings , bones and at ever increasing distances, he is wounded so finish it. I think it is a sound principle :z-twocents:
Killed a lot of turkeys with 3 1/2" Grand Slam # 4 shot years later , 120's to 140's in the 10 at 40 will do it clean every time. If you got the pattern density why not?
Don't see the 3rd shot in the gun hurting anything, why not have it there? Just in case.
This year shot the Fed. HW #7 3" in the 12 pump , Backup up with the Longbeard #4's, felt right doing so. :z-twocents:. Not needed as usual for most .
When carrying the Win 37 20 gauge this year with Fed 7 HW , make it count ;)
I've hunted turkeys for over 50 yrs and have never needed a 3rd shot. I do carry three shells in my gun as that is the law in most States. I load my gun when I leave the trk and head to a listening spot. I don't know where I will sit until I hear a gobble or two and head in that direction. .... I always have the same shot/shells loaded in my gun. Back in the day of 23/4 shells some guys would load a 71/2 as the last shell as you would be shooting at a flying bird. I shoot 4's or 5's depending on what the gun likes best at 30yds. Vast majority of my 150+ birds have been taken at 30yds or less. Probably have had that many walk by at 50yds over the yrs. I don't shoot unless it's a killing shot and even then you can miss or need a backup shot. ....Learn how to judge distances and pattern your gun from a sitting position on the ground...Also learn where to sit/setup when turkey hunting. Where you sit is a big part of hunting.
If you are at shell number 3 at a target closer then 40yds your time would probably be better spent at the range.
I do it out of habit from waterfowling. Never needed it. It would probably be a wasted shot anyways.
There's no plug law in WV so I miss as many as the gun will hold. In fact (I can already hear some of you shuttering) I just grab whatever is in my vest and their them in. They all pattern about the same for me. It's a mix of 3.5" hevi #6 or #5 with a smattering of 3" #6 (either the old remington or more recent bronze colored hevi rounds) and however they hit the chamber/tube is how they feed from the gun. Never cared much as they are all about the same out to about 35-40 yards. But then I've not been a faithful shotgun hunter over the years either. Hunted for about 20 years with nothing but assorted rifles and have still managed to shoot most of my birds at 40 or less.