Hunting turkeys requires careful consideration of your equipment, and ammunition selection plays a crucial role in a successful hunt. While 12 gauge shotguns are popular, the 20 gauge offers a lighter recoil option without sacrificing effectiveness, making it a viable and increasingly popular choice. This guide explores the best turkey loads for 20 gauge shotguns, focusing on factors to consider when selecting your ammunition.
Understanding 20 Gauge Turkey Loads
The key to successful turkey hunting with a 20 gauge lies in selecting the right ammunition. Unlike hunting smaller game, turkey hunting necessitates loads designed for penetration and stopping power at longer ranges. Here's what you should look for:
Shot Size and Payload:
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Shot Size: #4, #5, and #6 shot are generally considered the best for turkey hunting with a 20 gauge. #4 offers the best knockdown power at longer ranges, while #5 and #6 provide a denser pattern, potentially increasing the number of pellets hitting the target. The choice depends on your shooting style and preferred range.
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Payload: A higher pellet count generally means a denser pattern, increasing your chances of a clean kill. Look for loads with a high pellet count within your chosen shot size. However, remember that larger shot sizes inherently carry fewer pellets in the same shell.
Ammunition Type:
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Lead Shot: While effective, lead shot is increasingly restricted or banned in many areas due to environmental concerns. Check your local regulations before purchasing.
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Non-Toxic Shot: Steel, bismuth, and tungsten-based shot are common non-toxic alternatives. Steel is the most widely available and affordable, but it can deform more easily at higher velocities, impacting pattern density at longer ranges. Bismuth and tungsten are denser than steel, offering better penetration and pattern consistency. They are generally more expensive.
Shell Length and Velocity:
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Shell Length: 2 ¾ inch shells are the most common for 20 gauge turkey loads. Some manufacturers offer 3-inch magnum loads, but these may produce excessive recoil for some shooters.
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Velocity: Higher velocity generally translates to flatter trajectories and more energy upon impact. However, excessive velocity can negatively impact pattern density. Find a balance that suits your shooting style and distance.
Choosing the Right Load for Your Hunting Situation
The ideal turkey load depends on your hunting style and the specific circumstances:
Open Fields vs. Wooded Areas:
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Open Fields: In open fields, longer shots are more likely. A heavier shot size like #4, with high velocity and a sufficient pellet count, is ideal.
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Wooded Areas: Closer ranges are more common in wooded areas. #5 or #6 shot might offer a denser pattern, increasing your probability of a clean kill at closer range.
Your Shooting Skills and Shotgun:
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Shooting Skills: If you are a less experienced turkey hunter, a load with a tighter pattern might improve your chances of success. If you're confident in your ability to place shots, a higher velocity load might be more advantageous.
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Shotgun: Different shotguns will pattern ammunition differently. It is essential to pattern your specific shotgun and chosen loads before the hunt to understand what performs best at various ranges. This patterning process allows you to fine-tune your ammunition selection for optimal accuracy.
Conclusion: Preparation is Key to Success
Choosing the right 20 gauge turkey load isn't simply about picking a shell off the shelf. Thorough research, careful consideration of your hunting style, and – most critically – patterning your chosen load with your specific shotgun will significantly increase your chances of a successful and ethical hunt. Remember to always check local regulations and prioritize ethical hunting practices.
