5 Best 20 Gauge Turkey Loads

If you're planning on going turkey hunting with a 20-gauge shotgun, you need to make sure you're using the right load to ensure a successful turkey season. Here are some things to look for when selecting a 20-gauge turkey load:

Shot Size: The size of the shot you choose depends on the range at which you'll be shooting. For close-range shots, choose a smaller shot size like #7 or #9. For longer-range shots, go for a larger shot size like #4 or #5. Make sure to check your state's regulations for the minimum shot size required for turkey hunting.

Shot Material: You can choose from lead or non-toxic shot materials like steel, tungsten, or bismuth. Many hunters prefer lead because of its superior performance, but non-toxic shot materials are required in some areas. TSS (Tungsten Super Shot) has become one of the most popular turkey loads over the past couple of years. TSS has a greater density than lead, allowing greater range; this is crucial when shooting turkey at range, especially with a 20 gauge.

Brand: There are many reputable brands that offer quality 20-gauge turkey loads, including Federal Premium, Winchester, Hevi-Shot, and Remington. It's worth doing some research and reading reviews to find a load that works well for you.

Pattern Density: A dense pattern is essential for turkey hunting, as it increases the likelihood of a clean kill. Look for a load that produces a consistent pattern at the ranges you'll be hunting. For this you’ll want to grab a few different turkey loads and see which patterns best out of your shotgun.

Price: Finally, consider the price of the load. Quality turkey loads can be expensive, but it's worth investing in a load that will give you the best chance of success. With 20 gauge turkey ammo, you can spend anywhere from $1 all the way to over $13 a round for high-quality turkey ammo.

In conclusion, choosing the right 20-gauge turkey load is crucial for a successful and ethical hunt. Consider the shot size, material, brand, pattern density, and price when making your selection. MidwayUSA carries the biggest selection of 20 gauge ammo, You can shop all 20 gauge ammo here.
1

Federal Premium Heavyweight TSS Turkey 20 Gauge Tungsten Ammo

Features

• HEAVYWEIGHT TSS payload with advanced buffering material
• As much as twice the pellet count of lead No. 5 loads of the same weight
• 22 percent denser material than standard tungsten; 56 percent denser than lead
• FLITECONTROL FLEX wad provides extremely tight, consistent patterns through standard and ported turkey chokes
• Roll crimp and clear card wad keeps buffering material in place
• Full-length wads prevent direct contact of the extra-hard pellets and the bore, protecting the barrel

 

Go beyond the limits of long range with Federal HEAVYWEIGHT TSS. The loads blend the 18 grams/cc density of Tungsten Super Shot pellets with the new FLITECONTROL FLEX wad to provide the most deadly patterns possible at extreme range.

 

What Customers Are Saying

Excellent for Turkey Hunting

Excellent Replacement for Federal Premium Mag-Shok #7 Turkey Ammo. Last season, managed to get a 20 lb Tom at 40 yards with only one shot. Using a Mossberg 500 20 gauge with FULL choke and TRU-GLO Gobbler Stopper Scope. This ammo patterns very well up to 50 yards.
- Ohio Turkey Hunter, 2/12/2019

About Federal Premium

Federal Cartridge Company, as we know it today, started in 1922 when Charles Horn purchased Federal Cartridge and Machine out of receivership. Federal’s first products were shotshells, followed by rimfire in 1924. In 1976, Federal Premium was launched, combining boutique bullets with premium propellants and nickel-plated brass to create the “best of the best” in centerfire ammunition. Over a century later, MidwayUSA offers a complete spectrum of Federal ammunition, ranging from shotshell offerings like: Top-Gun, High Over All, Game Loads, Gold Medal Grand, and Prairie Storm; and centerfire rifle ammunition such as Fusion, Power-Shok, Gold Medal Match, Meat Eater; to centerfire pistol ammunition: HST, Punch, and American Eagle. Federal continues to manufacture rimfire ammo in the form of AutoMatch, Champion, and Game-shok. Federal supports handloaders with standard: small pistol, small rifle, large pistol, large rifle, 209 shotshell primers, and the Gold Medal-series match primers.

Shop Now
2

Hevi-Shot Hevi-18 TSS Turkey 20 Gauge Tungsten Ammo

Hevi-Shot joins the Tungsten Super Shot leagues with Hevi-18 TSS Turkey, bringing best in class performance to the turkey market. Hevi-18 TSS 18 g/cc density pellets offered in shot sizes #7 and #9, provide high pellet counts and long-range lethality. Hevi-Shot achieves incredibly tight patterns thanks to friction-free sealed-in-the-shell spherical buffer. Hevi-18 TSS loads are available for hunters who want to watch the “tom show” up close and personal.

 

Features

  • Ultra-density (18 g/cc vs 11 g/cc for lead) pellets give unequalled downrange lethality
  • Heavy payloads and high velocities for maximum performance
  • Friction-free spherical buffer produces incredibly tight patterns
  • A unique crimp-seal resin resists damage and holds the buffer in the shell
  • Thicker base-wad, hotter primer, and clean-burning propellants ensure all-weather reliability in semi-automatic shotguns

 

What Customers Are Saying

Better than a Handload

After handloading TSS for years I decided to buy a box of these. They performed flawlessly and they pattern great. No need to take the time to handload anymore. Grab a box of these for your 20 and don't look back.
- Peter, 6/9/2020

About Hevi-Shot

Hevi-Shot was formed by passionate hunters looking for a more effective alternative to steel shot. Lead has been the traditional metal for shot because it is inexpensive, plentiful, and easy to form at low temperatures. When lead shot was banned for waterfowl, steel became the default alternative because it was the next lowest-cost and plentiful. Steel shot, unfortunately, has lower density, thus lower downrange energy. Hunters soon found they were unable to down birds as effectively. Hevi-Shot spent over a year developing a process to form a tungsten-alloy pellet with higher density. Hevi-shot set out to develop a pellet better than steel, they ended up developing a pellet better than lead! MidwayUSA carries a full line of Hevi-Shot Waterfowl ammo, Turkey ammo, Pheasant ammo and Predator Ammo. Every Hevi-Shot customer knows: “I didn’t come this far to miss!”

Shop Now
3

Remington Premier TSS Turkey 20 Gauge Tungsten Ammo

Remington Premier TSS Turkey Ammunition combines the highest density shot on the market with the Remington brand for an unmatched turkey load that lives up to the Premier name. These loads offer opportunities to hunt with a traditional 12 gauge or lighter carrying and softer recoil 20 gauges and 410 bore shotguns. Higher pellet counts and more energy per pellet equal greater chances of success in the field.

 

Features

  • Ultra high-density tungsten super shot (18g/cc)
  • Higher energy and better patterns than lead
  • Increased pellet counts and hits in the kill zone

 

About Remington

We’ve been here since 1816. Together, Remington and America have fought and won wars, put food on millions of tables, and brought countless generations together at the range and in the field. We are proud of each and every round that rolls off our factory line. Bringing a renewed focus to ammunition, innovation, and quality, we are reinvigorating our company so you can continue to trust our brand and our products – all while staying true to Remington’s legendary heritage and stature as an American icon. Remington is a world leader in ammunition and firearms and is trusted by militaries, law enforcement, and hunters around the world. MidwayUSA is proud to offer Remington Ammo like the UMC, Core-Lokt, and Express series, and firearms like the 700 rifle and 870 shotguns. In addition to ammunition and firearms, Remington also offers gun parts, cleaning kits, safes and storage, apparel, and more. Remington has a focus on building dependable firearms that Customers can enjoy for a lifetime.

Shop Now
4

Winchester Double X Magnum Turkey 20 Gauge Ammo 3" #5 Copper Plated Lead Shot 1-1/4 oz Box of 10

Winchester Double X Magnum ammunition delivers superior performance and stopping power sure to bring down the toughest game. Featuring high velocities for hard hitting performance on all types of game, each load is specially formulated for maximum density and consistency. With copper plated lead shot for consistent, tighter patterns, Double X has been trusted by generations of hunters who demand quality and consistency. Grex Buffering reduces set-back forces on shot, improving pattern performance.

What Customers Are Saying

yes will buy more

have shot all my turkeys with this ammo. good pattern , long range for a 20 gauge. out to 35 to40 yards.
- Gary, 4/10/2022

About Winchester

Winchester is The American Legend, a brand built on integrity, hard work, and a deep focus on its loyal Customers. Considered one of the world’s leading ammunition and firearms manufacturers, Winchester has built its reputation on delivering innovative products, providing top-shelf Customer service, and demonstrating industry leadership. Along with ammunition and firearms, Winchester offers many gun parts and accessories as well as tools, apparel, safes and storage, air guns, and more. We offer a huge selection of Winchester products, including the Model 70 Rifle, Super-X Ammunition, SX4 Shotgun, and AA Target Ammo. From our research and development efforts to our manufacturing processes, we understand the value of product quality and performance. With a reputation steeped in tradition, we have earned the moniker ‘The American Legend’ by delivering on our commitment to excellence in everything we do.

Shop Now
5

Federal Premium Heavyweight TSS Turkey 20 Gauge Tungsten Ammo

Features

• HEAVYWEIGHT TSS payload with advanced buffering material
• As much as twice the pellet count of lead No. 5 loads of the same weight
• 22 percent denser material than standard tungsten; 56 percent denser than lead
• FLITECONTROL FLEX wad provides extremely tight, consistent patterns through standard and ported turkey chokes
• Roll crimp and clear card wad keeps buffering material in place
• Full-length wads prevent direct contact of the extra-hard pellets and the bore, protecting the barrel

 

Go beyond the limits of long range with Federal HEAVYWEIGHT TSS. The loads blend the 18 grams/cc density of Tungsten Super Shot pellets with the new FLITECONTROL FLEX wad to provide the most deadly patterns possible at extreme range.

 

What Customers Are Saying

Excellent for Turkey Hunting

Excellent Replacement for Federal Premium Mag-Shok #7 Turkey Ammo. Last season, managed to get a 20 lb Tom at 40 yards with only one shot. Using a Mossberg 500 20 gauge with FULL choke and TRU-GLO Gobbler Stopper Scope. This ammo patterns very well up to 50 yards.
- Ohio Turkey Hunter, 2/12/2019

About Federal Premium

Federal Cartridge Company, as we know it today, started in 1922 when Charles Horn purchased Federal Cartridge and Machine out of receivership. Federal’s first products were shotshells, followed by rimfire in 1924. In 1976, Federal Premium was launched, combining boutique bullets with premium propellants and nickel-plated brass to create the “best of the best” in centerfire ammunition. Over a century later, MidwayUSA offers a complete spectrum of Federal ammunition, ranging from shotshell offerings like: Top-Gun, High Over All, Game Loads, Gold Medal Grand, and Prairie Storm; and centerfire rifle ammunition such as Fusion, Power-Shok, Gold Medal Match, Meat Eater; to centerfire pistol ammunition: HST, Punch, and American Eagle. Federal continues to manufacture rimfire ammo in the form of AutoMatch, Champion, and Game-shok. Federal supports handloaders with standard: small pistol, small rifle, large pistol, large rifle, 209 shotshell primers, and the Gold Medal-series match primers.

Shop Now