Muzzleloading for turkeys

[toddmoore79]

Hi,

I have a Thompson Center New Englander shotgun that I bought last year and I'm pretty new to using muzzleloading shotguns. I plan on using it to turkey hunt this year. What are the best load combinations to use and what kind of range can I expect from it. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[dbutch]

Need some details..choked or un-choked...
non-toxic shot or lead?
have you shot bp before?

only ask these ? to help out a new guy!

The New Englander's work!

 

[toddmoore79]

It's choked with a Carlson's extra-full choke.

As far as the kind of shot goes, I have only shot lead shot with it so far, but I'm open to suggestions.

I do have blackpowder experience. I deer hunt with a traditional black powder rifle.

 

[pmwest]

Welcome to the forum.

Here is one of my favorite New Englander turkey loads:

70 gr. Goex FFg
Two lightly oiled felt wads (I cut my own but Wonder Wads will work for trials)
2 oz. chilled lead #5 shot.
One felt wad over the shot

You will have to test loads with that particular choke tube. I suspect that close range shots would be difficult because the pattern will be extremely tight. Using the felt wads should allow you to load without removing the choke tube.

 

[toddmoore79]

Thanks! I'll give that a try. What do you use to lightly oil the wads? And do you get pretty good range out of that?

 

[pmwest]

Thanks! I'll give that a try. What do you use to lightly oil the wads? And do you get pretty good range out of that?

I use Ballistol mixed 4:1 with water (1 oz oil to 4 oz water), soaked overnight and then dried for a couple of days. I have used that load to 35 yds. but this is more due to my hunting technique and not load effectiveness.

 

[dbutch]

here's a repeatable pattern..same gun and choke as yours..

95 gr. ff goex
1.5 oz #6 Hevi-shot

sure lead 6's would work too!

I use harden lead 5's when I shoot lead for turkeys.
Others here like 4,5 6's soft, hard and non-toxic.
Get to the pattern board and do your home work..its pays big-time!

 

[toddmoore79]

Impressive pattern! Thanks for the info

 

[toddmoore79]

What type of wads do you use?

 

[dbutch]

pt sent!