Plenty of Power. As mentioned above, there was a time when 40 yards was considered the far side of a turkey hunter’s effective range with a 12-gauge. However, with the introduction of TSS loads, 40 yards and beyond, is easily accomplished with the 20-gauge shotgun.
Is 12 gauge too much for turkey?
With lighter, underpowered loads of soft lead pellets shot out of a 12-gauge shotgun with a full choke, 30 yards was the maximum range for a lethal shot on a turkey. Modern turkey hunters have much better options.
Is a 12 gauge better than a 20 gauge shotgun?
Performance. Because a 12 gauge shotgun shell has more volume than a 20 gauge shotgun shell, it fits more powder and bigger projectiles. This means you will get a harder-hitting shot at a greater effective distance with a 12 gauge than you will with a 20 gauge.
What is the best ammo for turkey hunting?
Bagging Birds – The 5 Best Turkey Hunting Loads for Shotguns
- Remington Nitro Turkey. SALE. Affordable, Reliable, and Lethal.
- Hevi Shot Magnum Blend. SALE. Heavy Duty Knock Down Power.
- Winchester Long Beard XR Turkey. SALE. Long Range Lethality.
- Federal Premium 3rd Degree. SALE. One Load.
- Winchester Double X High-Velocity. SALE.
How far can you shoot a turkey with a 20-gauge?
about 30 yards
The ammunition will be priced slightly lower, too. There is one disadvantage to hunting with a 20 gauge instead of a 12, and as you may have already guessed, it is effective range. You will have to work the bird about 10 yards closer—a maximum range of about 30 yards—to make a killing shot.
What has more recoil 12 or 20 gauge?
As 12 gauge shells pack a heavier payload of projectiles and powder they will always have more recoil than comparative 20 gauge ammo.
What are the advantages of a 20 gauge shotgun?
The smaller size and lower recoil of a 20 gauge may outweigh the ballistic advantages of a 12 when you’re inside where the 12’s extra power doesn’t much matter. In addition, a 20-gauge gun might be easier for smaller people to handle and shoot comfortably.
What Animals Can you hunt with a 20 gauge shotgun?
20-gauge shotguns are especially suitable for hunting game birds such as quail, grouse, turkey, and other game when using shot shells. A 20-gauge can also shoot slugs and buckshot and thereby become an effective deer-hunting gun.
What shot for 20-gauge turkey?
Produced for 12-gauge or 20-gauge, 3” or 3.5” shells, #7 or #9 shot. Tungsten shot with a muzzle velocity between 1,000 – 1,200 fps. This load offers the highest pellet count possible in a shell (634).
Is a longer barrel better for turkey hunting?
What is the ideal barrel length for your turkey gun? Shorter barrels have become the general norm for turkey guns because they are more maneuverable and lighter to carry. Choosing a turkey gun with a barrel length between 21 – 24 inches will suit you well.
Whats the best shot for turkey?
Shooters might use shot as small as #9 for very small birds like quail, or as large as #2 for large birds like geese and swans. For comparison, there are 585 #9 lead pellets in an ounce versus only 90 #2 pellets in an ounce. For turkey hunting, shot sizes 4, 5 and 6 will all work.
Is a 410 good for turkey hunting?
“TSS pellets make hunting turkeys with a . 410 a very viable option,” he says. “It provides the performance of conventional 12-gauge loads with a significant drop in recoil.”
Can you use steel shot for turkey?
To compensate for the lower weight, lesser density and loss of velocity, it’s not uncommon for turkey hunters to load up with steel shot one or two sizes larger than what they would use in a lead load.
Can you shoot tungsten through a turkey choke?
Tungsten is definitely harder than steel, and as such, there have been a flood of warnings about not shooting it in ultra-high-end guns or through standard chokes. It will leave marks in a choke tube, but as of yet, I’ve not seen any adverse effects in a barrel.
Can you hunt ducks with a 20-gauge?
A 20 gauge has enough power to shoot pellets with the required force (3-5 foot-pounds) to consistently harvest ducks and geese up to 40 yards away. Lack of power is not the limiting factor on how far away waterfowl can be shot with a 20 gauge.
How many pellets are in a 12 gauge 4 shot?
24 pellets
Buckshot Size Diameter (in inches)
A “standard” 12 gauge load of #4 Buck contains 24 pellets.
Is the Mossberg 500 a good turkey gun?
The Mossberg Model 500 pump shotgun, is, for the money, one of the best duck hunting shotguns you can buy. It’s also the best deer hunting shotguns. And one of the best turkey guns.
Are 20 gauge shells cheaper than 12 gauge?
20 Gauge Performance Comparison. You would think that because 20-gauge ammunition has less material, it would be cheaper, but this is not necessarily the case. In most stores, you will find that 12-gauge ammunition is just as affordable as 20-gauge; if there’s a difference, it’s slight at best.
Why is 12 gauge so popular?
The 12 gauge is so popular because it’s powerful enough to hunt most species of game, but the recoil of a 12 gauge is much more manageable than the 10 gauge. A 12 gauge shell also has advantage over the smaller gauges because it has a shorter shot column.
Which gauge shotgun is most powerful?
10 gauge – A heavy firearm with a forceful recoil, the 10 gauge is the largest legal shotgun in the United States. It’s not as popular as it once used to be, though it is still in use. It’s used primarily for hunting waterfowl, such as goose and duck.
How far will a 20-gauge slug travel?
A typical premium 20-gauge, 2 ¾-inch sabot round starts with a muzzle speed of around 1,850 fps and delivers about 1,500 ft.