.28 gauge Turkey load?

[Gobbletn]

Hey all, im a big Turkey hunter and I am going to try and work up a load for my new .28 gauge, 42" flintlock I just completed. I have #5 and #6 chilled shot, overshot cards, 1/2" lubed cushion wad, and both 2F and 3F. Any help would be great...

 

[roundball]

These are 3.5" tuna cans at 25yds.

42" x .54cal(.28ga) cylinder bore
Circle Fly 1/2" cushion wad / shot / 2 OS cards

 

[F.G. Ford]

That is very good shot density at 25 yds.
That would make things difficuly for Mr. Turkey at that distance.
Also with that shot load, you have a long shot column.
Old Ford

 

[Mike Brooks]

Check your game laws, most states have a 20 bore minimum.

 

[roundball]

Yes, a longer shot string just keeps pouring them into the center of the pattern...helpful for small turkey head/neck targets at any decent distance to speak of.
The payload weighs about the same as a large .54cal conical, yet at 60grns Goex, the powder charge is only half of the published 120grns listed with a big .54cal conical...so pressure is not even a point of discussion.
The load ratio is like the old saying: "Little powder, more lead, shoots far, kills dead"

 

[F.G. Ford]

Hi Mike,
Thank you for the information.
I'm new to this turkey stuff.
Have not even taken the turkey hunting course.
Fred

 

[Ft. Jefferson]

Gobbletn; ya might try breakin the cushion wad in half and using only 1/2 of the wad at a time. I've found that a full 1/2" lubed wad caused donut patterns. BTW, i use my 28ga for everything out there, except turkeys and waterfowl. 1.25oz max load.

 

[roundball]

Gobbletn; ya might try breakin the cushion wad in half and using only 1/2 of the wad at a time. I've found that a full 1/2" lubed wad caused donut patterns. BTW, i use my 28ga for everything out there, except turkeys and waterfowl. 1.25oz max load.

On the half of a wad consideration, I've tried them both ways, half and full (actually using two Oxyoke 1/8" wool wads for a 1/4") and I often use only the equivalent of a 1/4" OP wadding, not the full 1/2".
But to my surprise this 42" Rice barrel gave me tighter patterns with the full size 1/2" Circle Fly cushion wad...which reminded me that the size of the powder charge can enter into the 'doughnut hole' equation too.
When I saw how tight my patterns were, worried that only 60grns might be too little for penetration at distance, I put up the steel cans to at least try for a sense of penetration and 60grns did just fine...tight patterns AND good energy / penetration.

 

[Gobbletn]

Thanks, all Tennessee requires is #4 shot or smaller...

 

[rudy parnell]

That's some real good shoot'in. No doubt penetrating also. Look out Tom !

 

[USMA65]

Thanks for checking that out; I was beginning to think I had just wasted an inordinate amount of time getting my 28 ready for the TN season.