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Funny what we will get used to paying ridiculous amounts of money for. Duck guns used to cost $2,000, flashlights $100, coolers $400, and a box of five TSS turkey loads $30 to $60. On the other hand, a $300 870 Express kills ducks, a $15 Mini Maglite illuminates the path, and a $50 Coleman cooler keeps your drinks cold. Naturally, the question of whether paying $10 for a box of turkey loads is really less beneficial than paying $10 for each shell comes up. You might wonder, Is TSS really that much better than the best budget turkey loads?.
First things first: You are indeed missing out if you are concerned about killing turkeys that are more than fifty yards away. And yes, they are better. TSS extends the range of turkey guns beyond the reach of lead. Period.
But I think it’s reasonable to assume that not everyone wants to pay TSS prices. Until recently, I hadn’t really given it much thought. How do the best inexpensive turkey loads filled with lead, rather than TSS, stack up there? So, I collected a pile of affordable lead loads and took them to the range. I chose all 12-gauge 3-inch loads of No. 5 shot because my gun has a . 665 choke that does well with 5s. I also spot-checked my patterns with a Mossberg 835 to be sure the results were not gun-dependent.
I divided the loads into three categories based on street prices: under $10, $10 to $19, and Winchester Long Beard, which is the best value at $20 per box in terms of both price and performance. Finally, I shot some tungsten loads for comparison’s sake. I did all my shooting at 40 yards. For every load, I fired five shots, counted the hits in a circle that measured ten inches, and then determined the average.
Turkey hunting is a thrilling and challenging sport and in recent years, the landscape of turkey ammo has changed dramatically with the introduction of modern turkey loads. These new loads, particularly those made with Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) offer incredible performance and range, but they come with a hefty price tag. So, the question remains: are these modern turkey loads worth the cost?
In order to provide a response, we must examine the world of turkey hunting ammunition, investigating the elements that contribute to the high price of contemporary loads and contrasting them with conventional lead alternatives. We’ll also weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each kind of load to assist you in selecting the one that best fits your requirements and price range.
The Rise of Modern Turkey Loads: A Game Changer
For decades, lead was the go-to material for turkey shot However, due to environmental concerns, lead was banned for waterfowl hunting in 1991, prompting ammo manufacturers to explore alternative materials. This led to the development of tungsten-based shot, which boasts a 56% greater density than lead, translating to superior downrange energy transfer and deeper penetration.
In 2018, Federal introduced TSS turkey loads, revolutionizing the turkey hunting scene. These loads allowed hunters to ethically target birds at previously unthinkable distances because they provided tighter patterns, longer ranges, and greater stopping power. But this innovation didn’t come without a price, as TSS loads were frequently much more expensive than conventional lead options.
The Cost Factor: Breaking Down the Price Difference
The high cost of modern turkey loads can be attributed to several factors:
- Material Cost: Tungsten is a rare and expensive metal, making it significantly more costly than lead. This translates directly to the higher price of TSS loads.
- Manufacturing Complexity: The production process for TSS loads is more intricate than that of lead loads, requiring specialized equipment and techniques. This complexity adds to the overall cost.
- Research and Development: The development of TSS technology involved extensive research and testing, further contributing to the price premium.
- Supply and Demand: The popularity of TSS loads has created high demand, while the limited availability of tungsten restricts supply, driving the price even higher.
Comparing Modern and Traditional Turkey Loads: A Tale of Two Options
While modern turkey loads offer undeniable advantages in terms of performance and range, traditional lead loads remain a viable and cost-effective option for many hunters. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:
Modern Turkey Loads (TSS):
- Pros:
- Tighter patterns for greater accuracy
- Longer effective range for ethical shots
- Deeper penetration for increased stopping power
- Can be used in smaller gauge shotguns
- Cons:
- Significantly higher cost
- Limited availability
- May require specialized chokes
Traditional Lead Turkey Loads:
- Pros:
- Affordable and readily available
- Proven effectiveness at shorter ranges
- Less demanding on shotguns and chokes
- Cons:
- Looser patterns at longer ranges
- Limited effective range
- Environmental concerns
Are Modern Turkey Loads Worth the Cost? A Personal Decision
Whether or not modern turkey loads are cost-effective is ultimately a personal choice. TSS loads may be a wise purchase if you’re a dedicated turkey hunter who values ethical shot opportunities and long-range performance. However, conventional lead loads can still produce fantastic results if you’re on a tight budget or primarily hunt at closer ranges.
Factors to Consider:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on turkey ammo?
- Hunting Style: Do you typically hunt at long or short ranges?
- Shotgun Compatibility: Does your shotgun require specialized chokes for TSS loads?
- Personal Preference: Do you value the added performance of TSS loads, or are you comfortable with the limitations of lead loads?
The world of turkey hunting ammo offers a variety of options, each with its own advantages and drawbacks. By understanding the factors that contribute to the cost of modern turkey loads and comparing them to traditional lead options, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your budget and hunting style. Whether you choose the cutting-edge performance of TSS or the reliable affordability of lead, remember that ethical shot placement and responsible hunting practices are paramount to a successful and enjoyable turkey hunting experience.
The Best Turkey Loads for Any Budget
It’s crucial to remember that I tested these loads prior to the pandemic driving up ammunition costs. I would update the costs below, but prices are changing every day as we speak. This gives you an apples-to-apples comparison of relative costs, so even though you will almost certainly pay more than what is shown below, hopefully prices will drop back to the standard ranges below.
Results from the Range Test
In strictly bang-for-your-buck terms (or bang-for-your-tom, as it were), Rio’s Royal Turkey Magnum loads ran away with it. At just over $6 for ten, they averaged 65 hits per shell, or 103 hits for every dollar spent. (The next closest was 71 hits per dollar. Although I wouldn’t shoot these farther than 35 yards, if you like to call birds in close or hunt in the woods, this is the best deal around.
Simple, low-tech Remington Nitros and Federal’s Grand Slams tied for the best test performance for shooters looking to reach forty yards with their shots. Both averaged 76 hits for a little more than a dollar per shell ($11 per 10).
If that’s still not far enough, and you want to shoot lead, there’s only one choice. That’s why Winchester’s Long Beard XR is in its own category—and it deserves to be. Long Beard averaged 100 hits in the 10-inch circle, roughly 25 percent more than any other lead load. Although I tested No. I’ve shot patterns with more energy and 5s, which would give me the confidence to shoot Long Beard to 50 yards and maybe beyond. They are not as cheap as other lead loads, even at $2 per shell, but they are also not as cheap as TSS loads.
In short, from zero to 50 yards, there are lots of good affordable options, and several standout bargains. There’s also an advantage to cheap loads besides the price. At 25 yards, my favorite—and therefore now discontinued of course—high-dollar Kent TK7 Penetrator No. Packed into a 61⁄2-inch circle, every pellet in the 7 load is guaranteed to miss up close. At the same range, Fiocchi’s Golden Turkey load spreads to almost 10 inches. With so much more room for error—which you might need when a bird is drumming and spitting in your lap—that’s a 45 square inch difference. Of course, that’s an experience you’ll never appreciate if you shoot them at 60 yards with TSS.
If you hunt turkeys correctly, meaning you lure them within 30 yards, any of the loads I tested will tag your bird. That means you can shoot the cheap stuff and save your money for taxidermy.
For each of the loads below, I fired five shots at a patterning board from 40 yards, counted the hits inside a 10-inch circle for each, and then computed an average. Unless otherwise indicated, all are 3-inch 12-gauge No. 5 loads.
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Do You Really Need Expensive Turkey Loads?
FAQ
What is special about turkey loads?
What is the new turkey load for 2024?
Are TSS turkey loads worth the money?
Why are TSS Turkey loads so expensive?
While many turkey hunters find TSS turkey loads incredible, the TSS prices can make you gasp. The primary reason for that is tungsten is not abundantly available and the sourcing is more expensive than lead. What is the best TSS turkey load? We will suggest choosing between the Hevi Shot HEVI-18 and the Federal Premium Heavyweight TSS.
How much does a Turkey load cost?
Eight turkey loads that won’t break the bank. Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. We earn from qualifying purchases. In recent years, expensive high-end specialty loads—some with price tags of $75 or more—have dominated the shotshell aisles when it comes to spring turkey hunting.
How much does a TSS Turkey cost?
Today, TSS turkey loads are widely popular due to their 18 g/cc density, which allows ammunition manufacturers to load more, smaller pellets that retain energy longer than any other shot type. But TSS is expensive, costing as much as $20 per shotshell.
Are TSS loads good for turkey hunting?
Tungsten and bismuth shot have taken the turkey hunting and waterfowling world by storm, and Federal TSS loads are among the best. Non-toxic loads began as an alternative to steel for waterfowl hunters but were quickly recognized for their lethality and long-range performance in the turkey woods.