What Size Choke for Turkey Hunting?
The ideal choke size for turkey hunting is typically a modified or full choke, often labeled as a turkey choke, designed to produce a dense, tight pattern at typical turkey hunting ranges (20-40 yards). It’s crucial to pattern your shotgun with different chokes and loads to determine which combination provides the best and most consistent shot placement.
Understanding Chokes and Their Importance
Chokes are constrictions at the end of a shotgun barrel that control the spread of the shot as it leaves the gun. The tighter the choke, the denser the pattern at a given distance. Choosing the right choke is critical for ethical and successful turkey hunting because it directly impacts your ability to consistently place enough pellets in the turkey’s head and neck area for a clean kill.
Why Not Just Use the Tightest Choke Possible?
While the instinct might be to use the tightest choke available, overly tight chokes can actually create problems. Over-choking can lead to a pattern that is too small, resulting in missed shots, particularly at closer ranges. It can also create blown patterns, where the shot string becomes deformed and inconsistent, leading to gaps in the pattern and reducing the chance of a clean hit. The ideal choke provides a balance between density and pattern size at the distances you anticipate shooting.
Factors Influencing Choke Selection
Several factors influence the best choke choice for turkey hunting:
- Hunting Environment: Thick woods may necessitate closer shots, suggesting a slightly more open choke. Open fields allow for longer shots, favoring a tighter choke.
- Typical Shooting Distance: If you consistently take shots under 30 yards, a more open choke might be suitable. If your average shot is closer to 40 yards or more, a tighter choke is preferable.
- Shotgun Model: Different shotguns respond differently to various chokes and loads. It’s crucial to pattern your specific shotgun.
- Ammunition Type: Different shot shell loads, including shot size and material (lead, Hevi-Shot, tungsten), will pattern differently. Experimentation is key.
The Patterning Process: Finding the Perfect Match
Patterning your shotgun is the most critical step in determining the optimal choke and ammunition combination.
- Set Up a Target: Use a large target (at least 30″ x 30″) with a defined aiming point. Many specialized turkey targets are available.
- Establish Distance: Pattern your shotgun at the distances you anticipate shooting turkeys. Start with 20 yards, then 30, and 40.
- Aim and Fire: Aim carefully at the center of the target and fire a single shot.
- Analyze the Pattern: Count the number of pellets within a 10-inch circle centered on your aiming point. Also, assess the overall pattern density and evenness.
- Repeat and Adjust: Repeat the process at least three times with each choke and ammunition combination to get a reliable average. Adjust your choke and load until you find the combination that provides the most consistent and dense pattern within the vital zone.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming All Chokes Are Created Equal: Chokes are manufactured to different specifications. Two chokes labeled “full” might perform differently.
- Failing to Pattern: This is the biggest mistake. Never hunt with a choke without patterning it first.
- Using the Wrong Ammunition: Turkey loads are designed to perform optimally with specific chokes.
- Ignoring the Distance: Pattern your gun at realistic hunting distances. A choke that patterns well at 20 yards might be ineffective at 40.
- Over-Choking: A too-tight choke can lead to blown patterns and missed shots at closer ranges.
Choke Constriction Guidelines (Approximate)
| Choke Designation | Constriction (inches) | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Cylinder | 0.000 | Very close range (<20 yards) |
| Improved Cylinder | 0.005 – 0.010 | Close to medium range (20-30 yards) |
| Modified | 0.015 – 0.020 | Medium range (25-35 yards) |
| Improved Modified | 0.020 – 0.025 | Medium to long range (30-40 yards) |
| Full | 0.025 – 0.035 | Long range (35+ yards) |
| Extra Full/Turkey Choke | 0.035+ | Extended range (40+ yards) |
Note: These are approximate guidelines. Actual constrictions may vary.
FAQs: Deep Dive into Turkey Chokes
What is a “turkey choke” specifically, and how does it differ from a regular full choke?
A turkey choke is typically an extra-full choke designed with tighter constrictions than a standard full choke. This extra constriction is intended to create extremely dense patterns at longer distances, often 40 yards or more, which is beneficial for turkey hunting where longer shots may be necessary. Many turkey chokes are also designed to accommodate the use of specialized turkey loads like Hevi-Shot or tungsten-based shot.
Can I use a steel shot load with a turkey choke?
It depends on the specific choke. Many older turkey chokes are not rated for steel shot and can be damaged or cause barrel damage if used with steel. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for both the choke and the ammunition before using steel shot in any choke tube. Newer turkey chokes are often designed to be compatible with steel and other non-toxic shot.
What is “pattern density” and why is it so important in turkey hunting?
Pattern density refers to the number of pellets that hit within a defined area (usually a 10-inch circle) on your target. In turkey hunting, pattern density is critical because you need to ensure that enough pellets are striking the turkey’s head and neck area to ensure a quick and ethical kill. A denser pattern increases the likelihood of hitting vital areas.
How often should I pattern my shotgun for turkey hunting?
You should pattern your shotgun every year before the turkey season, even if you are using the same choke and load as the previous year. Ammunition lots can vary slightly, and it’s best to confirm your pattern is still effective. Also, re-pattern whenever you change chokes or ammunition.
What happens if my pattern has large gaps or holes?
Gaps in your pattern indicate that there are areas where the shot is too sparse, increasing the risk of missing the vital head and neck area of the turkey. If you encounter significant gaps, try a different choke or load to achieve a more consistent and even pattern. It might also indicate an issue with the gun itself.
Is it possible to over-choke my shotgun for turkey hunting?
Yes, absolutely. Over-choking occurs when the choke is too tight for the distance you are shooting. This can lead to a blown pattern, where the shot column is deformed, resulting in inconsistent pellet distribution and increased gaps in the pattern.
How does shot size affect choke selection?
Smaller shot sizes generally require tighter chokes to achieve the same pattern density as larger shot sizes. Experimenting with different shot sizes in combination with different chokes is crucial to find the optimal combination for your specific shotgun and hunting conditions.
Does the type of shot (lead, Hevi-Shot, tungsten) impact choke selection?
Yes, significantly. Different shot materials pattern differently. Hevi-Shot and tungsten-based loads are denser than lead and often require more open chokes to achieve the same pattern size and density. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for choke selection when using non-lead shot.
What is the ideal range for turkey hunting with a shotgun, and how does that affect choke selection?
The ideal range for turkey hunting with a shotgun is typically 20-40 yards. At shorter ranges, a more open choke (like improved cylinder or modified) might be preferable to prevent an overly tight pattern. At longer ranges, a tighter choke (like full or extra full) is necessary to maintain pattern density. Know your effective range with your chosen setup.
Can I damage my shotgun by using the wrong choke?
Yes, potentially. Using a choke that is not rated for a particular type of ammunition, such as steel shot in an older choke not designed for it, can damage the choke tube or even the barrel of the shotgun. Always consult the manufacturer’s recommendations before using any choke or ammunition combination.
What are some reputable brands of turkey chokes?
Some reputable brands of turkey chokes include Carlson’s, Briley, Patternmaster, and Trulock. These brands are known for producing high-quality, consistent chokes that are designed to improve pattern performance.
Where can I find a good place to pattern my shotgun?
Many shooting ranges have designated areas for patterning shotguns. You can also pattern your shotgun on private property, as long as you follow all applicable safety regulations and laws. Be sure to have a safe backstop and clear communication with anyone in the area.