Why a 20 Gauge for the Turkey Woods?
The spring air hums with anticipation, the forest floor awakens, and the gobble of a Tom turkey echoes through the woods. For many hunters, this sound signals the start of another thrilling season. And increasingly, hunters are choosing the agile and efficient 20 gauge shotgun to pursue these magnificent birds. But success hinges on more than just a good shotgun; it requires selecting the right ammunition. Choosing the perfect turkey loads for 20 gauge is a critical decision that impacts your chances of bringing home a trophy, and ensuring a quick, ethical harvest. Let’s delve into the world of 20 gauge turkey loads, guiding you through the essential considerations for making the right choice.
The allure of the 20 gauge for turkey hunting is undeniable. The smaller frame of the 20 gauge offers significant advantages in terms of maneuverability and ease of carrying through the dense undergrowth turkey hunters often face. Its lighter weight reduces fatigue during long hunts, making it a popular choice for both seasoned hunters and those new to the sport. The reduced recoil compared to a 12-gauge shotgun is another appealing factor, particularly for hunters who are sensitive to recoil or who are just starting out. This characteristic helps improve accuracy and allows for quicker follow-up shots if needed.
While the 20 gauge might not possess the raw power of its larger 12-gauge counterpart, advancements in ammunition technology have closed the gap considerably. Modern 20 gauge turkey loads are designed to maximize performance, providing sufficient knockdown power at ethical hunting ranges. This makes the 20 gauge an ideal choice for hunters looking for a more manageable and effective platform.
Understanding the Anatomy of a Turkey Load
To select the best turkey loads for 20 gauge, you need to understand the components that contribute to their effectiveness. Each element plays a crucial role in delivering the pattern and power necessary to take down a turkey humanely.
Shot Size is Key
The size of the pellets (shot) within a turkey load is a primary factor influencing its performance. This is one of the most important aspects to grasp when deciding what turkey loads for 20 gauge will work best for you. Several shot sizes are commonly used in turkey hunting, each offering different characteristics.
Smaller shot sizes, such as number six, offer a higher pellet count in each shell, which theoretically leads to a denser pattern at closer ranges. They also tend to pattern more consistently across various shotgun models. The downside is that they might lack the penetration power needed for longer shots or larger, tougher gobblers. A lot of hunters will want to go with smaller shot, especially if the range is closer.
Larger shot sizes, such as number five, combine decent pellet counts with increased penetration. This makes them a versatile choice for a range of hunting scenarios. They generally retain their energy better at longer distances compared to number six shot. Many hunters who prefer the 20 gauge for turkey hunting find that number five shot is an excellent balance of pattern density and penetration.
Even larger shot sizes, such as number four, typically carry fewer pellets but can deliver more energy per pellet. This is advantageous for longer shots, assuming you have a tight enough pattern to ensure adequate hits. This may not always be the best option for the 20 gauge, but could be viable for experienced hunters.
For the 20 gauge, shot sizes five and six are often considered optimal. They provide a good combination of pellet count, pattern density, and penetration power, making them effective at typical turkey hunting ranges. Experimenting with different shot sizes in your specific shotgun is essential to determine which performs best.
The Weight of the Shot
The payload, also known as shot weight, refers to the total weight of the pellets in a turkey load. It directly influences the number of pellets within the shell. A heavier payload generally results in a denser pattern, increasing the chances of a clean kill. This is another important component to consider when choosing turkey loads for 20 gauge.
The payload is often expressed in ounces. Typically, 20 gauge turkey loads come with payloads ranging from about one ounce to over one and a half ounces. The higher the payload, the more pellets, resulting in a potentially tighter, more consistent pattern. Be aware, however, that heavier payloads often mean higher recoil, which can impact your accuracy. Finding a balance between payload and recoil is often necessary for the 20 gauge platform.
Shot Material Choices
The material the shot is made of significantly impacts its performance, and it is important to know the different options when purchasing turkey loads for 20 gauge.
Lead shot has been a standard for years. It’s dense, relatively inexpensive, and readily available. However, due to environmental concerns and regulations, lead shot is not permitted for turkey hunting in certain areas. Its density makes it a good choice for shorter to medium ranges.
Tungsten shot is a popular alternative to lead. It is much denser than lead, allowing for tighter patterns and improved penetration at longer ranges. This higher density can be a real advantage with the 20 gauge as it helps the pellets retain their energy farther downrange. Tungsten shot is generally more expensive than lead, but its performance can be worth the extra cost.
Bismuth shot is another excellent choice. It’s a non-toxic alternative to lead and has good density, but is not quite as dense as tungsten. It patterns well and provides good penetration, and is frequently used in 20 gauge turkey loads.
The right shot material for you will depend on your budget, the regulations in your hunting area, and the desired range and performance.
Wads, Powder, and Their Roles
While you don’t typically choose individual wads and powders, it’s good to understand their roles.
Wads are the plastic cups that hold the shot and separate it from the powder in the shell. They play a crucial role in pattern performance, helping to protect the shot as it travels down the barrel and ensuring a more consistent pattern.
The powder provides the energy to propel the shot out of the barrel. The type and amount of powder used are carefully calibrated by the ammunition manufacturer to optimize performance.
Key Decisions: Picking the Right Load
Selecting the best turkey loads for 20 gauge involves careful consideration of several factors to maximize your chances of success.
Finding Choke Compatibility
Matching your 20 gauge turkey loads with the proper choke tube is paramount for achieving tight, effective patterns. The choke constricts the shot as it leaves the barrel, controlling the spread of the pellets. Extra-full or “turkey chokes” are often the best choice for turkey hunting. These chokes produce very tight patterns, maximizing the number of pellets that hit the target at longer ranges.
Always ensure the choke tube you use is designed for the specific shot material you’re using. Some chokes are not designed for use with harder materials like tungsten. Refer to the choke tube and ammunition manufacturer’s recommendations.
The Art of Patterning Your Firearm
Patterning your shotgun is the single most critical step in selecting the right turkey loads for 20 gauge. It’s the process of shooting your shotgun at a target at a specific distance to assess the pattern. This provides information about the density and distribution of pellets, revealing how your shotgun and a particular load perform together.
Here is how to do it:
- Set up the Target: Use a large paper target (a turkey silhouette is ideal) and place it at a measured distance. Commonly, this is 30 to 40 yards, but adjust based on your typical hunting conditions and the load’s expected range.
- Take Aim and Fire: Use a solid shooting position (e.g., seated, braced against a tree) to maximize your consistency. Aim at the center of the target and fire one shot.
- Analyze the Pattern: Examine the target. Look for the density and distribution of pellets across the target. The goal is to achieve a pattern dense enough to place a significant number of pellets in the head and neck region of the turkey silhouette. Aim for at least a certain number of pellets within this vital zone. If the pattern is too sparse, you may want to try a different load or choke.
Patterning allows you to determine the maximum effective range of your shotgun with a specific load. This is the distance at which you can consistently achieve a dense pattern that will lead to a clean kill.
Understanding Range
Always keep ethical hunting practices in mind. It is essential to determine the maximum effective range of your shotgun with your chosen 20 gauge turkey loads through the patterning process, and then never take shots at turkeys beyond that distance. Attempting shots at ranges that exceed the effective pattern of your shotgun can lead to a wounded bird, which is unacceptable.
The Importance of Ballistic Performance
Ballistic performance considers a turkey load’s velocity, energy, and trajectory. The faster the velocity, the flatter the trajectory and the more energy a pellet carries downrange. While most loads will perform at the proper range, knowing the ballistic performance will also help determine the effective range for your chosen 20 gauge turkey loads.
Finding the Best Loads: Examples
Because of the wide variety of shotguns and chokes out there, the best thing to do is to test out different brands and styles of 20 gauge turkey loads. Here are a few examples to get you started:
(Please Note: Load availability can vary. Always check with your local retailer.)
- Federal Premium Heavyweight TSS: This load often includes tungsten super shot (TSS) pellets, and produces outstanding patterns, even at longer distances. Look for different shot sizes to find the one that works best with your gun.
- Hevi-Shot Hevi-13: Hevi-13 is a popular option with a good reputation for performance. The 20-gauge offerings come in several shot sizes, and are designed to deliver consistent patterns.
- Winchester Long Beard XR: This load uses the company’s “Shot-Lok” technology to protect the shot, resulting in tighter patterns. It’s often a very reliable and ethical option.
Remember to always test these, or other 20 gauge turkey loads in your shotgun to see how they perform.
Ethical Hunting, Always
Hunting turkeys is a rewarding experience, but success is inseparable from responsibility.
Prioritize safety by always handling your firearm with care and following all local hunting regulations. Always identify your target positively before taking a shot, and never shoot at a turkey that is outside your effective range. Ethical hunting practices involve respecting the animal and making every effort to ensure a clean and humane harvest.
In Conclusion
Selecting the right turkey loads for 20 gauge is a crucial element of a successful and ethical turkey hunt. By understanding the key components of a turkey load, considering choke compatibility, and meticulously patterning your shotgun, you can significantly improve your chances of harvesting a gobbler. Remember to experiment with different loads and shot sizes to find the combination that performs best in your specific firearm. By using the information presented, you will have all the necessary tools to find the best turkey loads for 20 gauge and head to the woods with confidence.
