What is "which shotgun choke is best for hunting a large?

When hunting large game birds like turkeys, selecting the right shotgun choke is crucial for a successful and ethical hunt. The goal is to deliver a dense and effective pattern at the distances you anticipate encountering birds.

Here's a breakdown of commonly recommended chokes:

• Extra Full Choke: Often considered the best option for turkey hunting, the extra full choke produces the tightest patterns. This choke is designed for longer shots (30-40 yards). However, it's essential to pattern your shotgun with different loads to determine what works best with your specific gun and choke combination.

• Full Choke: A full choke provides a tight pattern and good range. Good for consistent, predictable patterns at moderate distances.

• Modified Choke: The modified choke offers more open pattern than the full choke. This means a larger spread at a shorter range, making it more forgiving for closer shots, but less effective at longer ranges.

Important Considerations:

• Patterning: The most critical step is to pattern your shotgun with the choke and ammunition you intend to use. Shoot at targets at various distances (e.g., 20, 30, and 40 yards) to see how the pellets are distributed. This will show you the effective range of your setup and identify any holes in the pattern.

• Ammunition: Different types of shotgun shells (lead, steel, tungsten, etc.) and shot sizes will pattern differently with the same choke. Experiment with various loads to find the one that provides the tightest and most consistent pattern in your shotgun. Turkey loads typically use smaller shot sizes (e.g., #4, #5, #6).

• Hunting Distance: Evaluate the typical distances you'll be shooting at. If you're hunting in dense woods where shots are closer, a more open choke like a modified choke might be suitable. For more open areas, a tighter choke will be better.

• Ethical Harvest: The objective is to harvest the bird humanely. Ensure your pattern delivers enough pellets to the head and neck area to ensure a quick and ethical kill.

In summary, while the extra full choke is often recommended, the "best" choke is the one that produces the densest and most consistent pattern in your shotgun with your chosen ammunition at the distances you anticipate shooting. Patterning is key to determining the optimal combination.