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Curmudgeon Turkey Secrets

see load of the week for 8/26/2011

ITX™ EX-13 Extreme Turkey Trauma-13 non-toxic shot is as you describe. ITX™ EX-13 is denser than lead with an average density of 13.0 grams/cubic centimeter. The pellets are spherical and true sized with a fine finish. ITX™ EX-13 sizes are available in #6, #4, and #2. ITX™ EX-13 is harder than ITX shot and, therefore, loading data utilizes wads that provide barrel protection (e.g., BPI’s VP wads and the TPS series of wads).

 When working with the smallest pellet, #6, the Curmudgeon was amazed by the profound downrange energy of these very lethal pellets, even when moving at modest velocity. For comparison purposes, if differing #6 pellets are launched at 1395 FPS and impact the target at 40 yards, here are the results: Steel #6 impacts with 0.79 ft. lbs. of energy. Lead #6 impacts with 1.82 ft. lbs. of energy. ITX EX-13 #6 pellet impacts with 2.50 ft. lbs. of energy. (This is an increase of 69% over steel and 28% over lead.)

 The ITX™ EX-13 #4 pellet is for heavier shooting. A #4 pellet launched at 1395 FPS and impacts the target at 40 yards: Steel #4 impacts with 2.25 ft. Lbs. of energy, lead #4 impacts with 4.47 ft. lbs. of energy. ITX™ EX-13 #4 impacts with 5.90 ft. lbs. of energy.

 Reloaders should weigh criteria like relative bird size and weather conditions when choosing between #6 pellets, #4 pellets, or even #2 pellets. Big ducks, like sea ducks, and/or rough and windy weather conditions may demand a larger pellet size. We are already anticipating that the #2 pellet will be devastating on turkeys and all kinds of geese.

 As with the ITX original pellets, our lab has found that the most lethal loads utilize less shot and higher velocities. The immutable laws of physics dictate that a pellet launched faster will always arrive at the target faster than a pellet launched at a slower speed. At this point BP has a list of more than 150 loads - and the list is growing. Load data is spread over all the gauges, hull lengths, and hull types. Our new Tungsten Propulsion System™ 28-gauge and .410 wads are designed to handle ITX™ EX-13 and steel shot in small bore sizes.

Here are a couple of videos showing why The Curmudgeon recommends using ITX Turkey Trauma on your next turkey hunt.