Unlocking Peak Performance: The Definitive Guide to Remington Nitro Turkey 12 Gauge 3.5" Ammunition

For dedicated turkey hunters, the pursuit of a wary gobbler is an annual ritual demanding precision, patience, and the very best equipment. When that moment of truth arrives, the outcome hinges on a single, well-placed shot. That’s why selecting the right ammunition isn't just a preference; it's a critical component of successful hunting. If you've ever asked, "What's the best turkey load for my 12 gauge?" or "How can I achieve tighter patterns for those challenging long-range gobblers?", then Remington Ammunition's Nitro Turkey 12 Gauge 3.5" shotshells, specifically the 2 oz, 1300 fps, #4 shot variant, are engineered to provide a definitive answer.

These shells are designed to tackle the unique demands of turkey hunting, where pattern density and knockdown power are paramount. Whether you're navigating the dense undergrowth of a hardwood forest or aiming across an open field, this ammunition delivers the consistent performance needed to convert a successful call into a harvested bird. This is more than just a box of shells; it's a strategic tool developed by a brand with a legendary history in American hunting.

Why Specialized Turkey Ammunition is Essential for Your Hunt

Many new hunters wonder why they can't simply use standard birdshot for turkeys. The answer lies in the turkey's robust anatomy and the desire for ethical, clean kills. Turkeys are tough birds, with thick feathers and a small, vital head/neck area that is the primary target. General purpose loads often lack the necessary pellet count, energy, and pattern uniformity to consistently achieve this.

Specialized turkey loads, like the Remington Nitro Turkey, are engineered differently. They typically feature:

• Heavier Payload: More shot pellets mean a denser pattern, increasing the likelihood of hitting the vital zone with multiple pellets.
• Higher Velocities: Faster pellets deliver more energy on target, ensuring deeper penetration and decisive knockdown power.
• Harder Shot: Pellets made from harder alloys (often with antimony) resist deformation during firing, leading to rounder pellets and tighter, more uniform patterns.
• Buffering: Many premium turkey loads use a buffering material (like plastic granules) mixed with the shot. This cushioning prevents pellets from deforming when they’re slammed forward by the propellant, further enhancing pattern integrity.
• Specialized Wads: Innovative wad designs protect the shot charge and guide it cleanly down the barrel, then strip away efficiently upon exiting, allowing the shot column to fly true.

These combined factors distinguish a dedicated turkey load from standard hunting ammunition, offering a superior chance of a successful and humane harvest, even at extended distances.

Decoding the Power of Remington Nitro Turkey 12 Gauge 3.5" Ammunition (UPC: 047700503905)

Let's break down the key specifications of the Remington Ammunition Nitro Turkey, UPC 047700503905, and understand how each contributes to its exceptional performance in the field.

1. The 12 Gauge Advantage

The 12 gauge shotgun remains the undisputed king of turkey hunting firearms, and for good reason. It offers the largest bore diameter among common shotguns, allowing for the heaviest payloads of shot. This translates directly into more pellets downrange, which is crucial for creating the dense, lethal patterns required to consistently anchor a gobbler. The 12 gauge platform also provides ample versatility for choke tube selection, further enhancing pattern control.

2. The Mighty 3.5-Inch Shell Length

The 3.5-inch shotshell is a "magnum" load, designed for shotguns chambered to accommodate its longer casing. This extended length allows for an even greater volume of propellant and shot compared to standard 2.75-inch or 3-inch shells. For turkey hunting, where maximum pattern density and reach are often desired, the 3.5-inch shell is a preferred choice for many seasoned hunters. It’s important to note that you must only use 3.5-inch shells in shotguns explicitly chambered for them. Attempting to fire them in a shorter chamber can lead to dangerous malfunctions.

3. The Potent 2 Ounce Shot Payload

A 2-ounce payload of shot is substantial. To put it in perspective, a standard 12 gauge upland game load might carry 1 to 1.25 ounces of shot. Doubling that payload significantly increases the number of pellets in your pattern. More pellets equate to a higher probability of striking the turkey's vital head and neck area with multiple pellets, ensuring a clean and effective kill. This heavy payload contributes directly to the "killing power" that serious turkey hunters demand.

4. The Velocity Factor: 1300 Feet Per Second (fps)

Velocity is key to delivering energy. A muzzle velocity of 1300 feet per second (fps) means these #4 shot pellets are traveling at an impressive speed when they exit the barrel. This high velocity ensures:

• Flatter Trajectory: Reducing the amount of drop over typical turkey hunting ranges, making aiming simpler.
• Increased Kinetic Energy: Faster pellets carry more energy, leading to greater penetration on the target. This is critical for breaking through bone and tissue to reach vital areas, particularly on larger, mature gobblers.
• Reduced Lead: For any slight movement of the bird, a faster pellet reduces the "lead" needed, though most turkey shots are on stationary birds.

5. The Critical #4 Shot Size

For turkey hunting, shot size is a topic of much discussion, but #4 shot is a proven performer. While some hunters prefer #5 or even #6 for closer ranges, #4 shot offers a powerful combination of pattern density and individual pellet energy. The larger size of #4 pellets means each pellet carries more mass and therefore more kinetic energy than smaller shot sizes. This results in superior penetration, especially at extended distances or when facing a particularly tough bird. Despite their larger size, the 2-ounce payload still ensures a sufficient pellet count for a dense pattern. The balance struck by #4 shot in this 3.5-inch, 2 oz load is optimized for reliable terminal performance on wild turkeys.

Achieving Optimal Performance: Patterning Your Shotgun

Purchasing the best ammunition is only half the battle; the other half is knowing how it performs with your specific shotgun. This is where patterning comes in – a crucial step that no serious turkey hunter should skip.

What is Patterning?
Patterning is the process of test-firing your shotgun at paper targets at various distances (e.g., 20, 30, 40, and even 50 yards) to observe how your chosen ammunition and choke tube combination distributes its pellets. The goal is to find the combination that produces the densest, most uniform pattern in the vital head and neck area of a turkey silhouette.

Why Patterning is Crucial with Nitro Turkey:
Even with a high-performance load like Remington Nitro Turkey, every shotgun barrel is unique. What patterns perfectly in one gun might be slightly off in another. Factors like barrel length, bore constriction, and even individual barrel harmonics can affect pellet distribution. By patterning, you gain:

• Confidence: Knowing exactly where your gun shoots and how tight your pattern is at different ranges builds immense confidence for the real hunt.
• Effective Range Determination: You'll discover your personal maximum ethical range for your setup. For some, this might be 40 yards; for others, with the right setup and Nitro Turkey, it could extend to 50 or even 60 yards.
• Choke Optimization: Patterning allows you to experiment with different choke tubes (e.g., extra full, super full, turkey-specific chokes) to find the one that delivers the tightest pattern with your Remington Nitro Turkey loads. Many shotgun manufacturers and aftermarket choke companies produce chokes specifically designed to squeeze the most out of large-pellet magnum turkey loads.

Tips for Patterning:

• Use a stable rest (sandbags, shooting bench) to eliminate shooter error.
• Aim at a turkey head/neck target.
• Fire multiple shots at each distance to assess consistency.
• Count the pellet strikes in the vital zone.
• Keep detailed notes on ammunition, choke, and distance.

Answering Key Questions from Turkey Hunters

"What’s the best shell for a tough gobbler that might be at a distance?"

The Remington Nitro Turkey 12 Gauge 3.5" with 2 oz of #4 shot is an exceptional choice. Its heavy payload, high velocity, and robust #4 pellets are designed to deliver maximum energy and pattern density necessary to anchor even the most resilient gobblers, especially when they hang up just outside typical range. The 3.5-inch shell facilitates this extended performance.

"How can I get consistent, dense patterns with my 12 gauge?"

Consistency comes from a combination of factors, but this ammunition provides a strong foundation. The buffered #4 shot and high velocity of the Nitro Turkey loads are inherently designed for tight patterns. Pair these shells with an appropriate turkey-specific or extra-full choke tube, and crucially, pattern your shotgun at various ranges. Consistent patterning is the only way to confirm your setup's effectiveness.

"Can I use this ammunition for long-range turkey shots?"

Yes, the Remington Nitro Turkey 3.5" 2 oz #4 shot is engineered for extended range performance. The combination of a large payload, high velocity, and penetrative #4 shot delivers the necessary energy and pellet count to remain effective at distances where lesser loads would falter. While individual effective range depends on your specific shotgun and choke, this ammunition provides the ballistic foundation for pushing those limits ethically. Always verify your own effective range through patterning.

"Is 2 oz of #4 shot effective for killing a turkey cleanly?"

Absolutely. A 2-ounce payload of #4 shot is a formidable combination for turkey hunting. The #4 shot size ensures each pellet carries significant energy for deep penetration, while the 2-ounce total weight guarantees a high pellet count within your pattern. When combined with proper shot placement to the head and neck, this load is highly effective for achieving clean, ethical kills on wild turkeys. It's a balance of pellet count and individual pellet power that seasoned hunters trust.

The Remington Legacy: A Name You Can Trust

Remington Ammunition has been a cornerstone of American hunting and shooting sports for over two centuries. Their commitment to innovation, quality, and performance has made them a trusted name among generations of hunters. The Nitro Turkey line is a testament to this legacy, embodying their dedication to providing purpose-built ammunition that meets the exacting demands of specialized hunting pursuits. When you choose Remington Nitro Turkey, you're not just buying ammunition; you're investing in a product backed by decades of engineering expertise and a deep understanding of what hunters need to succeed. Their products are meticulously tested to ensure reliability and consistent performance, giving you peace of mind when that trophy tom steps into range.

Your Path to Turkey Hunting Success

The hunt for wild turkey is a quintessential American experience, blending skill, strategy, and an appreciation for the outdoors. Equipping yourself with the right tools is a significant part of that equation. Remington Ammunition's Nitro Turkey 12 Gauge 3.5" 2 oz 1300 fps #4 Shot, UPC 047700503905, represents a pinnacle in specialized turkey loads. It delivers the pattern density, velocity, and terminal performance required to make the most of your hunting opportunities. By understanding its capabilities, diligently patterning your shotgun, and applying sound hunting practices, you'll significantly enhance your chances of bringing home a prized gobbler.

These robust and reliable turkey loads are an excellent choice for any serious hunter looking to maximize their shotgun's effectiveness in the field. They are readily available at DEGuns, ensuring you can prepare for your next spring season with confidence, knowing you have some of the most advanced and powerful turkey ammunition at your disposal.

Product Specifications: Remington Nitro Turkey 12 Gauge

Feature	Detail
Gauge	12 Gauge
Shell Length	3.50 Inches
Shot Weight	2 Ounces
Muzzle Velocity	1300 Feet Per Second (fps)
Shot Size	4 Shot
Packaging	10 Boxes per Case (10 shells per box, 100 total)
UPC	047700503905