14 NEBRASKAland • MARCH 2017
By Jarrod Spilger
With spring shotgun turkey season just
over a month away, we know you're
already checking spray patterns of
various guns. And while the versatile
12-gauge is undeniably the most
popular turkey-taking tool, many
hunters don't realize the 20-gauge
can be just as effective. The key
is using the right choke and load
– which you can begin practicing
now on the range.
First, forget that full choke that
came with your gun and get a true
extra-full turkey tube to deliver the
maximum number of pellet strikes
to a gobbler's head and neck vitals. A
20-gauge turkey choke in the .585- to
.575-inch range is a good place to start.
A 3-inch 20-gauge magnum is preferable
over a standard 2¾-inch round. Likewise, a
1¼-ounce charge weight should be the minimum, while
1
3
⁄8- or 1
1
⁄2-ounce payloads are even better. A soft-shooting,
gas-operated semi-auto, such as Winchester's 20-gauge SX3,
will help tame recoil from magnum loads.
Also, consider switching to a tungsten-
based non-toxic load, such as Hevi-Shot
or Federal Heavyweight. Tungsten-
based shot is heavier and denser than
traditional lead shot. As such, it
provides better downrange energy
and penetration. With the proper
choke, 20-gauge tungsten-based
turkey loads are capable of
legitimately and cleanly taking
gobblers out to 40 or even 50 yards.
Don't be afraid to downsize to
number 7s, either, with tungsten-
based loads. Number 7s provide
both higher pellet counts and denser
patterns than number 6s, 5s, or 4s,
while their tungsten composition provides
plenty of downrange penetration and
knockdown power.
Youth, women and elderly turkey hunters will
especially benefit from toting a lighter, softer-shooting
shotgun into the spring woods. Maybe you, too, should
consider downsizing to a 20-gauge this upcoming season. ■
PHOTO
BY
JARROD
SPILGER
Downsizing for Turkeys
