Had lead shot been outlawed in 1991, shotgun shell development most likely would have come to a standstill. Turkey hunters eventually gained when ammo manufacturers switched to steel so duck hunters could keep killing puddlers, divers, and geese each fall legally. Since steel is not dense but rather hard, shotshell producers gradually started using bismuth and tungsten as non-toxic substitutes for steel in their waterfowl shot. Both metals are denser, thus more effective at killing. As a result, TSS, or tungsten super shot, gained popularity for use in turkey loads due to its superior patterning and hitting power compared to other available birdshot. But, having a hull full of TSS doesn’t mean a turkey load is going to be great. So, associate gear editor Adam Moore and I shot every turkey load we could get our hands on for a few days to see how they patterned, penetrated, and checked their speed in order to separate the good from the great. After some intensive testing, here’s our list of the best turkey loads out there.
Gobble, gobble! It’s turkey season, and you’re itching to bag that majestic bird. But before you head out to the field, you need to make sure you’re armed with the right ammo. Choosing the right turkey shotgun shells can make or break your hunt, so it’s crucial to understand the different options available and what factors to consider when making your selection
Understanding Shotgun Shells and Chokes:
First, let’s break down the basics of shotgun shells and chokes. Shotgun shells come in various gauges, lengths and shot sizes. The gauge refers to the diameter of the barrel, with 12-gauge and 20-gauge being the most popular for turkey hunting. The shell length ranges from 2 ½ inches for smaller-bore guns to 3.5 inches for long-distance shots from a 12-gauge. Shot size is indicated by a number, with smaller numbers representing larger pellets. For turkey hunting, #4 to #7 shot sizes are typically used.
Chokes are attachments that fit onto the end of your shotgun barrel and constrict the shot pattern, influencing the spread and range of your shot. Different chokes are designed for different distances, with tighter chokes being more effective at longer ranges. It’s essential to pattern your shotgun with different chokes and loads to determine the ideal combination for your gun and hunting style.
Lead vs. Tungsten: The Great Debate:
Traditionally, lead has been the go-to material for turkey shot. However, tungsten has emerged as a popular alternative due to its higher density. This means that tungsten pellets can be smaller while still maintaining the same weight as larger lead pellets. This allows for more pellets in a single shell, resulting in a denser pattern and increased lethality.
While tungsten offers superior performance, it comes at a higher price point compared to lead. Lead remains a viable option for many hunters, especially those who prioritize affordability. However, if you’re looking for the best possible performance and are willing to invest, tungsten is the way to go.
Choosing the Right Load:
Now, let’s dive into the specifics of choosing the right turkey load. Here are some key factors to consider:
- Gauge: As mentioned earlier, 12-gauge and 20-gauge are the most popular choices for turkey hunting. The 12-gauge offers more power and recoil, while the 20-gauge is lighter and easier to handle. Ultimately, the best gauge for you depends on your personal preference and shooting ability.
- Shot size: The ideal shot size depends on the distance you expect to shoot at. For shots within 40 yards, #5 or #6 shot is suitable. If you anticipate taking longer shots, consider using #4 shot for increased penetration.
- Choke: The right choke will help you achieve the desired pattern density for your chosen shot size and distance. For turkey hunting, a modified or full choke is generally recommended.
- Load type: Lead and tungsten are the two main options. Lead is more affordable, while tungsten offers superior performance. Consider your budget and desired performance when making your choice.
Recommended Turkey Loads:
Here are a few highly-rated turkey loads to consider:
- Federal Heavyweight TSS: This load features tungsten shot and is known for its exceptional pattern density and long-range performance.
- Hevi-Shot Magnum Blend: This load combines HEVI-13 pellets with a mix of shot sizes, creating a lethal pattern at various ranges.
- Boss Tom Tungsten: This load offers tungsten shot in various gauges and shot sizes, providing versatility for different hunting scenarios.
Additional Tips:
- Pattern your shotgun: It’s crucial to pattern your shotgun with the chosen load and choke to ensure you’re getting the desired pattern density at your intended shooting distance.
- Practice regularly: The more you practice with your turkey load, the more confident you’ll be in the field.
- Be ethical: Always aim for a clean, ethical shot to ensure a quick and humane kill.
Choosing the right turkey shotgun shells is essential for a successful hunt. By understanding the different factors involved, you can select the load that best suits your needs and preferences. Remember to pattern your shotgun, practice regularly, and always prioritize ethical hunting practices. With the right preparation and the right ammo, you’ll be well on your way to bagging that elusive gobbler.
Best Availability: Federal Heavyweight
- Best Pattern: 113 (Mossberg)
- Average Pattern: 82
- Cartridge Length: 3 inches
- Payload: 13/16 ounces
- Shot Size: 9
- Velocity: 1100
- Price: $49 (for box of 5)
- Consistent patterns with Mossberg 500
- Widely available
- Inconsistent patterns with other guns
One of the most important features of a . 410 turkey load is availability. These loads can be difficult to locate because so few ammo manufacturers produce them, particularly by the middle of the season. Thankfully, the Federal loads are currently available on the Federal website and several other online retailers at prices lower than the MSRP, so you can find them if you need them right away.
Federal Heavyweight and the Mossberg 500 made a great match in pattern testing. The load averaged 109 hits through the good old M500. But it was less compatible with the Stevens and Tristar shotguns. With these guns, the average dropped to 71. 5 and 66. 5 respectively.
For turkey hunting, either length shell is a good choice, but I would only give it a 3. 5-inch load if you’re shooting TSS because it will give you more pellets, which creates a denser pattern. For instance, a 3-inch 2¼-ounce No. 9 shotshell has about 814 pellets. A 3. 5-inch 2½-ounce No. 9 has 904. That’s almost 100 more pellets. Whichever shot charge you select, you’re already firing a powerful payload, so the small amount of additional recoil is worth it. I wouldn’t make the same case for lead because lead entails a larger shot size and a payload increase won’t be as significant of a tradeoff. A load of 2-ounce 5s will only increase by about 40 pellets if it is changed to a load of 2¼ ounces. To me, that’s not worth the extra recoil.
Buying TSS doesn’t automatically make you capable of killing a longbeard at 40 yards and beyond. In order to kill a turkey, you need to aim your gun to find the proper hold point where enough pellets will strike its head. A stock full choke may not get you the best pattern results either. There are all kinds of aftermarket chokes to consider. Finding the right gun, choke, and load combination is the recipe for success. One thing this test revealed is that buying an 870 is a good starting point.
As long as you have a shotgun that patterns lead loads well, there isn’t much of a reason to purchase TSS if your goal is to kill turkeys within 40 yards. But TSS does come in handy when you must kill a bird at 40 yards or beyond. Because there’s nothing worse than knowing you don’t have enough ammunition in your gun to kill that longbeard if a tom hangs up. I haven’t shot a gobbler in my home state of Illinois with anything other than tungsten in years. That’s not because I don’t think lead is good; rather, it’s because it’s difficult to kill an Eastern here and I don’t want to pass up this chance. If you hunt in a place where turkeys are tough, TSS is worth it. If you don’t, stick with lead.
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
The widespread use of TSS in turkey hunting, which has further increased the sport’s appeal, is primarily attributable to Apex. 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 . 410 turkey loads in this patterning test since their payload is ⅞ ounces heavier than the other loads’ (13/16 ounces) Also, since Apex loaded its shell with No. 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.
8 Turkey Hunting Ammos Put To the Test | What Works & What Doesn’t
FAQ
What is the best shell for turkey hunting?
What shot size is best for turkey hunting?
What 20-gauge shells for turkey?
What size shot for a .410 turkey?
Why do turkey hunters use a 3 inch magnum shell?
Modern turkey hunters have much better options. The advent of 3-inch magnum shells allows today’s hunters to shoot a bigger payload of pellets at faster speeds, even with smaller bore 20-gauge shotguns. Hunting ammunition manufacturers also began coating lead pellets with copper, which makes them sturdier.
What is the best turkey hunting load?
1. Remington Nitro Turkey Remington Nitro Turkey is one of the tried and true turkey hunting loads that is currently on the market. Available for both 20-gauge and 12-gauge bores, the load features 1 7/8 oz of lead shot traveling at either 1,210-fps or 1,300-fps.
What is the best shotgun to kill turkeys with?
The biggest lesson I learned from this test for the best turkey loads (other than there are few guns better than the 870 to kill turkeys with) is that you must pattern your shotgun extensively, and at different distances, with the load you intend to hunt with if you want to kill a bird at or past 40 yards.
Are tungsten pellets better than lead for turkey hunting?
Tungsten loads are by far a better choice than lead for turkey hunters, including those who balk at the substantial recoil of a 12-gauge 3 ½-inch magnum load pushing 2 ounces of lead pellets. Those giant, shoulder-punishing 3 ½–inch shells simply aren’t necessary.