Understanding the Building Blocks of Turkey Loads
Shotgun Shell Components
Before diving into the nuances of five shot versus six shot, it’s crucial to grasp the fundamentals of shotgun shells. Understanding what makes up a turkey load will help you better appreciate how these shot sizes function. Shotgun shells are essentially self-contained ammunition packages. Inside the plastic hull, you’ll find several components, each playing a vital role. There’s the primer that ignites the propellant. The propellant itself, the gunpowder, generates the expanding gases that propel the shot down the barrel. Then comes the wad, a critical component that protects the shot as it travels down the barrel and helps create a more efficient pattern. And, of course, the shot itself. This is the payload of metallic pellets that does the work of taking down the turkey.
Shot Size Overview
Shot sizes are standardized, categorized numerically. Contrary to what might seem intuitive, a smaller number generally corresponds to a larger pellet size. For example, #2 shot is larger than #4 shot, which is larger than #6. For turkey hunting, shot sizes typically range from #4 to #9, with #5 and #6 being the most popular choices.
Deciphering the Differences: Five Shot
Pros and Characteristics
Five shot, typically offering pellets roughly 0.12 inches in diameter, offers a particular set of characteristics that can make it a compelling choice under the right circumstances. With these larger pellets, you will often find fewer pellets per ounce when compared to a six shot load.
One of the primary advantages of five shot is its potential for increased energy and penetration. Because each individual pellet is heavier, it carries more kinetic energy. This can translate into better penetration, particularly at longer ranges. When you are pushing the limits of your effective range, the extra punch offered by the larger pellet size of five shot can be very beneficial. This is often regarded as the right choice if you’re expecting to be shooting at distance, where the increased energy of each pellet can maintain lethality.
Cons and Potential Drawbacks
However, five shot also presents some disadvantages. Because there are fewer pellets in the shell, the pattern tends to be a bit more sparse. This means the pattern may be thinner. This can be particularly noticeable at closer ranges where the pattern might not have had enough space to spread out properly, or at extended ranges where the pattern has begun to degrade and thin out. “Gaps” in the pattern, meaning areas with fewer or no pellet strikes, can also be a concern. These gaps can make it more likely for a turkey to survive a shot. So, when selecting five shot, a hunter must be confident in their ability to hold on the target. Furthermore, the heavier pellets can, in some circumstances, increase felt recoil.
Decoding the Details: Six Shot
Advantages of the Denser Pattern
Six shot, usually consisting of pellets about 0.11 inches in diameter, presents a slightly different profile. The smaller pellet size translates to more pellets packed within the same amount of shot weight. This provides a hunter with a denser pattern.
The greater density of the pattern is perhaps the most significant advantage of six shot. With more pellets in flight, the chances of hitting vital areas are significantly increased, especially at shorter to moderate ranges. This translates to a higher probability of a clean and ethical kill. The denser pattern can be particularly beneficial for hunters, allowing for slightly less precise shot placement.
The increased pattern density also means that six shot can be a great option for those hunters who are less experienced or who simply want a bit more room for error.
Potential Limitations and Trade-offs
However, there are some considerations to keep in mind with six shot. The smaller pellets carry less individual energy than five shot. This means that the penetration might be slightly reduced, especially at longer distances. The performance of six shot can fall off faster than that of five shot. The effective range might, in some situations, be slightly shorter.
The Critical Intersection: Range and Effective Kill Zone
Importance of Effective Range
The distance at which you take your shots is arguably the single most important factor in determining whether to choose five shot or six shot. Understanding your effective range is paramount. Ethical hunting is not simply about pulling the trigger; it’s about ensuring a clean, humane kill. This means knowing the limitations of your chosen ammunition and respecting the turkey’s ability to run or fly before it can be fatally hit.
The effective range is the distance at which your chosen load consistently delivers a dense enough pattern to ensure a clean kill. This depends not just on the shot size, but also on your shotgun, your choke, and the ammunition itself.
Range Recommendations
For many hunters, six shot might be a better choice at shorter ranges, up to around thirty-five or forty yards, as it provides the denser pattern needed for reliable hits. Five shot might prove more capable at distances extending beyond forty yards, but it is essential that you have practiced and understand the capabilities of your specific setup.
The Pattern Puzzle: Unlocking Your Shotgun’s Potential
The Pattern Test Procedure
The only way to truly know the performance of your shotgun and shell combination is through pattern testing. You can’t simply rely on hearsay or internet forums. You need to put in the work, spend the money on a box or two of ammunition, and see how your gun performs.
Pattern testing involves shooting at a large paper target at varying distances and analyzing the resulting pattern. The goal is to achieve a dense, even pattern with enough pellet strikes in the vital area of a turkey (head and neck). A pattern test can help to determine your effective range.
To conduct a pattern test, use a large paper target, such as a piece of butcher paper. At different distances, shoot three to five rounds of your chosen ammunition. Mark the center of your pattern. Then, evaluate the pattern. Count the pellet strikes within a circle representing the vital area of a turkey. This circle should be approximately the size of a turkey’s head and neck. You should aim for 100 to 150 pellet strikes in the vital area.
Analyzing the Results
A good pattern should be dense and even, with no large gaps. The core of the pattern should be centered on the point of aim. Note the distance at which the pattern begins to thin out or become too sparse. That is the outer limit of your effective range with that specific load, shotgun, and choke combination.
Shotgun and Choke: The Dynamic Duo
Your shotgun and the choke you select are integral components in achieving an effective pattern. The choke, the constriction at the end of your barrel, dictates how tightly the shot spreads. Some shotguns pattern five shot better than six shot and vice versa. Different choke tube designs are available. A full choke provides the tightest pattern, while modified and improved cylinder chokes offer progressively wider patterns. Generally, turkey hunters use very tight chokes. Extra-full turkey chokes are the most popular. Experiment with different chokes to find the one that performs best with your chosen shot size and ammunition. Patterning your setup will help determine which shot size will perform best.
Considering the Turkey’s Territory: Habitat and Habits
Where you hunt and the habits of the turkeys you’re pursuing can also influence your shot selection.
Habitat Considerations
In dense cover, where shots are typically closer, a denser pattern provided by six shot might be the better choice. The extra pellets help account for potential obstructions and can ensure a more consistent pattern at shorter distances.
In more open environments, where turkeys are more likely to be farther away, five shot might offer better penetration at the longer ranges. If you know you will have the opportunity to make longer shots, five shot can be a better option.
Ethical Considerations and the Quest for a Clean Kill
Ultimately, the most crucial factor is ethical hunting. It’s about delivering a clean, humane kill. Never take a shot that you aren’t confident in, and always stay within your effective range. Always consider the angle of the shot, wind conditions, and any potential obstructions. If the range is too far, the angle is too acute, or any other factors are unfavorable, hold off until you have a clear, ethical shot.
Beyond the Shot: Additional Variables
Several other factors can influence shot performance. The material the shot is made of matters. Lead shot is a traditional choice, but steel, tungsten, and other specialty alloys are also used. These alternative materials can have different densities and flight characteristics, which can influence pattern performance. Shell construction matters too. There are high-brass shells, buffered loads, and other designs that can affect pattern density and pellet distribution.
The Final Verdict: Making the Right Call for Your Hunt
There’s no single “right” answer to the five shot versus six shot debate. The ideal choice depends on a combination of factors: your shotgun, your choke, the expected ranges of your shots, the habitat, and, above all, your commitment to ethical hunting.
The best practice is to pattern your shotgun with both five shot and six shot at various distances. Analyze the patterns and determine which load delivers the most consistent and dense patterns at your typical hunting ranges. Consider the type of hunting you’re doing and the kinds of shots you anticipate taking.
If you anticipate primarily short to medium-range shots (under forty yards) and want a very dense pattern, six shot might be your best bet. If you anticipate the potential for longer shots (beyond forty yards) and are confident in your shooting ability, five shot may be your go-to option.
However, it is always recommended to pattern test, and practice.
The Call to Action: Gear Up and Get Ready
The turkey hunting season is a time for preparation, dedication, and a deep respect for the sport. With the right ammunition and a commitment to responsible hunting, you can improve your chances of success and enjoy the thrill of the hunt. Get out there. Pattern your shotgun. Explore the options. Choose wisely. And most importantly, enjoy the experience!
