16 Gauge Turkey Question

[kmeyer]

Hey all. I am considering a 16 gauge flintlock for small game and turkey hunting. Right now I usually use a modern 12 guage for turkeys. How big a difference in pattern can I expect? Also, could I load up the 16 with more shot to equal a modern 12 guage? Thanks in advance for any advise.

 

[musketman]

Also, could I load up the 16 with more shot to equal a modern 12 guage? Thanks in advance for any advise.

Yes you can, the shot column (while still in the bore) will be longer due to the smaller tube diameter than the 12 gauge...

More shot than powder will yield a thicker shot cloud and will work just fine, more powder than shot will open the shot pattern dramatically...

 

[ffffg]

the 16 is a fine upland gun and is a a vast improvement over the 20 in my opinion.. you did not give much info in your request so ill just give some info bites.. a smoothbore usually has no choke, a modern shotgun does.. there is a world of difference in a smoothbore and a modern choked gun.. cylinder bore gives lots of problems with patterns.. i shoot a chambers 16 guage with swamped 42 inch barrel and i get the best patterns with 72 grains 3fg and 1 1/8 ounce shot.. smoothbore patterns is a science and youl do alot of work finding what works best in your gun.. heavey loads throw a lot of shot, but the high pressures deform it and it gives poorer patterns than light loads.. it would seem alot of shot would yeild more game but many years of shooting the 16 has proven this to be not completely true.. there are alot of thigs you can do to get better patterns with the heavier loads... paper shot cups, knickel plated shot, and buffer are some of the things ive found to help give better patterns.. another thing to realize is that elevation and cold air play significant roles in patterns.. what is going to count in the end is your hunting ability in being able to get within range of your pattern and mr tom.. dave...

 

[kmeyer]

You mean if I do my part in getting a more challenging gun, the Toms won't do their part and kiss the front of the barrell Seriously though, thanks guys for the input. I cannot wait to shoot this thing!!!

 

[rayb]

My limited experience has been that unchoked guns need to go more shot less powder; the choked guns seem to have had better patterns with more powder less shot. This was based on starting loads with equal volumes of powder & shot.

Have fun develping what works best in your gun.


:results: :m2c:

rayb