Are HV Loads Necessary?

[hunter177]

I've noticed that most guys use either Hevi-13 or High Velocity loads. I picked up 2 boxes of Federal Premium Magnum, Flite Control Wad 12 ga., 3" with 2 oz. of #6 shot on sale at the gun shop. The velocity on the box says 1150 fps. Within 45 yards or less is this enough velocity to kill a gobbler? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

PS: I shoot a Stoeger M2000 12 ga., 3" with a TruGlo Gobble Stopper Extreme .665 choke

[WyoHunter]

For any shots under 40 yards I don't think there would be a "need" for HV loads. I do think that beyond 40 yards it would be a benefit because a pellet that impacts at a HV would have energy. With the exception of the Hevi-13 Magnum Blends the muzzle velocity of the turkey loads is 1090 fps. The Mag loads are 1200 fps.

[allaboutshooting]

Hey Steve,

A swarm of #6 shot at 1150 f.p.s. will certainly do the job at reasonable ranges. I like to recommend 40 yards as the longest shot at a turkey however.

It's all about the retained energy at the target (turkey head/neck vital area) and as long as we do our job with good shot placement, those loads will work just fine.

A little time spent at the range will let you know if you're getting that swarm of shot in the right area.

All my best this spring.

Thanks,
Clark

[shaman]

Hunter177:  I use the #4 shot Federal 3-inchers and I have never felt under-gunned.    I did some fast figgerin' last Spring and figured out that 80% of my shots have been within 17 yards.  A that point even a 3 inch lead load is sort of overkill. 
 
I was watching a thread sometime in the past couple of years where guys were going on and on about Nitros and HV's and all that sort of thing, and I think between a dozen turkey hunters no one had taken a turkey past 42 yards. That did not stop them from arguing about performance about this load vs. that and this choke vs. that at 60 and 70 yards. 
 

[hunter177]

Thank you guys for the advice. I really appreciate it. Good luck this spring!

Steve