Had lead shot been outlawed in 1991, shotgun shell development most likely would have come to a standstill. Ammo manufacturers switched to steel so duck hunters could continue legally killing puddlers, divers, and geese each fall, which eventually benefited turkey hunters. Due to the fact that steel is hard rather than dense, shotshell manufacturers progressively began substituting non-toxic bismuth and tungsten for steel in their waterfowl shot. Both metals are denser, thus more effective at killing. TSS, or tungsten super shot, became more and more popular as a result because it had better patterning and hitting power than other birdshot that was available for use in turkey loads. But, having a hull full of TSS doesn’t mean a turkey load is going to be great. So, in order to distinguish the good from the great, associate gear editor Adam Moore and I shot every turkey load we could get our hands on for a few days and observed how they penetrated, patterned, and checked their speed. After some intensive testing, here’s our list of the best turkey loads out there.
Hey there, fellow turkey hunters!
We’re going to explore nontoxic shot today and how it works for hunting turkeys.
Have you ever considered taking a nontoxic shot instead of a toxic one?
Let me tell you, this is a question that has been provoking discussions for years.
Some folks swear by it, while others remain loyal to traditional lead shot
But before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s first understand what nontoxic shot even is.
Nontoxic shot, as the name suggests, is any type of shot that doesn’t contain lead.
This includes options like steel, bismuth tungsten, and even copper-plated lead.
Now, worries about lead poisoning in wildlife are the reason nontoxic shot has become such a hot topic.
Lead shot can be ingested by birds and other animals, leading to health problems and even death.
So, with that in mind, using nontoxic shot seems like a no-brainer, right?
Well, not so fast.
There are some things to consider before making the switch.
First, nontoxic shot is typically more expensive than lead shot.
This can be a major factor for some hunters, especially those on a tight budget.
Second, nontoxic shot doesn’t always perform as well as lead shot.
Some hunters find that nontoxic shot patterns don’t spread as evenly, which can lead to missed shots.
Finally, nontoxic shot can be harder to find than lead shot.
Not all stores carry it, so you may have to do some searching to find it.
So, what’s the verdict?
Should you use nontoxic shot for turkey hunting?
Ultimately, the decision is up to you.
There are pros and cons to both lead and nontoxic shot, and it’s important to weigh them carefully before making a choice.
If you’re concerned about the environment and the potential harm that lead shot can cause to wildlife, then nontoxic shot is definitely the way to go.
However, if you’re on a tight budget or you’re concerned about the performance of nontoxic shot, then you may want to stick with lead shot.
No matter which type of shot you choose, make sure you’re using the right size and load for your gun and choke.
And always remember to practice safe hunting practices.
Happy hunting!
P.S. If you’re looking for more information on nontoxic shot, there are plenty of resources available online.
Just do a quick search and you’ll find articles, videos, and even forums dedicated to the topic.
P.P.S. Don’t forget to check your local regulations before using nontoxic shot. Some states have restrictions on the type of shot that can be used for turkey hunting.
P.P.P.S. And lastly, if you have any questions or concerns about nontoxic shot, don’t hesitate to ask a qualified gunsmith or hunting expert.
They’ll be happy to help you make the best decision for your needs.
Now, go out there and bag yourself a gobbler!
Best Turkey Loads for .410 Bore
- Best Pattern: 156 (Mossberg 500)
- Average Pattern: 130
- Cartridge Length: 3 inches
- Payload: ⅞ ounces
- Shot Size: 9.5
- Velocity: 1060
- Price: $63 (per box of 10)
- Excellent patterns from all three guns
- Availability is currently scarce
Apex is largely to blame for the widespread use of TSS in turkey hunting, which has further enhanced the sport’s appeal. 410 shotguns. So it’s fitting that Apex’s Ninja would win our Editor’s Choice pick. The load produced denser patterns than others in this test. With our Mossberg 500 . 410 test gun, the load patterned phenomenally, averaging 154 hits inside a 10-inch circle. That’s better pattern density than a couple TSS loads and lead loads featured above.
The . 410 Ninja loads did have an advantage over other . In this patterning test, Apex loaded its shell with No. 410 turkey loads because their payload is ⅞ ounces heavier than the other loads’ (13/16 ounces). 9. 5s it has more pellets within its payload. Apex says that 403 pellets are packed into this load. The only downside with . 410 Ninja is that availability tends to be scarce.
Best Turkey Loads: Reviews & Recommendations
- Best Pattern (10-inch circle, 40 yards): 270 pellets
- Best Head/Neck Strikes: 25 pellets
- Brister Box: One pellet through 26 pieces of cardboard
- Muzzle Velocity: 1,488 fps
- Buffered shot
- Over a 2-ounce payload
- Dense pattern
Apex produced the best pattern of the test, placing 270 No. 9s inside a 10-inch target at 40 yards through the Remington 870. Benelli’s SBE3 put 156 pellets on target and the BPS placed 67 in the circle. One pellet, the second-worst TSS load, penetrated 26 of the 27 cardboard slats in the Brister box; all 27 panels were penetrated by the other pellets, with the exception of Boss. But that’s still enough energy to kill a longbeard.
Apex patterns at 40 yards. Left to right: Remington 870, Benelli SBE III, Browning BPS. Joe Genzel
The 2¼-ounce payload is the heaviest of the test, and you can feel every bit of it when you pull the trigger. To enhance your chances of hitting a turkey’s head, you also receive 814 pellets downrange, more than any other turkey load tested. Three different shots produced readings on the chronograph that were no lower than 1,300 fps; the best reading was a spicy 1,488 fps, which is equivalent to a waterfowl load. Apex lists the muzzle velocity at 1,190 fps.
Apex does not crimp its shotshells. The action is less likely to hang up as it ejects because there is no flaring at the end where the company places a sealed paper cap. GT-3 is offered in 10-, 12-, 16-, 20-, and 28-gauge, as well as . 410-bore in shot sizes 7. 5, 8, 9, and 9. 5.
- Best Pattern (10-inch circle, 40 yards): 253 pellets
- Best Head/Neck Strikes: 46 pellets
- Brister Box: 22 pellets through 27 pieces of cardboard
- Muzzle Velocity: 1,080 fps
- Buffered shot
- Second-best TSS pattern percentage: 253 of 714 (35 percent)
- Patterned the most consistent out of all three guns
- Velocity is lower than advertised
Hevi-18 had the most consistent patterns of the test out of all three turkey shotguns. It put 253 pellets (46 of which struck the head and neck), 156 (46 head and neck) out of the BPS, and 147 (34 head and neck) out of the SBE3 within the 10-inch circle. The contents inside the Hevi-18 four-petal wad look much different than any of the other shells. Like all Hevi-Shot products I’ve ever used, Hevi-18 fills in any empty space in the shell by using flaxseed at the end of the payload.
The Hevi-18 patterns at 40 yards: Left to right: Remington 870, Benelli SBE III, Browning BPS. Joe Genzel
But the buffering—small polymer balls that look like salt and hinder pellet deformation—is heavy. When I poured the pellets into a plastic bag, most of them were hidden by the thick material. The 2-ounce payload inside the Brister box ruptured through 27 pieces of cardboard with such force that the box literally leaped off the sawhorses it was resting on. Furthermore, the load demonstrated its ability to kill a turkey at that range by penetrating ½-inch drywall at 70 yards and inserting 27 pellets inside the 10-inch circle. Hevi-18 is offered in 12- and 20- gauge, plus . 410-bore in shot sizes 7 and 9.
Lead vs. Tungsten for Turkey Hunting and How-To Pattern Your Shotgun with Harold Knight
FAQ
What type of shot do you use for turkey?
Can you use lead for turkey hunting?
What is the best ammo for shooting turkeys?
Can you use birdshot for turkey?
Can you get a lead shot for turkey hunting?
If you’re looking to get the lead of your turkey hunting, consider these non-toxic options. Since the ban on lead shot for waterfowl hunting back in 1991, at least 30 states have enacted further restrictions on lead ammo on some level. Not all relate to turkey hunting, but some do.
Which shot is best for turkey hunting?
It will allow you to quickly and accurate place your shot and get clean kills. In summary, No 4 – No 7 shot can all work well for turkey hunting. We think most hunters would do well sticking to either 5 or 6. The important take away from this article is that you need to pattern you gun before hunting with a new load.
Which shot size is best for turkey hunting?
Lead 6s, 5s, and 4 shot are commonly used in turkey loads, and some hunters prefer lead turkey loads over other types of shotshell payloads, such as tungsten or steel shot. However, it is important to note that lead shot is not legal in all states. Overall, choosing the right shot size for turkey hunting is crucial for a clean kill.
How do I choose the right choke for turkey hunting?
Choosing the right choke for turkey hunting depends on a variety of factors, including the distance of the shot, the size of the shot, and the type of shotgun being used. Generally, a tighter choke is better for longer shots and larger shot sizes, while a looser choke is better for closer shots and smaller shot sizes.