3" vs 3 1/2" Pros and Cons

[Turkeybuster]

I like the Magnum Blend for the simple reason of penetration with the heavier shot in that load. I am still not sold on the lighter shot. More holes in the paper dont overly impress me. 7.5 field loads will cleanly kill a turkey at 40 yds.
Jon

[Hognutz]

Hevi-13 #7's are not your average #7's. I have used #6 lead for turkeys since I started hunting them, with great results. I am convinced that if you have the pattern at 50 or 60 yds., the energy will be there to kill the bird. I have done it with lead.

[Turkeybuster]

I know you are right and the Heavy 7's are the rage at present time. I shoot the Winchester elites and they do a great job in fact I went from 5's in the High Velocity to 6's in the Elites with great success.

I recently tried the Magnum Blend and had 278 hits in a 10" circle at 40 yds. and 130 at 60 yds. The pattern was even in both cases, I need to count my 50 yd. target yet but it also was very good sure suprised me. I think it will make a excellent first load when hunting in open country.
Jon

[Turkeybuster]

240 hits in 10" at 50 yds. 68 in the head and neck. AT 30 yd. about 98% in the circle.
Jon

[Hognutz]

ORIGINAL: Turkeybuster

240 hits in 10" at 50 yds. 68 in the head and neck. AT 30 yd. about 98% in the circle.
Jon

You can't beat that with a stick, Turkeybuster...I was just on the Old Gobbler forum and Reloader posted a picture of a turkey that he shot at 35 yds., with #7 Hevi. The lower part of the pattern blew through the breast and came out the other side of the bird. An awesome picture. That stuff will penetrate...Mike

[Turkeybuster]

Wow that is impressive but it is still very close range although it does show a lot of penetration what happens at 50.?
Jon

[Hognutz]

Hard to say, but if they are completely going through a breast at 35 yds., I don't think 15 more yards is going to make much difference. Did you see the pics?

[Turkeybuster]

Yep I went up and checked them out that sure did make a mess what a shot they look like they are going to be something else. It is amazing how far turkey loads progressed since the heavy shot change. What convinced me I misjudged distance on a shot in open country and after stepping it off found it to be 62 yds. and there was 3 no. 6 shot that went through the birds head. That was with the Winchester Elite from that time on I shot the 6's. hopefully the 7's will work just as well.
Jon

[Hognutz]

It is some crazy stuff, that is for sure...Mike

[grouse]

As far as killing turkeys every advantage goes to the 3.5 inch shell but they aren't needed at all. The only Con of a 3.5 inch is the additonal cost of ammo and the gun. I wouldn't buy a 12 gauge pump or auto that wasn't 3.5 inch chambered though just nice to be able to shoot whatever I want or have on hand. A pheasant load is all thats really needed in the turkey woods even out to 40 yards.