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I recently bought a Carlson's Turkey Choke .640 constriction. The choke says it's rated for Hevi-Shot, Lead and TSS. I patterned the Longbeard XR in 3 inch #4 and the pattern was awful at 40 yards. My factory full patterned significantly better, same distance same load. I'm using a Benelli M2 tactical with an 18.5 inch barrel. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
If it helps ....
Use a couple Benelli M2s (28in and 24 in bbls) set up for Turkey - one is a 12ga.
I have patterned it using Carlson's LB XR .665, Kicks Gobblin Thunder .665 and Primos Jellyhead Maximum .660 (least expensive among the three) - used Win LB 3inch, #5, 1 3/4oz loads ranged at 45 yards. Primos shoots flatter compared to the other two.
Two other guys in my group shoot a Benelli Nova and Win SXP - both 12ga. With factory full chokes and Win LB #5 both shotguns pattern very similar to mine at 45 yards.
We shoot using bead only. Using 3 inch, #5 LB, all of those chokes deliver very tight patterns inside an 8 in ring at 45 yards.
I use a Carlson Longbeard choke with Longbeard XR in 3 inch out of my 870. The pattern is awesome out to 50 yds. A couple buddies did the same with the same results. The 3.5 inch Longbeards work extremely well, but after a shot I usually have to go retrieve my hat !
I use 3 different loads with my 870, all 3 inch #6's. The kent and challengers pattern the best with the factory remington extra full choke and the longbeards pattern better with the primos jellyhead choke. Don't expect all shells to work the best in the tighter choke. I had great luck with a full choke in my beretta using federal flite control turkey loads but pattern turned to crap when I bought a carlson turkey choke and tried those same shells.
I use number 5s 3 1/2 inch longbeards out of my beretta using a Carlson turkey choke and it patterns great. Maybe your aiming to high on the target. I’ve noticed with my gun I have to aim at the bass of the turkeys neck to compensate for rise. Give it a try.
Thanks guys! Lots of great advice there. I was almost wondering if the .640 choke constriction is too tight for #4 shot.
I use a H.S.Strut Undertaker .665 ported with Winchester Super X 12 ga., 3 inch, 1210 fps, 17/8 oz., #5 shot on a rifle sighted 20 inch barrel 11-87 and at 25 yards (perfect zone)it will mess up a birds head pretty good. I've had them too close and missed completely(shoots high) but I'm confident that if I have to stretch the range out further it will still be a good kill shot but must compensate by shooting higher. Tried using the same set up with #4's and there was holes in my pattern... go figure ? Didn't try #6's but I think they may pattern as well if not better than the #5's due to shot size ? It takes time and money to find the right combo that works for you but once you do stock up on that ammo and you'll be good for years.
Completely depends on the load, gun and choke combo. You could take another M2 with the same setup and it could pattern amazing.
I had issues with LBXR when I switched over to my 20 gauge Benelli Nova youth gun — patterns were garbage. I’ve now switched over to 20 gauge Federal 3rd Degrees and have no issues out past 40.
-Nick