The pursuit of a successful turkey hunt often hinges on choosing the right ammunition. For many hunters, that means turning to Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) in 20 gauge. This smaller gauge offers advantages in terms of recoil management and weight, making it a popular choice for hunters of all skill levels. But navigating the world of TSS 20 gauge turkey loads requires understanding its strengths, limitations, and how to choose the best load for your specific needs.
The Advantages of 20 Gauge TSS for Turkey Hunting
While 12 gauge remains a dominant force, the 20 gauge, especially when loaded with TSS, presents compelling reasons for its growing popularity:
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Reduced Recoil: The lighter recoil of a 20 gauge is significantly more manageable, especially for younger or less experienced hunters. This translates to faster follow-up shots and improved accuracy, particularly crucial in close-quarters turkey hunting scenarios.
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Lighter Weight: A lighter shotgun means less fatigue during long hunts, allowing for better stamina and increased comfort. This is particularly beneficial for hunters who spend hours in the field.
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Increased Shot Density: TSS itself boasts higher density than lead, meaning more pellets per ounce and a tighter pattern at longer ranges. This advantage is amplified in the 20 gauge, resulting in impressive knockdown power.
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Improved Accuracy: The reduced recoil and lighter weight of the 20 gauge can contribute to improved accuracy, crucial for making clean, ethical kills.
Choosing the Right 20 Gauge TSS Load: Key Considerations
Several factors influence the optimal TSS 20 gauge load for your hunting situation.
Shot Size:
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Smaller Shot Sizes (e.g., #7, #8, #9): These offer a higher pellet count per ounce, leading to denser patterns and increased lethality at longer ranges. However, they may have less individual pellet energy.
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Larger Shot Sizes (e.g., #6, #5): Deliver higher individual pellet energy, leading to greater stopping power at closer ranges. But they typically have fewer pellets per ounce, resulting in less dense patterns.
The best shot size depends on your hunting style and the typical distance of your shots.
Pellet Count:
Higher pellet counts generally translate to denser patterns, increasing your chances of a clean kill. However, this comes at the expense of potentially reduced individual pellet energy. Balance is key.
Choke Tube:
The appropriate choke tube is vital for maximizing pattern density and effectiveness. Consult your shotgun's manual for recommendations and experiment to find the optimal choke for your chosen load and shot size. A tighter choke will generally produce denser patterns, but may also lead to increased recoil.
Manufacturer and Load Variations:
Different manufacturers offer variations in TSS loads, including variations in shot size, pellet count, and overall performance. Research and compare different options to find a load that best fits your needs and hunting style.
Conclusion: 20 Gauge TSS – A Powerful Choice for Turkey Hunters
20 gauge TSS loads offer a compelling combination of reduced recoil, lighter weight, and impressive stopping power, making them an excellent choice for many turkey hunters. By carefully considering shot size, pellet count, choke tube selection, and manufacturer variations, hunters can select a load that optimizes their performance and maximizes their chances of a successful hunt. Remember always to practice responsible hunting practices and follow all relevant regulations.
