Turkey hunting wtih .22LR

Toshmo · October 24, 2001, 07:17 AM

I usually hunt spring and fall turkeys with a shotgun. Thinking of using a .22 rifle this fall season. Where is the "best" area to hit a turkey with a .22? I have heard that a shot in the back is recommended if a head or neck shot is not viable. What's the scoop?

scouter27 · October 24, 2001, 08:26 AM

With a .22 LR I'd only take a head shot. Turkey are very though, and the feathers won't let even one 3" 12 ga #4 pellet through at 20-30 yds, usually. So it is very likely to stop a normal .22 lead bullet too, Or step up to a center fire .22

labgrade · October 24, 2001, 08:30 AM

I have personally witnessed a turkey take 3-5++ upper body shots with CCI mini mags at under 20 feet. Turkey didn't like it, but it sure didn't "break 'em down." The bird/s were never recovered.

Best area would most assuredly be center head. Even as skinny as their necks are, I'd bet that only 1/2 that thickness is immediately lethal. A straight away shot through the spine should cut body function, but side to side, that's just as small a target as the head.

CO's got a min rifle/pistol caliber which works out to .22mag in a 6" bbl & I'd say that's pretty much on the money. I did take my first turkey with a 6"er at ~60 yards - dropped right there.

I would have thought that a solid upper body shot with a .22LR would do 'em right in, but "experience" certainly shows a much different picture.

& I"ve carried a .22LR pistol for CCW.

Toshmo · October 24, 2001, 08:58 AM

scouter 27 and labgrade thaks for your replys! I now remember that the "back" shot was in reference to bow hunting turkeys.
I think that I will stick to my trusty shotgun this fall base on your inputs. The .22 I was thinking of using is not scoped. I am very competent with open sights but would not take a head shot with the .22 unless it was within 30 to 40 yards, and I know what my shotgun does at that range. I have been looking for more of a challange hunting turkeys and want to eventually bag one with a bow. I am looking into a muzzle loading shotgun for turkey and plan on buying one and patterning it. While I'm doing that I might as well prectice with the .22 with a good turkey target and practice head shots. Variety is the spice of life!

Mad Max · October 24, 2001, 11:15 AM

Hey Toshmo
You may want to check the legality of taking turkeys with a rimfire. I think I remember reading in the Texas regulations book it was illegal, but I dont have one with me so I cant be sure. Maybe its different in your state, though.

Long Path · October 24, 2001, 11:36 AM

It's legal in TX, but don't do it.

I've seen turkeys rolled by several shots with a 10-.22, then get up, run, and fly away!

Not advised. Even going up to a .22 WMR would be better. Use a handgun caliber if you want to keep the shot power lower and don't want to use a shotgun.

Toshmo · October 24, 2001, 11:58 AM

Mad Max and Long Path,
Up here in Maryland it is legal to hunt fall turkeys with a .22. The hunting regulations do not specify caliber and only refer to it as"rifle". In spring you can only use shotgun loaded with shot no larger tha #4 and no smaller than #6. It does not specify and shot or rifle caliber for fall. Looks like the concensus is to stay with the scattergun. I thank you Texans for your replys.

Poodleshooter · October 24, 2001, 02:56 PM

I've shot one with a 22 magnum in the base of the neck. I had to finish it with a friends shotgun. The head is honestly too hard of a target to hit, as it bobs too much. For a body shot, I'd stick to a .223 or bigger for long range. For less than 50yds, a 12 gauge with 1-5/8+oz of shot would be a better combo.

Steve in PA · October 24, 2001, 03:34 PM

I'd go with a .22mag. I've taken several fall turkeys here in PA with my.22mag....its a Marlin 882 with a 4x scope. All have been shot right where the neck meets the body......and all have been imobilized........only one required a finishing shot. I'd say the distances were from 60....to about 100 yards. I use Winchester HP's in my gun.

biganimal · October 25, 2001, 02:47 AM

DARN!!!!
we can't use a rifle on turkeys here in NY.
thats too bad cuz I have a model 24 o/u in 222 over 12ga, this seems like the perfect turkey gun.....

Long Path · October 25, 2001, 09:44 AM

No doubt! Sounds like a SUPERB turkle gun.

Wish I had one...

--L.P.

dZ · October 25, 2001, 10:07 AM

i have personally witnessed turkeys getting up and flying away after my precision application of the double bit wood axe...

theres a whole lot o spine powered redundant back up in mr turkey

you really have to convince them of their mortality

12 gauge / 22 hornet drilling would be a nice field piece

Rebeldon · October 25, 2001, 10:45 PM

That is illegal in Alabama.

BobR · October 27, 2001, 07:53 PM

I have a savage O/U, 30-30/20g, I have always refered to it as a turkey gun.

The 20g does shoot the 3" shells.

the 30-30 is very accurate, the only down side to this gun is it is a single shot...both barrels.

bob

biganimal · October 28, 2001, 11:11 AM

bobr
thats NOT the downside its the UPSIDE! it makes you a better marksman!!!!

JosephBoeckner · October 28, 2001, 11:32 AM

if its such a downside send it to me

lol-been wanting one forever lol

October 24, 2001, 07:17 AM	#1
Toshmo Member Join Date: December 15, 2000 Posts: 19	Turkey hunting wtih .22LR I usually hunt spring and fall turkeys with a shotgun. Thinking of using a .22 rifle this fall season. Where is the "best" area to hit a turkey with a .22? I have heard that a shot in the back is recommended if a head or neck shot is not viable. What's the scoop?

October 24, 2001, 08:26 AM	#2
scouter27 Senior Member Join Date: May 17, 2001 Location: pennsylvania Posts: 420	With a .22 LR I'd only take a head shot. Turkey are very though, and the feathers won't let even one 3" 12 ga #4 pellet through at 20-30 yds, usually. So it is very likely to stop a normal .22 lead bullet too, Or step up to a center fire .22 __________________ Whoever said the pen is mightier than the sword obviously never encountered automatic weapons. S/F Jesse

October 24, 2001, 11:15 AM	#5
Mad Max Senior Member Join Date: October 16, 2001 Location: Texas Posts: 102	Hey Toshmo You may want to check the legality of taking turkeys with a rimfire. I think I remember reading in the Texas regulations book it was illegal, but I dont have one with me so I cant be sure. Maybe its different in your state, though. __________________ "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." Benjamin Franklin "I don't mind it when stupid people say stupid things. Stupid people should be encouraged to say stupid things, that way we always know who the stupid people are." ~ Ted Nugent - Fox News, 2002. "A man's ethical behavior should be based effectually on sympathy, education, and social ties and needs; no religious basis is necessary. Man would indeed be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward after death." [Albert Einstein, "Religion and Science", New York Times Magazine, 9 November 1930]

October 24, 2001, 03:34 PM	#9
Steve in PA Senior Member Join Date: October 14, 1999 Location: Northeastern PA Posts: 756	I'd go with a .22mag. I've taken several fall turkeys here in PA with my.22mag....its a Marlin 882 with a 4x scope. All have been shot right where the neck meets the body......and all have been imobilized........only one required a finishing shot. I'd say the distances were from 60....to about 100 yards. I use Winchester HP's in my gun. __________________ Steve

October 25, 2001, 02:47 AM	#10
biganimal Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2001 Location: south carolina Posts: 435	DARN!!!! we can't use a rifle on turkeys here in NY. thats too bad cuz I have a model 24 o/u in 222 over 12ga, this seems like the perfect turkey gun..... __________________ Other than That, Mrs Lincoln, How was the play?

October 24, 2001, 08:30 AM	#3
labgrade Member In Memoriam Join Date: November 29, 1999 Location: west of a small town, CO Posts: 4,346	I have personally witnessed a turkey take 3-5++ upper body shots with CCI mini mags at under 20 feet. Turkey didn't like it, but it sure didn't "break 'em down." The bird/s were never recovered. Best area would most assuredly be center head. Even as skinny as their necks are, I'd bet that only 1/2 that thickness is immediately lethal. A straight away shot through the spine should cut body function, but side to side, that's just as small a target as the head. CO's got a min rifle/pistol caliber which works out to .22mag in a 6" bbl & I'd say that's pretty much on the money. I did take my first turkey with a 6"er at ~60 yards - dropped right there. I would have thought that a solid upper body shot with a .22LR would do 'em right in, but "experience" certainly shows a much different picture. & I"ve carried a .22LR pistol for CCW.

October 24, 2001, 08:58 AM	#4
Toshmo Member Join Date: December 15, 2000 Posts: 19	scouter 27 and labgrade thaks for your replys! I now remember that the "back" shot was in reference to bow hunting turkeys. I think that I will stick to my trusty shotgun this fall base on your inputs. The .22 I was thinking of using is not scoped. I am very competent with open sights but would not take a head shot with the .22 unless it was within 30 to 40 yards, and I know what my shotgun does at that range. I have been looking for more of a challange hunting turkeys and want to eventually bag one with a bow. I am looking into a muzzle loading shotgun for turkey and plan on buying one and patterning it. While I'm doing that I might as well prectice with the .22 with a good turkey target and practice head shots. Variety is the spice of life!

October 24, 2001, 11:36 AM	#6
Long Path Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 1999 Location: N. Texas Posts: 5,899	It's legal in TX, but don't do it. I've seen turkeys rolled by several shots with a 10-.22, then get up, run, and fly away! Not advised. Even going up to a .22 WMR would be better. Use a handgun caliber if you want to keep the shot power lower and don't want to use a shotgun. __________________ "Welcome to The Firing Line, a virtual community dedicated to the discussion and advancement of responsible firearms ownership."T.F.L. Policy Page Will you, too, be one who stands in the gap? ____________

October 24, 2001, 11:58 AM	#7
Toshmo Member Join Date: December 15, 2000 Posts: 19	Mad Max and Long Path, Up here in Maryland it is legal to hunt fall turkeys with a .22. The hunting regulations do not specify caliber and only refer to it as"rifle". In spring you can only use shotgun loaded with shot no larger tha #4 and no smaller than #6. It does not specify and shot or rifle caliber for fall. Looks like the concensus is to stay with the scattergun. I thank you Texans for your replys.

October 24, 2001, 02:56 PM	#8
Poodleshooter Senior Member Join Date: August 7, 2000 Location: Floating down the James River in VA Posts: 2,599	I've shot one with a 22 magnum in the base of the neck. I had to finish it with a friends shotgun. The head is honestly too hard of a target to hit, as it bobs too much. For a body shot, I'd stick to a .223 or bigger for long range. For less than 50yds, a 12 gauge with 1-5/8+oz of shot would be a better combo.

October 25, 2001, 09:44 AM	#11
Long Path Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 1999 Location: N. Texas Posts: 5,899	No doubt! Sounds like a SUPERB turkle gun. Wish I had one... --L.P. __________________ "Welcome to The Firing Line, a virtual community dedicated to the discussion and advancement of responsible firearms ownership."T.F.L. Policy Page Will you, too, be one who stands in the gap? ____________

October 25, 2001, 10:07 AM	#12
dZ Senior Member Join Date: May 31, 1999 Location: Exiled, Fetid Swamp, DC Posts: 7,548	i have personally witnessed turkeys getting up and flying away after my precision application of the double bit wood axe... theres a whole lot o spine powered redundant back up in mr turkey you really have to convince them of their mortality 12 gauge / 22 hornet drilling would be a nice field piece __________________ "O tell the Lacedomecians to damn the torpedoes." BOTR, Chapter V: Some Monsters

October 25, 2001, 10:45 PM	#13
Rebeldon Senior Member Join Date: July 22, 2001 Location: Cowford Posts: 361	That is illegal in Alabama. __________________ Deo Vindice

October 27, 2001, 07:53 PM	#14
BobR Senior Member Join Date: December 4, 2000 Location: The Dry Side of WA Posts: 561	I have a savage O/U, 30-30/20g, I have always refered to it as a turkey gun. The 20g does shoot the 3" shells. the 30-30 is very accurate, the only down side to this gun is it is a single shot...both barrels. bob

October 28, 2001, 11:11 AM	#15
biganimal Senior Member Join Date: March 5, 2001 Location: south carolina Posts: 435	bobr thats NOT the downside its the UPSIDE! it makes you a better marksman!!!! __________________ Other than That, Mrs Lincoln, How was the play?

October 28, 2001, 11:32 AM	#16
JosephBoeckner Junior member Join Date: August 25, 2001 Location: KS Posts: 159	if its such a downside send it to me lol-been wanting one forever lol