Posted by Jason G. Harrison on September 6, 2007, 9:29 pm
I am gearing up for the upcoming fall hunting seasons. In particular, I am getting ready for fall Turkey season. I have access to quite a turkey spot and have regularly harvested heavy mature Toms from this patch of woods. This will be the first time with one of my Smiths though.
There has been alot written about the various loads and pressures we should adhere to when shooting these guns. Not much (at least I haven't found it) is written about loads to be used on bigger game birds such as turkey and geese for example.
If one is using a fully glass bedded L.C. Smith that has been checked out by a quality Double Gun Smith, what then would be acceptable to use for a good old Missouri Eastern Wild turkey? I normally use #4 or #5's as shot size. Any suggestions from someone with experience harvesting these fine birds with our vintage L.C. Smiths.
My mind may be stuck in the "new" fad of bigger is better as I am questioning the theory of using 1 1/8 oz. of shot for a big old Tom turkey. Shot placement is everything and of course distance to target, which would be under 30 yards. Suggestions please...