If it weren’t for the lead shot ban in 1991, the evolution of shotgun shells would have likely stagnated. When ammo makers moved to steel so duck hunters could continue legally killing puddlers and divers and geese each fall, turkey hunters benefited … eventually. Steel is hard but not dense, and slowly, shotshell manufacturers began to turn to bismuth and tungsten as non-toxic alternatives to steel waterfowl shot. Both metals are denser, thus more effective at killing. As a side effect, TSS (tungsten super shot) became widely popular for turkey loads, because it hits harder, and patterns better than any other birdshot in production. But, having a hull full of TSS doesn’t mean a turkey load is going to be great. So to separate the good from the great, associate gear editor Adam Moore and I spent a few days shooting every turkey load we could get our hands on to see how they patterned, penetrated, and to check their speed. After some intensive testing, here’s our list of the best turkey loads out there.
Turkey hunting with a 20 gauge shotgun is gaining popularity, but to be effective you need to choose the right ammunition The size of shot you use is one of the most important factors in 20 gauge turkey loads Here’s what you need to know about picking shot size for turkeys with a 20 gauge
Overview of Shot Sizes for Turkeys
Turkey hunters have a wide variety of shot sizes to choose from in 20 gauge shells including
- #9 – Very small pellets with high pellet counts for dense patterns. Best for close range shots under 30 yards.
- #7 – Smaller shot size that offers a balance of pellet count and knockdown power. Popular all-around turkey loads.
- #6 – Moderate size shot with decent pellet counts. Provides knockdown power out to 40 yards.
- #5 – Larger pellets with lower pellet counts. Good for longer range shots to 50 yards.
- #4 – Large pellets for maximum energy and penetration. Best for 50+ yard shots.
Factors That Determine Ideal Shot Size
Choosing the right 20 gauge turkey load shot size depends on several factors:
Shotgun Choke – Tighter choke constrictions allow you to use smaller shot and achieve dense patterns at longer ranges. With looser chokes, larger shot is needed.
Expected Shots – If you expect close range shots under 30 yards, smaller #7-#9 shot works well. For longer shots, move up to #4-#6 size shot.
Ammo Regulations – Some states prohibit smaller than #4 shot for turkeys. Be sure to check your local regulations.
Shot Material – Lead, tungsten, and other materials also impact performance. Smaller tungsten shots extend lethal ranges.
Best All-Around Shot Sizes for 20 Gauge
For most 20 gauge turkey hunters, #5 or #6 lead or copper plated lead shot offers the best balance of knockdown power and pattern density:
- #6 shot is a moderate size that provides sufficient energy inside 40 yards. With a tight turkey choke, #6’s can kill out to 50 yards.
- #5 shot carries more energy for longer range shots. The larger pellets penetrate well on big toms.
- Both #5 and #6 shot sizes are legal for turkeys in most states.
With a modern 20 gauge choke tube and 3-inch magnum loads, #5 or #6 shot have enough power to kill turkeys cleanly and effectively.
Matching Shot Size to Your Hunting Situations
While #5 or #6 are good all-around choices, you can fine tune your 20 gauge turkey loads based on your specific needs:
- For hunting open fields where longer shots are expected, move up to #4 shot or larger Tungsten loads.
- In thick timber where most shots are under 30 yards, smaller #7 or #9 shot allows super tight patterns.
- On public land with lots of hunters, smaller shot prevents pellets carrying too far.
- For new adult hunters or youth, moderate recoil of #6 shot is ideal.
- For maximum penetration on extra large toms, use larger #4 buckshot.
Test several 20 gauge turkey loads on paper targets to see which shot size and choke tube combinations work best in your shotgun. This ensures you have the right ammunition dialed in for your hunting situations.
Final Thoughts on Shot Size Selection
While massive 10 or 12 gauge 3.5-inch turkey loads are overkill, 20 gauge shotguns can take spring gobblers cleanly when you use the right shells. For most hunters, #5 or #6 shot offers the best performance in 20 gauge magnum loads. However, you can fine tune your ammunition selection based on expected shooting distances, local regulations, recoil tolerance, and other factors. Patterning your shotgun and testing different 20 gauge turkey loads will give you the confidence that your ammunition will be effective on hunting day.
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 responsible for the popularity of TSS in turkey hunting which has also bolstered the popularity of turkey hunting with .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 because they have a slightly heavier payload (⅞ ounces) than the other loads in this test (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.
How We Tested the Best Turkey Loads
Before tabulating pellet strikes, we first found the hold point on the target for best pattern results. For instance, the SBE3 has a Burris FastFire II red-dot, so we put that dot right on the turkey’s head at 40 and pulled the trigger to deliver an optimal pattern. The 870 had a mid-neck hold point, and the BPS patterned best when I held it at the base of the turkey’s neck and slightly to the right.
Then we moved on to the penetration portion of our best turkey loads test, shooting each load from 40 yards into a penetration box modeled after one former Field & Stream shooting editor Bob Brister designed decades ago. The wooden box, built by my stepdad and his brother, is roughly four feet long with an 18- by 18-inch opening. There are 27 slots spaced 1½ inches apart inside the box, each of which holds a 1/8-inch-thick piece of cardboard.
I also placed a ½-inch piece of drywall just behind the first piece of cardboard before each shot. This helped slow the pellets. Each load would have simply blown through all 27 cardboard slats without it. If the load penetrated the drywall at 40 yards, that also was a good sign it could kill a turkey. After the drywall and cardboard were in place, I shot into the opening of the box using the 870 (of the three guns, it patterned best) to see how many pieces of cardboard each load could penetrate.
Read Next: Best Turkey Shotguns of 2023
Finally, we tested each shotshell for muzzle velocity by shooting through a chronograph. In my experience, shotshells don’t replicate the velocity stamped on the ammo box. So, I shot each shell up to five times and recorded the best result. I did this because 1) I was relying on a machine (chronograph) to supply accurate data in pretty brutal conditions (it was 20°F with a 25 mph north wind), and 2) not every shotshell always gets the same amount of gunpowder or burns at the same rate, no matter how conscientious ammo makers are about loading shells. There’s always going to be some slight variance.