You be the judge - here's a 40 yard pattern with tss #8, a 2.25 oz load.



There's about 560 shot in the shell, and 400 of them are in the 10" circle at 40 yds. Computer programs say it has enough penetration power to kill one over 100 yds. I'm not sure at what range it would run out of pattern density for sure kills, but I'd bet one would be in serious danger at 90 yards. The load I hunt with only puts about 220-240 in the 10" circle at 40, and it will still hold about 75 hits at 75 yds.

I'm in no way advocating shooting turkeys at ranges like this. I do think a 100 yd load would be possible with some serious pattern work and the right load, gun and choke. I don't intend to do it. Trying to get a 20 gauge to work right now. I do know of quite a few kills made over 70 yds.

But Wade, you need to stick to lead. Possum Creek hunters should want the turkey within 25 yds before shooting.