I'm specifically looking to get some 3.5" shells for an upcoming hunt. With so many options out there, I wanted to see what y'all have used and would suggest....

(using a Benelli Super Nonva)

Thanks

12 gauge Federal Premium Heavyweight #4.

22 hornet

#9 TSS

That’s the money load, I’m with you

3” #4s..

cause I ain’t mad enough at me to shoot a 3.5”

Lead shot #5
Heavy shot #6
TSS #9

I pick those for shot energy and the smaller shot gets more of it for a given charge.

I would suggest getting several shells and patterning your shotgun/choke at the max range you will be shooting. I liked #4s Remington Long Beards for most Texas hunting using the Ithaca Turkey Slayer with the included extra full choke.

I'll take a 3" or even 2.75" that puts pellets in concentration exactly where I want them over a 3.5" any day.

Shotgun, choke and shell combos really vary in performance. What works well in my shotgun may not work well in yours.

Years ago I started on the quest for the perfect shell. Made some nice long range shots. But then really enjoyed calling them in very close enough that a dove load would have worked.

I'm hand loading some #4 shells with black powder for use in a couple old shotguns. Had hoped to try them out by now but life sometimes gets in the way of our plans. Maybe in a couple weeks...

3" #5 lead shot. Most hard core turkey hunters argued between #4 and #6 when #5 was difficult to find. Now #5 lead shot is easier to find and I think it is ideal for turkeys out to 50 yards though I have killed them further.
Adios,
gary

Remington Duplex 4 x 6 in 3". Not sure they even sell them anymore, but i have a few boxes left. Now i just need a huntable population of turkey.

I had several boxes of the Remington 4 x 6 from the old days we were doing Outdoor Writer hunts for Mossy Oak. I think I still have some in 3 1/2". I never was a huge fan of this ammo because it would nearly tear my arm off when shooting it in my Mossberg 835 and it never really patterned very well in my guns. Seems like my Mossberg patterned better with the Winchester Ammo in #5 and #6.
Now I shoot turkeys with a 20 ga. with #6 shot and stay within 45 yards.
Adiios,
gary

A Full Metal Jacket 340 topped with a 125 gr. Slick Trick......harvested a gobbler 3/25. If you ain't bowhunting them you're cheating.....

I've killed Turkeys with a .22LR, a .22-250, a .270 and several with a 70 lb compound bow. Looking back, I never killed one with a shotgun.....

+1

12ga. Federal 3” #5 shot.

Thanks, everyone! Much appreciated!