Can you just convert the shot weight from ounces to grains, and then use standard reloading data and gun weight like normal ?


Just curious how magnum turkey loads compare to the big boomer rifles.

Can you just convert the shot weight from ounces to grains, and then use standard reloading data and gun weight like normal ?


Just curious how magnum turkey loads compare to the big boomer rifles.

Yes...the same formula...add in the weight of all that's ejected (wads included). Depending on the weight of the shotgun, are dealing with .300WM to .375H&H recoil levels.

We all normally shoot our scatterguns standing or sitting in the boat etc. Just put your favourite magnum 12 gauge on the bench and compare it. They are hitting us harder than most of our rifles. Pulling both triggers, not recommended............ :)

There's an old simple formula that's close enough for government work.

55 X oz. of shot X dram equivalent / gun weight in lb. = foot pounds of recoil.

It's results are a bit heavy on light loads and a bit light on heavy loads compared to the rifle recoil formula in Hatcher's Notebook which most people use.

Bye
Jack

Well my Mossberg 535 weighs 7 lbs.

So I went to the Bear Tooth Calculator. I figured my Winchester 3-1/2" #4 Turkey loads. They have 2-1/4 oz shot. That converts to 984.375 grains.

Using Hogdgon reloading data, to match Winchesters 1150fps with this load, it takes 32gr of powder. In my 7lb shotgun, thats 65 ft/lbs of recoil ?! Does that sound right ? I know they have a kick to'em, but daaaaang.

IF most shotguns were used from a benchrest, we'd have a lot more .410's and 28's being shot....they do back up kind of hard. But we get to shoot them mostly from standing and in hunting, are usually swinging them and are nice and limber when they go off.

Squish down on a benchrest, with the gun on low bags, and lean over so your bdy doesn't have much give to it, and the 3" or 3 1/2" 12ga. certainly does kick the snot out of you.

You bet!, Even 2 3/4" one ounce slugs are no fun from benchrest but try a few from prone! OUCH!!

I'll agree on that one my old 500 Mossberg with 3" turkey loads was no fun to shoot, But with bucks shot or slugs it wasn't to bad! Now I have a Auto 5, 12 Mag one of these days I'll shuff some 3" shells through it to see how bad it is, should still be way better then the Pump gun! Heavy pheasant loads are a dream could shoot them all day!