20 Gauge Mod Choke Turkey Loads

[Recurve-Elk]

So this will be my first year turkey hunting.  Ill be using my 20 gauge fixed modified choke single shot 20 inch barrel.  ( I don't own a 12 yet )

It throws generic #6 lead out to 20 yards for turkey just fine.  However, I am looking for a little bit more range say 35 yards.  Now I know that i need to try several shells to find the best one for my gun, but I need a place to start. 

What shells would you all recommend I try? 

Ive been looking at Federals Mag Shok Flight Control.  They look to have a phenomenal review for any sized non ported choke, Ive even read people using cylinder or improved cylinder chokes with this shell out to 30.

Anyone use this shell?

PS, how dense of a pattern do I want.  no larger than an inch gap?

[Fishnfowler]

Will your gun take a 3" mag?  If so, I'd go with one of the heavier-than-lead loads in a 3"mag and #6 shot.  Then you should burn a few of them on a turkey pattern.  I've been told between 9-13 pellets in the spine/brain is an acceptable load.  You should be able to get that out to 30 yards.  35 might be a stretch.  Yes, they are crazy expensive, but you will only shoot 2-3 for patterning, and one more this year for the hunt.  A box of ten should last years. 

If your gun won't take a 3" mag, then I'd go for a 1oz load of #6 lead in any old shell.  Pattern a few of them to see which fires best out of your gun, and whatever your max range is, stick with it. 

My 3 kids take turkeys every year with 2-3/4" loads and 20 gauges. 

[Recurve-Elk]

I know it can take 3 inch shells, but not sure about mags or not.  I would imagine they are fine. 

here is a link to the gun if interested.
http://www.hr1871.com/Firearms/Shotguns/tamer.asp

[bobcat]

I know it can take 3 inch shells, but not sure about mags or not.  I would imagine they are fine. 

here is a link to the gun if interested.
http://www.hr1871.com/Firearms/Shotguns/tamer.asp

A 3 inch 20 gauge shell is a "magnum."

[Recurve-Elk]

Perfect, I am good to go than.  Thanks bobcat!

Any other thoughts/opinions of shells to try? 

[Lincoln4]

Those Federals are exactly what I took my first Spring Gobbler with last year.  20 Gauge seemed to do the job just fine.   

[turkeydancer]

I'ld get an extra full turkey choke and then pattern the gun.   

[bobcat]

I'ld get an extra full turkey choke and then pattern the gun.   

But his gun is a modified choke, no choke tubes.

[bobcat]

Maybe those Federal "Mag Shok Flight Contol" shells will pattern tight enough with the modified. They could be similar to the new Hornady loads, for which Hornady recommends improved cylinder or modified chokes (for turkey hunting). The Hornady's are not available in 20 gauge, only 12. But here's a little info about them:

Hornady Heavy Magnum Turkey ammunition is loaded with 1½ ounces of either #4, #5 or #6 nickel plated lead shot. These 3 inch 12 gauge shotshell loads deliver true “gobbler” knockdown power! Offering the thickest nickel-plating in the industry, shot deformation is minimized, thus reducing fliers and keeping more pellets on target for dense patterns.

Featuring the Hornady Versatite wad, these loads don’t require shotgun modification, or specialized turkey chokes. The Versatite wad does the patterning, and usually patterns best with an Improved Cylinder or Modified choke. The Versatite wad strips CLEANLY from the pellets in flight without disrupting them – this keeps the pellets together in flight for a shorter shot string that delivers more collective energy on impact. By stripping cleanly, the wad doesn’t disrupt the pellets in flight so we end up with a very uniform, tight pattern without the help of aftermarket chokes. At 1300 feet per second, Heavy Magnum Turkey loads allow hunters to achieve lethal results out to 50 yards!

[Recurve-Elk]

Ya bobcat, the mag shoks work on a similar notion.  The wad expands from the back so the pellets just slide out of the front.  Apparently a traditional wad expands from the front which essentially pulls the pack of pellets apart prematurely. 

So far, ill be trying the mag shoks,

and several steel/non lead heavy weight shell brands. 

Any other suggestions? 

Now I just gotta find a place where I can get my hands on a versatile selection.  Bi Mart perhaps.   

[RadSav]

If your gun will take it I'd try the Remington HD Waterfowl loads.  They are hotter than the turkey loads and the HD will give you a tighter pattern.  Should be good out to 30 yards.  I shoot them myself for turkey and pheasant.

Good luck

[Recurve-Elk]

ill give those a shot too if I can find em Rad


Question, should I go for #6 shot, or #7?  I am reading that 7 may be better for a 20 gauge because you get more pellets in the air.

[RadSav]

ill give those a shot too if I can find em Rad


Question, should I go for #6 shot, or #7?  I am reading that 7 may be better for a 20 gauge because you get more pellets in the air.

If you shoot 'em in the head it will all work.  But, the best laid plans don't always work out the way you imagined.  I'd love to see them offer #5, but they don't.  I've been using #6 with good results.  More shot is great for quail, chuckar and even pheasant.  However, you should have a good stationary profile on a turkey.  Preferably with his head upright.  If you don't you haven't got a good shot.  As with big game hunting shot placement and patience is the name of the game.

[Limhangerslayer]

With a single shot fixed modified barrel if you dont use heavy shot I wouldnt go past 25 yards, a turkey can be a very hard bird to kill.  When I take my buddies son every year on the youth hunt he uses a youth model 870 with an extra full choke.  And I still dont let him shoot til it's 30 or less. Heavy shot 30 max.

[bobcat]

With a single shot fixed modified barrel if you dont use heavy shot I wouldnt go past 25 yards, a turkey can be a very hard bird to kill.  When I take my buddies son every year on the youth hunt he uses a youth model 870 with an extra full choke.  And I still dont let him shoot til it's 30 or less. Heavy shot 30 max.

I agree, 30 yards is close to max range with a 20 gauge. But with the modified choke and the turkey loads with the special wad, it very well could shoot a full, or a extra full choke pattern. It's possible he could get a turkey killing pattern to 35 yards. Only way to know is to shoot it at paper and see how it does.