Can You Shoot Buckshot Out of a Turkey Choke? Pros, Cons and Recommendations

Turkey hunters use specialized extra-full choke tubes to concentrate their shot patterns and increase effective hunting range But what happens if you run buckshot loads through one of these super tight turkey chokes? Will it work or cause issues? Here’s a look at the pros and cons of shooting buckshot through turkey chokes,

How Tight Are Turkey Chokes?

Dedicated turkey choke tubes are designed to be the tightest constrictions available. While most standard chokes in shotguns have restrictions in the 0.010 to 0.070 inches range, turkey extra-full chokes go from around 0.060 up to 0.100 inches. Some specialty turkey tubes can constrict as much as 0.120 inches. This super-tight bore compression ensures dense, even patterns with large turkey pellets.

Is Shooting Buckshot Through a Turkey Choke Legal?

Before considering running buckshot through one of these extra-full chokes, make sure there are no restrictions in your state. Some states prohibit equipment that alters shotgun patterning beyond what’s allowed for deer hunting. Tactics legal for turkeys may be banned for deer or other game animals in certain areas. Always check your local regulations.

Potential Pros of Using Turkey Chokes for Buckshot

Here are some possible benefits of using an extra-full turkey choke tube with buckshot

• Denser, more focused pattern at longer range due to reduced pellet spread

• Increased effective distance for self defense or home protection

• Performs similar to a rifled shotgun slug for more precision

• Maximizes power on target instead of spreading energy widely

• Requires less patterning adjustment between buckshot and turkey loads

Potential Cons of Using Turkey Chokes with Buckshot

However, there are also some drawbacks to consider when shooting buckshot through turkey chokes:

• Overly tight pattern risks missing target at typical buckshot distances

• Increased recoil and pressure from pellets’ resistance in tight choke

• Deformed shot shape, inconsistent patterns due to choke/ammo mismatch

• Potential damage over time to choke and barrel from strain

• Legal restrictions on enhanced buckshot performance capabilities

• No practical advantage over modified choke for most buckshot uses

Recommendations on Shooting Buckshot Through Turkey Chokes

Given the pros and cons, here are some recommendations on running buckshot loads through specialized turkey choke tubes:

• Stick to lead or buffered buckshot to avoid deformities from tight restrictions

• Ensure your firearm is designed to handle the extra backpressure safely

• Don’t exceed ammunition manufacturers’ recommended choke guidelines

• Test fire to verify performance improvement over modified choke at range

• Monitor choke and barrel condition closely for any signs of damage

• Alternative: get an optimized buckshot choke tube instead of turkey choke

• For most uses, a modified choke works great for buckshot patterning

While shooting buckshot through turkey chokes is possible, it does not offer significant advantages over standard chokes in most cases. And the tighter constriction risks issues over extensive use. For deer, home defense and general buckshot needs, a modified choke optimized for that load will provide the best performance. While legal in some areas, hunters should take care using turkey chokes with non-turkey loads. Consider your needs, individual firearm capability and regulations before taking the turkey choke route with buckshot.