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16 gauge

Number 4 shot is needed it'll have tall brass on the shell, any shotgun is legal in tennesse with number 4 shot. Anything less is really not powerful enough for turkey they are tough
 
I'd get the heaviest payload of #6 pheasant loads I could find and that the gun patterns well. I have some 2 3/4" 1 1/8 oz game loads for my 20 that are a legitimate 35 yard pattern but they are discontinued now.

Turkey hunting is a game of probability and I want as many pellets (chances of a lethal hit) as possible. 4 shot carries more energy but eats up hull capacity. If reloading is a possibility you could probably roll a killer TSS load for it
 
I've tried lately with a single shot 30" barrel full choke 16. Haven't killed yet, but I also don't take it every day. I think it has a killing pattern at about 30 yards, I don't want to go any further than that.

I used Remington Express High Brass 1-1/8oz number 6s. I'm sure the federal and Winchester 1-1/8oz high brass number 6 will do just as good. Shot size is probably more about preference than anything. I myself like 6s, they have always patterned better at short and long distances. I have used 5s some. Just never been a fan of 4s although I'm sure they work just fine.

TSS throws the best patterns these days. It's not that I'm against TSS, I just don't want to use them in my old 16 because to me it isn't "old school" if you use TSS to make your range 10-15 more yards.
 
I know that some shots greater than no.4 will kill a turkey but twra will confiscate your gun if you are using anything else. I will tell you first hand twra is ruthless. I killeda deer in a4 point minimum area and they took it said the points were 7/8" not 1"long. They said they were debating taking my gun and license. Don't mess around with the rules they will be there when last expected. In Tennessee no number 4 shot don't go out. I've also had them walk on private property and sample dirt from mineral block and say they will contact if anything illegal came back in sample.
 
I use an old Kmart 20 gauge I got for $60
with no.4. Gets them out to 30 yards. I'll say I've always found out hard to find 16 and 20 gauge shells for turkey even when ammo is easily found
 
Madbowh said:
I know that some shots greater than no.4 will kill a turkey but twra will confiscate your gun if you are using anything else. I will tell you first hand twra is ruthless. I killeda deer in a4 point minimum area and they took it said the points were 7/8" not 1"long. They said they were debating taking my gun and license. Don't mess around with the rules they will be there when last expected. In Tennessee no number 4 shot don't go out. I've also had them walk on private property and sample dirt from mineral block and say they will contact if anything illegal came back in sample.
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Not trying to be rude but TWRA is not going to confiscate your gun for using a shot size other than #4. Any shot size #4 or smaller is legal in Tennessee. Pattern is key when it comes to the right load, shot size is pretty much irrelevant.
 
Madbowh said:
I know that some shots greater than no.4 will kill a turkey but twra will confiscate your gun if you are using anything else. I will tell you first hand twra is ruthless. I killeda deer in a4 point minimum area and they took it said the points were 7/8" not 1"long. They said they were debating taking my gun and license. Don't mess around with the rules they will be there when last expected. In Tennessee no number 4 shot don't go out. I've also had them walk on private property and sample dirt from mineral block and say they will contact if anything illegal came back in sample.
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(1) 4 shot is absolutely not the only legal shot size. Just can't use anything LARGER that 4s.

(2) 4 shot is not necessary to kill turkeys. Even with lead. It's not even optimal as the pattern is usually sparse, especially in a smaller gauge. There have been piles and piles of turkeys killed cleanly with lead 6s.
 
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Madbowh said:
Your hunt, guns, and money. I'm just trying to be helpful not debate. You will be surprised what they'll take your gun over.
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I'm not debating either. Just stating FACTS. ;)
 

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I used number 6 Winchester shells in 12g for years and killed them 30, 40, even out past 50. If you can go TSS go that route with 9 shot. If not, I prefer 5's and 6's over 4's to get a more dense pattern.
 
The high brass lead 6s you already have will absolutely work. You'll just have to shoot it on paper and see what your max range will be. I would guess 30 yards. With TSS your max yardage should easily be 40 and likely a bit more. Whether that extra 10-20 yards is worth a $40 box of shells is entirely up to you, and I respect both sides of the debate.
 

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