Find the Right Shotshells for Turkey Hunting in the Spring

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When it comes to gobblers, hunters face a unique challenge. Many rely on a dedicated turkey choke to deliver the kind of precise, lethal impact needed to get the job done. But the tighter constriction of a choke creates a really narrow pattern that demands near-perfect accuracy and leaves little room for error. If your shot is off even slightly, you’ll miss the bird—or worse, injure rather than kill it. Going with a factory full choke instead, and pairing it with a potent but less severe load, might be a better choice. This combination results in a lethal but more forgiving balance, packing the wallop needed to bring down a big tom, yet delivering it with a broader pattern that affords you some accuracy wiggle room.

12 GAUGE or 20 GAUGE

While there are other options, hunters typically choose between a 12- and a 20-gauge gun for their pursuit of turkey. Each comes with its own advantages. The greater power and effective range of a 12 gauge make it ideal for long-distance shots. You can also use higher-powered magnum loads for maximum impact, a definite advantage when wary gobblers hang up near the limits of our comfortable shooting range.

The 20 gauge also provides appealing benefits, too. Its lighter weight and more manageable recoil make it a fantastic option for youngsters and adults with a smaller build. A 20 gauge can also become your best friend if you hunt in tight spaces or your turkey forays call for putting some miles on your boots.

LEAD SHOT AND BEYOND

Once you’ve settled on the gauge, the next big consideration is the shot material. Traditional lead shot, which provides excellent density and energy transfer on impact, has long been the go-to for most turkey hunters. However, with the rise of non-toxic shot alternatives, like tungsten and bismuth, we now have more options.

Tungsten, for starters, is denser than lead and allows for deeper penetration and tighter patterns. It can be a real game-changer, especially at longer ranges where you might want the added assurance of a heavier-hitting shot. Bismuth doesn’t match tungsten in weight and density, but it offers plenty of both at more affordable prices and is still more eco-friendly than lead.

Of course, there are practical reasons to consider non-toxic shot, too. Many areas restrict or even ban lead, so hunters should always check regulations for the locations where they plan to hunt. With tungsten or bismuth loads, nevertheless, you can meet the shot requirements without sacrificing performance.

THE RIGHT SHOT SIZE

Turkey hunting demands a fine balance of pellet count and impact power, making shot size your next critical decision. The most popular lead shot sizes for turkeys are No. 4, No. 5 and No. 6, all of which offer their own qualities. The larger No. 4 pellets have greater knockdown power. The smaller No. 6 pellets offer considerably higher pellet counts, thus allowing for more coverage in your pattern. Sitting in that “just right” spot for many turkey hunters, No. 5 shot strikes a solid balance between power and pattern density.

Tungsten’s higher density permits hunters to use smaller pellets but retain lethal downrange energy—and increase the number of pellets in a pattern. Turkey loads commonly contain tungsten pellets from No. 7 to No. 10.

STANDARD vs. MAGNUM

In recent years, magnum loads have surged in popularity among turkey hunters, adding extra pellets per shell to increase the likelihood of a clean kill. But standard loads still hold appeal, especially for gobbler chasers who prioritize accuracy and prefer not to deal with the higher recoil associated with magnum shells.

If you don’t mind the extra kick, magnum loads can be highly effective. They usually call for a turkey choke to fully realize their benefits, however. And as stated earlier, a factory full choke paired with a standard load may prove to be a better pairing, affording greater flexibility and comfort by forgoing extreme pattern tightening and shoulder-thumping recoil.

PATTERN TESTING

Whatever combination of choke and load you settle on, be sure to make pattern testing a critical step in your pre-season preparation. Hitting the woods on opening day without having first tested your setup can lead to missed shots and, ultimately, an unsuccessful hunt. By checking your pattern, you will know exactly how your chosen combination performs at various ranges, enabling you to make any necessary adjustments before the moment of truth arrives.

SHELL GAME

• Recommended ammo to help you tag out this spring.

With a wide array of available options, choosing specific ammunition for turkeys can seem an overwhelming task. I tend to lean toward loads proven in the field, particularly a handful of consistent standouts. For 12-gauge devotees, the Federal Premium Grand Slam offers a solid magnum-load option that masterfully combines top range and reliable impact results. Winchester’s Long Beard XR is also a favorite of mine, as I’ve come to prefer its consistent pattern and don’t much mind the added jolt. Lastly, Hevi-Shot Magnum Blend, known for its innovative tungsten shot combinations, reliably delivers high-energy loads for longer shots.

If you are among the gobbler hunters who favor a 20 gauge, ammo selection is even more important due to the need to compensate for the smaller payload. Fortunately, the right shells can help bridge the gap. One of the more popular loads right now is Federal Heavyweight TSS (Tungsten Super Shot), which has gained a substantial following thanks to its outstanding pattern density and knockdown power. Conversely, Remington Nitro Turkey shells are a classic choice that routinely produce results with more manageable recoil. If you’re looking for a powerful, non-toxic option, Hevi-Shot offers its Hevi-Metal Turkey. It’s an innovative ammo that layers bismuth and steel shot in every shell to boost the pellet count while maximizing both range and value. Apex Turkey TSS is another top choice available in both 12 and 20 gauge, as well as 16 gauge and even 28 gauge and .410 bore for fans of smaller guns.

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• This article was featured in the March 2025 issue of Game & Fish magazine. Click to subscribe.

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