A Premium, Non-Lead 20-Ga. 2¾” Turkey Load

by
posted on April 10, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
image0015.jpg

Owner’s of older, yet still safe, 20-ga. shotguns with a 2¾” chamber are well aware of the few choices in suitable turkey loads, and that number dwindles considerably when a lead-free load is required. Fortunately, Federal Premium's representative in the latter category could be considered “ideal.” Found within the Mag-Shok line, the HEAVYWEIGHT Turkey load features 1 1/8 ozs. of the like-named shot in No. 7 size. Tungsten-based HEAVYWEIGHT shot is 35-percent denser than lead; this results in increased on-target energy, improved energy retention at extended ranges, and deeper penetration. Best of all, the extra-dense shot is delivered via the company’s pattern-enhancing FLITECONTROL Wad, which is propelled to 1100 f.p.s. Even if your 20-ga. shotgun is chambered for 3” shells, I’d recommend utilizing it if you’re introducing a youth or adult novice to turkey hunting, or are simply looking for reduced recoil. For owners of 2¾” 20-ga. shotguns, though, it’s likely the best of the bunch. MidwayUSA currently lists five-count boxes as selling for $16.59.

Latest

Hand Cannon Ihtog 1
Hand Cannon Ihtog 1

I Have This Old Gun: Medieval Hand Cannon

It all had to start somewhere, and for handheld firearms in Europe, Genesis is what we call the "handgonne" or hand cannon, a simple metal tube lashed to a wooden tiller.

New for 2026: Heckler & Koch VPA1 X and VP9A1 Tactical Pistols

Heckler & Koch release two new versions of its popular VP9 striker-fired 9 mm handgun.

New for 2026: Blaser R8 Professional Rifle

Blaser released a modern take on the iconic straight-pull bolt-action rifle.

Weatherby Revs Up With Its 25 WBY RPM

The 25 Weatherby RPM might just be the best quarter-bore rifle cartridge yet.

Beretta Releases 500th Anniversary Medal

In honor of its quincentennial, Beretta is offering a keepsake medal with the purchase of certain firearms in 2026.

New for 2026: Mission First Tactical Ultra Low Ride Holster

Mission First Tactical now offers a deep-concealment version of its Boltaron staple.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.