Choosing the right ammunition is crucial for a successful turkey hunt. While 12-gauge shotguns reign supreme in popularity, the 20 gauge offers a compelling alternative, especially for hunters who appreciate a lighter recoil and improved maneuverability. This guide delves into the specifics of 20 gauge turkey shot, exploring its advantages, disadvantages, and considerations for choosing the optimal load for your hunt.
Understanding 20 Gauge Turkey Loads
Unlike smaller game hunting, turkey hunting requires ammunition that delivers significant stopping power at moderate ranges. 20 gauge turkey loads achieve this through a combination of factors:
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Shot Size: Common shot sizes for 20 gauge turkey loads range from #4 to #6. Larger shot sizes (#4) deliver greater energy at longer ranges, but may cause more pellet deformation upon impact, potentially reducing effectiveness. Smaller shot sizes (#6) offer a higher pellet count, increasing the odds of a clean kill at closer ranges. The ideal size depends on your hunting style and typical shot distances.
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Shot Type: Most 20 gauge turkey loads utilize either lead or non-toxic alternatives like copper or tungsten-based shot. Lead shot is generally more affordable and effective, but its use is restricted or banned in certain areas. Non-toxic shot is becoming increasingly popular due to environmental concerns and regulations. However, non-toxic shot generally comes at a higher cost and may have slightly less range than lead.
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Choke Tube: Proper choke selection significantly impacts shot pattern and range. For 20 gauge turkey hunting, extra-full or full choke tubes are often recommended. These constrict the shot's spread, providing tighter patterns and increased downrange energy.
Advantages of 20 Gauge for Turkey Hunting
Many hunters are switching to the 20 gauge for several reasons:
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Reduced Recoil: The lighter recoil of the 20 gauge makes it more comfortable to shoot, particularly for younger hunters or those with less upper body strength. This translates to quicker follow-up shots and better target acquisition.
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Improved Maneuverability: The lighter weight of a 20-gauge shotgun improves its maneuverability in dense woods and brush, providing greater agility when tracking and engaging turkeys.
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Reduced Fatigue: The reduced recoil and lighter weight contribute to reduced shooter fatigue during long hunts, especially when multiple shots are required.
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Increased Accuracy: Some hunters find the 20 gauge easier to maintain consistent accuracy, particularly at longer ranges.
Disadvantages of 20 Gauge for Turkey Hunting
While the 20 gauge offers several advantages, it's important to acknowledge its limitations:
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Shorter Effective Range: Compared to 12 gauge loads, 20 gauge turkey loads generally have a shorter effective range due to the lower shot weight and pellet count.
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Higher Cost Per Round: While the initial cost of a 20-gauge shotgun might be lower than a 12-gauge, the cost per round of 20-gauge turkey ammunition can sometimes be higher.
Choosing the Right 20 Gauge Turkey Load
The optimal 20 gauge turkey load depends on several factors including:
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Your Hunting Style: Are you hunting in open fields or dense woods? This dictates the ideal range and shot pattern requirements.
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Your Shot Distance: Typical shot distances should guide your choice of shot size and choke tube.
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Legal Restrictions: Check your local regulations on the use of lead shot.
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Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best load is one that you shoot consistently and accurately.
Before your hunt, pattern your shotgun and chosen ammunition at various ranges to understand the shot spread and ensure you're achieving adequate pellet density for ethical and effective harvesting. Consider taking some practice shots to fine-tune your aim and confidence.
Conclusion
The 20 gauge offers a viable and often superior alternative to the 12 gauge for many turkey hunters. While it presents some limitations in range compared to its larger-gauge counterpart, its lighter recoil, improved maneuverability, and potential for enhanced accuracy make it a powerful and practical choice for those seeking a more comfortable and effective hunting experience. Careful consideration of shot size, choke tube, and hunting conditions is crucial for selecting the ideal load to maximize your chances of success.
