When experienced turkey hunters debate shot size, the discussion often centers around #4 and #6 shot. As you may know, when dealing with shotgun pellets, the smaller the number, the larger the diameter and the heavier the mass. Generally, the more pellets you put in the air, the greater the chance for a head/neck hit, which kills a gobbler instantly. However, to increase shot numbers requires reducing shot size. Richard Mann does a great job of simplifying this debate and offers several tests from his North American Hunter,/i> column.
Shotguns shoot non-expanding pellets. These pellets make holes in stuff, and for them to kill a turkey they need to hit the right spot and have enough energy to penetrate.
Simple, right? Maybe not so much.
Let’s compare two 12 gauge turkey loads: No. 4 and No. 6 shot. Now, a shotgun shell that is loaded with No. 4 shot will contain fewer pellets than one containing No. 6 shot. This is because No. 6 shot is smaller than No. 4 shot and they can fit more No. 6 shot into the shell than No.4 shot. It’s science, but its simple science. Its simple science that impacts getting hits on the turkey… [continued]
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