Shell recommendation for 20 gauge

[Nighthawk]

Going to take my son and daughter turkey hunting for the first time this spring.  My son is 11 and on a good day is only 75 pounds so he is going to use a 20 gauge. Wanted some help on selecting the best shell for 30 yards and in.  I was looking at the Federal TSS #7. From the research I have done they seem like they will definitely get the job done but $6 a shot is kinda of expensive.  Any other recommendations will be appreciated. Thanks

[Swamprat]

My kids have used the 3" blend from hevi shot.  It works well in a Mossberg 20ga. I still have those and I also just bought some federal heavyweight #6s. Gonna try those. The heavyweight were $14.99 for a 5 pack.  

Other than price I haven't heard a bad thing about the tss shells.  Go for it. 

[RPK0620]

I would get those and also some regular #5 or #6 that you would use for pheasant and go to the range and pattern them.

[Trophy8]

Load of #6 will do the job. My son shot his 1st bird with a 3" #6 at 12yrs old. Dropped the bird stone dead. Still his biggest bird to date. ..lol

[MikeStaten]

For 30 yards and in there is no need to get tss #7, the extra energy they provide is wasted at that distance.  Also, those tss #7 pellets are over 50% heavier than a lead pellet so you will have less pellets in the load versus other brands.  I would also stay away from the longbeard ammo, its great for longer distance but really tight and unforgiving pattern up close.

Like others have mentioned, i would get a few regular 3" lead loads, like Fiocchi Golden Pheasant #6 or these https://www.midwayusa.com/product/574268/hevi-shot-hevi-13-turkey-ammunition-20-gauge-3-1-1-4-oz-7-hevi-shot-non-toxic-box-of-5.

Where are you located?

 

[archer36]

If it shoots 3", these may be worth a try and they are very inexpensive. https://www.cabelas.com/product/HERTERS-TURKEY-SHOTSHELL-AMMO/2705915.uts?slotId=13

Comes in pack of 10. Plenty to sight in and hunt with.  With the right choke should work under 30 yds. 

Edited March 4, 2019 by archer36

[thefirstndsecond]

really you should shoot and pattern the gun

[Buck154]

I wouldn't go crazy with those shells. By a couple cheaper ones and pattern the gun. You shoot the gun to find the right load the gun likes. 30 yds should be fairly easy to find a decent load. Turkey loads pack a pretty good punch, even 20ga. Let him shoot a low brass shell so you don't make him scared of the kick while practicing. But it won't be bad in the heat of the action with a shot at a bird.   

[archer36]

5 minutes ago, Buck154 said:

I wouldn't go crazy with those shells. By a couple cheaper ones and pattern the gun. You shoot the gun to find the right load the gun likes. 30 yds should be fairly easy to find a decent load. Turkey loads pack a pretty good punch, even 20ga. Let him shoot a low brass shell so you don't make him scared of the kick while practicing. But it won't be bad in the heat of the action with a shot at a bird.   

I agree as long as range is close. Actually, low brass shells have more velocity than high brass. Less pellets though. 

[Swamprat]

As already said you don't want a pattern too tight. A good 12-15" pattern at 25-30 yards is good. I also have my boys aim a couple inches lower on the bird. With young/new hunters they aren't concerned (yet) with pellets in the meat. They want success. They want a bird on the ground. 

[Bucndoe]

3" Remington Nitro #4