What Choke Is Best for Turkey Hunting?
The best choke for turkey hunting depends on your shotgun, ammunition, and the typical distances you hunt, but generally, a super-full or extra-full choke is recommended for the tightest patterns at longer ranges, offering the best chance for a clean, ethical kill.
Understanding Turkey Hunting Chokes
Choosing the right choke for turkey hunting is crucial for ethical and effective hunting. The choke’s job is to constrict the shot as it leaves the barrel, creating a tighter pattern at a distance. This means more pellets hit the turkey’s vital areas (head and neck), resulting in a cleaner, more humane kill. Without the right choke, your pattern might be too spread out, leading to a wounded bird or a missed opportunity.
The Importance of Pattern Testing
The key to finding the right choke is not just relying on labels but pattern testing with your specific shotgun and ammunition. Different guns and loads will perform differently through the same choke.
- Shoot at a target at various distances: Start at 20 yards and work your way out to 40 or 50 yards, depending on your hunting style.
- Use turkey targets: These targets typically have a depiction of a turkey’s head and neck.
- Count pellet strikes: After each shot, count the number of pellets within a 10-inch circle representing the kill zone.
Types of Turkey Chokes
Several types of chokes are commonly used for turkey hunting, each with a different degree of constriction.
- Improved Cylinder: Provides a slightly tighter pattern than cylinder bore but is generally too open for turkey hunting.
- Modified: Offers a moderate constriction, suitable for close-range shots but may not provide enough density at longer distances.
- Full: Provides a tighter pattern than modified and can be effective for turkeys at moderate ranges.
- Extra Full/Super Full: Designed specifically for turkey hunting. These chokes offer the tightest patterns for longer ranges. Most turkey hunters find success with these chokes.
Matching Choke to Ammunition
The type of ammunition you use also plays a significant role in determining the best choke. Some ammunition is designed to perform optimally with certain chokes. Consult the ammunition manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Lead Shot: Traditional lead shot is still used in some areas, but its popularity is declining. It generally patterns well with a variety of chokes.
- Hevi-Shot: Heavier than lead, Hevi-Shot delivers more energy downrange. It often requires a slightly more open choke than lead.
- Tungsten Super Shot (TSS): Extremely dense, TSS offers exceptional performance at long ranges. It typically patterns best with a more open choke than lead or Hevi-Shot. TSS shot can damage some chokes not rated for it, so always check choke compatibility.
Common Mistakes
Avoiding common mistakes can save you time and improve your success.
- Assuming the Tightest Choke is Always Best: A choke that is too tight can actually decrease pattern density at close ranges. Over constriction can distort the shot column, causing “blown” patterns with holes.
- Not Patterning Your Gun: The most significant mistake is not patterning your shotgun with different chokes and ammunition combinations.
- Using the Wrong Ammunition: Using ammunition not designed for turkey hunting or incompatible with your choke can drastically reduce performance.
- Neglecting Maintenance: Regularly clean your choke to remove residue and prevent corrosion, which can affect performance.
Factors Affecting Choke Performance
Several factors can influence how a choke performs.
- Barrel Length: Shorter barrels may benefit from tighter chokes to achieve the desired pattern density.
- Shot Size: Larger shot sizes generally require slightly more open chokes.
- Environmental Conditions: Wind and humidity can affect pellet trajectory.
Comparing Common Chokes
The following table provides a simplified comparison of common choke types for turkey hunting.
| Choke Type | Constriction | Effective Range | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modified | Moderate | Up to 30 yards | Versatile, good for close-range scenarios | Not ideal for long-range turkey hunting |
| Full | Tight | 30-40 yards | Tighter patterns than modified | Can be too tight for very close shots |
| Extra Full/Super Full | Very Tight | 35-50+ yards | Tightest patterns, best for longer ranges | Can produce blown patterns at very close ranges |
Conclusion
Choosing the right turkey choke involves careful consideration of your shotgun, ammunition, and hunting environment. Pattern testing is crucial. While super-full or extra-full chokes are generally recommended, the optimal choice is the one that provides the densest, most consistent pattern within your typical shooting range.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is a full choke good for turkey hunting?
A full choke can be effective for turkey hunting at moderate ranges (30-40 yards). However, for longer shots or when you want the tightest possible pattern, an extra-full or super-full choke is generally preferred. It’s crucial to pattern test to determine if your specific gun and load perform well with a full choke.
What does the choke do on a shotgun for turkey hunting?
The choke on a shotgun constricts the shot as it exits the barrel. This constriction creates a tighter pattern, which means more pellets hit the target within a given area at a specific distance. For turkey hunting, a tighter pattern ensures more pellets strike the vital head and neck area, leading to a quicker, more ethical kill.
What is the difference between a full choke and an extra full choke?
A full choke has less constriction than an extra-full choke. This means a full choke produces a wider pattern than an extra-full choke at the same distance. Extra-full chokes are specifically designed for turkey hunting and are meant for longer ranges, while full chokes are more versatile for other types of hunting.
Can you use steel shot in a turkey choke?
It depends on the choke. Never use steel shot in a choke that is not rated for it. Steel shot is harder than lead and can damage some chokes, particularly older ones. Always check the choke manufacturer’s recommendations before using steel shot. Many modern turkey chokes are designed to handle steel shot.
How far should I pattern my turkey gun?
Begin pattern testing at 20 yards and extend the distance in increments of 5 or 10 yards, up to your maximum effective range. This will show how the pattern density changes as the distance increases.
How many pellets should be in the kill zone on a turkey target?
A good rule of thumb is to aim for at least 10-15 pellets within a 10-inch circle representing the vital area (head and neck) on a turkey target at your desired hunting range. More is always better, providing a higher probability of a quick and ethical kill.
Are aftermarket turkey chokes worth it?
Yes, aftermarket turkey chokes are often worth the investment. They are typically designed with optimized constriction and porting to improve pattern density and reduce recoil. However, the best choke is the one that patterns best with your specific gun and load.
Can I damage my shotgun by using the wrong choke?
Yes. Using the wrong type of ammunition with a particular choke can damage your shotgun. For instance, using steel shot in a choke not rated for it can cause bulges or cracks. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for both your shotgun and your choke.
How often should I clean my turkey choke?
Clean your turkey choke after every hunting trip or after every few rounds fired. This will remove residue and prevent corrosion, which can affect performance. Use a bore brush and solvent designed for cleaning shotgun chokes.
What size shot is best for turkey hunting?
Shot sizes from #4 to #6 are commonly used for turkey hunting. Larger shot sizes (#4) offer more energy downrange, while smaller shot sizes (#6) provide a denser pattern. Your choice depends on the distance you typically hunt and your preference. Many hunters find #5 to be a good compromise.
Are ported chokes better for turkey hunting?
Ported chokes have small holes or slots near the muzzle. They are designed to reduce recoil and muzzle jump, which can help you stay on target for follow-up shots. Some hunters find them beneficial, while others do not notice a significant difference. Pattern testing will help determine if a ported choke improves your performance.
Do all turkey chokes require a wrench to install?
Not necessarily. Some turkey chokes are designed for hand tightening, while others require a wrench. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper installation and tightening. Overtightening a choke can damage the threads on your shotgun barrel.