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

1720 Cap And Ball Revolver
1720 Cap And Ball Revolver

Caring For & Feeding Your Cap-and-Ball Revolvers

Compared to pistoleros of the 19th century, today’s handgunners have it easy. It's not enough just to get an old-school, cap-and-ball revolver. You also need to acquire everything to shoot and clean it.

Lighter & Better: Savage’s Updated Ultralite Series of Rifles

Savage Arms kicked off 2026 by announcing a new generation of Model 110 bolt-action rifles, and now, the company has also introduced an updated series of Ultralite rifles.

Gun of the Week: Franchi Momentum Elite MULE

One of the latest entrants into the general-utility rifle market is Franchi with its Momentum Utility Lite Elite bolt-action rifle, also known as the MULE.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 11, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Have .22 LR Handguns Finally Become Viable Options for Self-Defense?

Although .22 LR pistols and revolvers are plentiful and affordable, they still have notable limitations when it comes to self-defense applications. 

Aero Precision Returns with New Owners

An investment group comprised of family members passionate about firearms and the outdoor sports has purchased Aero Precision, Ballistic Advantage, Stag Arms and VG6.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.