turkey load for 12 guage muzzleloading shotgun

[theduke]

Has anyone got a good recipe for a turkey load using 6 shot for muzzleloading 12 guage shotgun.  thnks

[Busta]

Has anyone got a good recipe for a turkey load using 6 shot for muzzleloading 12 guage shotgun.  thnks

That is something that you just have to figure out for your particular gun and choke. I have a couple ML Shotguns, and they are very different in what they like. I have a Knight TK2000, and a White Thunder (Tominator). What gun/choke do you have, and we can go from there.

You will find there are endless, and I mean endless different possibilities when you are loading primers, powders, shotcups, wads, shot, over shot cards/wads. There are so many different choices out there, then add in powder type, powder volume, shot cup size, shot weights, it really is endless.

There just isn't a recipe that will work for every gun, you just have to spend the time and loads to figure it out, IF you want the best load from YOUR gun. If you just want a basic general load that might work, first you need to let us know the gun and age. My shotguns are modern and capable of MAGNUM loads, and these loads may not be safe in YOUR gun. I would surely hate to see someone overload their shotgun that is not designed for such heavy loads.

[theduke]

It is a cva optima elite muzzleloader shotgun barrel with screw in full choke..  Looking for somewhere to start for turkeys.  I will be using 6 shot lead.  thanks

[Busta]

It is a cva optima elite muzzleloader shotgun barrel with screw in full choke..  Looking for somewhere to start for turkeys.  I will be using 6 shot lead.  thanks

After looking at the CVA Warranty Book for the Optima Elite, I am not going to be able to recommend any load, and it looks as if CVA can't either.

Here is the manual, but it is so vague about any type of load for the shotgun. Look at pages 7-11, you will see what I mean. I would call CVA and pin them down on some minimum and maximum loads, then go from there. Sorry!

http://www.cva.com/pdfs/OptimaEliteWarrantyBook.pdf

Hopefully someone that shoots one will come along and help you out.

[theduke]

yes manual not much help. 

[swampgeek]

It is a cva optima elite muzzleloader shotgun barrel with screw in full choke..  Looking for somewhere to start for turkeys.  I will be using 6 shot lead.  thanks

I have a older CVA warranty PDF hosted here -> Southern Muzzleloading - Reference Guide: Shotgun Information. It has some recommended loads for the older shotguns that are in line with what just about anyone will tell you for working up a load. I would highly recommend getting a shotgun powder measure, alot of online retailers that carry muzzleloading supplies have them.

 Personally I would start with a 1 ounce of shot and equal powder if you are unsure or just want some practice. A real turkey load is probably more like 1-1/4 ounce shot and equal powder. With #6 shot thats roughly 281 pellets and 80-85 grs of powder. If your barrel is of high enough quality and you can get the ok from the mfg some guys shoot even heavier loads pushing 100+grains of powder and differing shot loads. You are going to have to invest some time and money on the range burning powder to test different shot card configurations and loads. Big sheets of 30+" sheets of  butcher paper can give you a true idea of what your pattern is doing.

 Every shotgun is going to react differently, even two off the same line may have different sweet spot loads. You may need a fiber or felt wad or have a gun that blows them through the middle of the pattern and gives you donuts. I could spend the rest of the night writing about different problems and potential remedies just in your shot column configuration but its a trial and error sort of thing. I have some write-ups on the above linked site that talks about shotguns in a wider sense and some of my experiences.

[theduke]

thanks that gives me a good place to start.

[theduke]

I know you have to use cva shot cup as tried other 12 guage and want fit.