Rifle for Fall Turkey - caliber?

txgolfer45 · 11-23-2004, 20:09

What is the minimum caliber you would consider for shooting a turkey in the neck or head if they are out of shotgun range?

Scott

Sixgun_Symphony · 11-23-2004, 20:14

.32-20

Steve in PA · 11-23-2004, 20:22

I've taken several turkeys in the fall using a Marlin 882 bolt action .22 Magnum.

TexAg · 11-23-2004, 23:03

Any .22 caliber (.22lr, .22wmr, .223, .22-250) preferably with a scope since you're out of shotgun range and going for a small, often moving target. Really though any flat shooting small caliber would be fine including the .17 calibers.

muddydog · 11-24-2004, 00:44

.22 mag or .17 mag...
both excellent on turkeys.

CanyonMan · 11-24-2004, 08:02

TexAg, said,,,(quote)

Any .22 caliber (.22lr, .22wmr, .223, .22-250) preferably with a scope since you're out of shotgun range and going for a small, often moving target. Really though any flat shooting small caliber would be fine including the .17 calibers. (end quote).

He really pretty much nailed it for ya here...

I will 'add' to his list on up to 243, and 6mm rem. This way, you got a tad more to use 'if your turkey season coincides' with the deer season. I have taken a great deal of fall turkeys with the 6mm rem, all 'craw shots.' But 'all of the calibers' mentioned above will do just fine on a gobbler.

CanyonMan

f1b32oPTic · 11-24-2004, 08:59

.338 lapua magnum

357glocker · 11-24-2004, 11:15

Quote:

Originally posted by f1b32oPTic
.338 lapua magnum

Just make sure you beak shoot 'em

Fox · 11-24-2004, 11:36

The .25-20 Winchester is an old time favorite.

txgolfer45 · 11-24-2004, 17:23

Quote:

Originally posted by TexAg
Any .22 caliber (.22lr, .22wmr, .223, .22-250) preferably with a scope since you're out of shotgun range and going for a small, often moving target. Really though any flat shooting small caliber would be fine including the .17 calibers.

I've been thinking about getting a .22lr but wasn't sure if that was sufficient for turkey at say 60 - 75 yds. I have a .270 deer rifle. But if I accidentally shoot low, not much bird will be left.

Scott

lomfs24 · 11-25-2004, 00:02

Quote:

Originally posted by txgolfer45
I've been thinking about getting a .22lr but wasn't sure if that was sufficient for turkey at say 60 - 75 yds. I have a .270 deer rifle. But if I accidentally shoot low, not much bird will be left.

Scott

Don't shoot low then. ;f

I love my .17 Rem.

A_Swede_17_1911 · 11-25-2004, 14:52

I would go with a .22 or .17 magnum. Ive also heard the .22 hornet is a great round for turkeys. What do you have that you think will work? If you have a rimfire magnum use that, if you dont but have a .223 you could use that. Unless your looking for a reason to get a new rifle. If I were going to buy a new rifle to just hunt turkeys with it would probably be a .22 hornet.

CanyonMan · 11-25-2004, 16:04

I promise you that 22 LR will kill that bird at 75 yards... if you "must" shoot that far, aim for the "butt of the folded wing."
I've done it, and it will kill him. Understand, there are "better choices though."

This really isn't hard. This is not a tank you are after, as tuff as turkeys are, the 22LR, will do the job, if you place the bullet correctly. If this is all you got , go ahead. But, if you can get something better, as mentioed above by some of the guys, then do that.

Have a nice meal!

CanyonMan

lonewolf28152 · 11-28-2004, 15:52

I don't know because we can only use a shotgun and shotgun only. No rifles allowed.

Sixgun_Symphony · 11-28-2004, 18:24

The Savage Model 24F-20 Combo Rifle/Shotgun might be a good choice.

.22 Long rifle barrel over a 20 gauge shotgun barrel might be best for turkey hunting.

noway · 11-28-2004, 23:49

{I promise you that 22 LR will kill that bird at 75 yards... if you "must" shoot that far, aim for the "butt of the folded wing."
I've done it, and it will kill him. Understand, there are "better choices though."
}

best advice given so far. These guys planning on shooting a turkey in the head/neck need to get out in world and see just how hard that can be and specially at extended distances, in field condition with not the best support and stabilization. It is not an easy task.

I find my 12ga shotgun do be an excellent & effective turkey getter upto 40yrds, any thing more you need an 10ga.

Glockerel · 12-03-2004, 03:14

.243 in the neck just above where it meets the body. If you've got a good rifle/scope, this is the real world.