Turkey hunting forum for turkey hunting tips

What are you guy's hearing and seeing about the availability of turkey ammo this coming spring ? I was at 2 big gun stores yesterday and they didn't have much at all... neither store had any 20 gauge or 410 in regular field loads at all...I think this spring is going to be worst than last year in finding some brands of shotgun ammo. As turkey hunters i know most of us have good supply of ammo..

It seems to pop up every now and then on the web sites.  I have enough 12 and 410 TSS for a lifetime now I think.  Field loads a good question.  I don't remember the last time I saw any 410 field loads in a store. 

I predict this will be a repeat of the tss shortage of 2019? I think that was the year.

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Looking grim, I just scored some light target game loads at wally world yesterday.  I may go through my old ammo I don't use and sell it, have quite a bit of old lead turkey loads.

I saw some 20ga long beards at a big r the other day, and check gunbroker, think I saw some long beards there. A local gun shop that had virtually no ammo had some old Remington turkey loads.

Fortunately I have enough components to load about 50 hand loads and have another 15 or so already loaded.

Luckily, I had a couple of boxes of WLB #6's for last season.   I haven't seen any on the shelves locally for a   LONG time.  I'd like to spend some time patterning a new choke, but I'm afraid if I do, I may not have enough shells left for the season.   Sigh. 

I have a full box of five Apex 20 gauge 1 5/8oz #9s I would let go for $40 plus whatever shipping and PayPal fees is based on buyer's zip code. I have a small box to ship via FedEx with ordinance label.

 If you have them that's great, if not, order now.

Had mine in a week after order placed, and was told components were an issue. That was 6 or 7 weeks ago.

But, some will complain of cost, and not order, then, complain of lack of product. Hopefully, this keeps some of the last minute guys out of the woods. A benefit to all turkey killers.

As has been mentioned before a big concern with this high priced limited ammo is that few will pattern before hunting.  Over the years I've seen some new "super loads" that were worthless. 

I heard from some munitions guys that they're having an extremely hard time sourcing tungsten for their company, so I don't know if that will hold true across the board.

    The walmart near me has no Ammo at all. I have older Ammo though.

I got some for Christmas.  Finding it in the stores is a challenge.  Order early.

I tried to find some 20ga numbers 6's to take my son squirrel at the beginning of 2021. My gosh I couldn't hardly find anything in 20 ga.


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Yup, when I see 20g or .410 I snag up a box or two. I've had good luck every now and then at Walmart. You just need to know when they restock. I think mine is Mondays and Fridays

Couldn't even locate any 20 gauge squirrel loads today at our couple of local stores. 4 5 or 6s. Slim pickins fellers.

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I just found 4 boxes of Hevi #7's for my 20. Im good for a few years. I really hope this thing ends soon.

We just started getting in a few boxes at the store, Had some 12ga TSS, Remington Nitro loads and Federal 3rd Degree. but that's been it.

I was lucky enough to secure enough boxes of "my" turkey loads and deer ammo to last me for years, I work in the industry and when I seen this shortage coming I started stocking up on what I use. I did buy a new 20ga turkey gun last spring for some youth hunters, did get a box of LB's but the gun patterns better with Federal Premium Prairie Storm Ammunition 20 Gauge Nickel Plated Shot. I have a couple of boxes of that.

MK M GOBL

I'm not sure how it's gonna be this year, it seems like it's gets a little better every year. Less people panic buying... supply chains and labor are probably still cut short.

Luckily I do always buy a box or 2 extra every season.

Then I also have back up 2nd choice ammo.

And then I also have a bare minimum ammo.

I'm pretty sure unless we all miss a few hundred birds or MORE we will all be ok?  :fud:

With my self-imposed one bird per season limit and at 74, I have enough #6 3" 12 gauge Hevi-13 to last the rest of my turkey hunting career. They don`t make that anymore.

Quote from: Turkeytider on January 02, 2022, 09:24:03 AM
With my self-imposed one bird per season limit and at 74, I have enough #6 3" 12 gauge Hevi-13 to last the rest of my turkey hunting career. They don`t make that anymore.

Wish they still made it...... :blob10:

I have enough 10 and 12 gauge turkey ammo to pretty much last me for a really long time, if not for life.Prior to the rice rabies outbreak and election, they were practically giving ammo away. I would buy a box or two of ammo for different guns every time  there was a decent sale going on. Now i am glad i did! The only stuff i am short on is 30-30, but have enough to hunt with for a few seasons at least. I am surprised at the shotgun shell shortage though, it was always rifle and pistol ammo that disappeared first. But then again, this isn't normal election year panic buying by hoarders that are never going to shoot the ammo they stockpiled. The whole production/ supply system ground to a halt. I don't foresee any return to ammo being as cheap or available as it was pre-covid. The ammo companies have been  bought  up and it's going to be turned into a monopoly controlled by a couple of conglomerates. Some have already announced price increases of 3-5% coming this year. Couple that with runaway inflation and stagnant wages, and an influx of 10's of thousands of low skilled labor/ parasites illegally invading our country driving down wages, we are all in for a rough financial ride from here on out. I guess we will all have to become better shots, "get as close as you can laddie, then get a wee bit closer" adage will ring truer than ever!

I have seen quite a bit of 20 gauge Longbeard still on the shelves at a few places. Not seeing much 12 gauge turkey ammo, and no .410 at all locally.

I am down to my last shell. It's a goody though. Been hanging onto it in case one hangs up at 41 yards.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220102/b368dbfc166f12c2e935947628d762ae.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220102/155fff587610a5dd67c150e249aba200.jpg)

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Quote from: Happy on January 02, 2022, 01:24:19 PM
I am down to my last shell. It's a goody though. Been hanging onto it in case one hangs up at 41 yards.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220102/b368dbfc166f12c2e935947628d762ae.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220102/155fff587610a5dd67c150e249aba200.jpg)

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Nice. If you hit him with that, he won't flop, I'm sure......lol :funnyturkey:

Pretty sure if I touch that shell off I won't flop either.

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I have 2 lifetime supplies of loading components for 20ga and 410 turkey loads.

Quote from: Spitten and drummen on January 02, 2022, 02:43:19 PM
I have 2 lifetime supplies of loading components for 20ga and 410 turkey loads.

That's awesome... problem is mostly field loads and most factory turkey loads. Hard to fine field loads in 20 ga and 410 in my area.

 I need/want some 3" lead #6 .410 shells. I haven't seen any for some time. Looked today at Midway and MPW's and they just ain't there.

I have a few of them, but if the rabbits really get to running I will shoot TSS. At least you can buy them. Maybe I will contact Nitro and see if they will load me some standard lead 410 shells. Shipping of 16$ a box is more than I would have paid for a box a few years ago.

I just bought all that I should need for this upcoming year. I'll  be on the lookout for the following year/years as we continue.

Esse quam videri

Quote from: Happy on January 02, 2022, 01:24:19 PM
I am down to my last shell. It's a goody though. Been hanging onto it in case one hangs up at 41 yards.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220102/b368dbfc166f12c2e935947628d762ae.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220102/155fff587610a5dd67c150e249aba200.jpg)

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If thats TSS I think your overdoing it a little

Quote from: crow on January 02, 2022, 10:49:39 PM

Quote from: Happy on January 02, 2022, 01:24:19 PM
I am down to my last shell. It's a goody though. Been hanging onto it in case one hangs up at 41 yards.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220102/b368dbfc166f12c2e935947628d762ae.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220102/155fff587610a5dd67c150e249aba200.jpg)

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If thats TSS I think your overdoing it a little

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I'm sitting good on Turkey shells in all gauges. Lead and TSS. Just have to be right place at right time. End of season last year Walmart had 3 1/2" longbeards $15 a box.

Quote from: Happy on January 03, 2022, 06:02:12 AM

Quote from: crow on January 02, 2022, 10:49:39 PM

Quote from: Happy on January 02, 2022, 01:24:19 PM
I am down to my last shell. It's a goody though. Been hanging onto it in case one hangs up at 41 yards.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220102/b368dbfc166f12c2e935947628d762ae.jpg)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220102/155fff587610a5dd67c150e249aba200.jpg)

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Dude, you need to get that listed on gunbroker asap! You are sitting on a gold mine!



If thats TSS I think your overdoing it a little

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I know a place that's got a really good supply of WLB's right now. I'm fairly set on shotgun fodder at the moment. And likely have enough components to do whatever I need to do for my lifetime and that of my children. Just need the time to sit down and punch it all out. Worst case, I'll transition to BP. Found a pile of bullets my FIL had made before he died. They'll likely last my life so long as I don't go punching paper.


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I have two 12 ga. Moss...3" and 3.5". I'd like some Win LB 6s in 3"; can't find them anywhere. The 3.5" are easy to find. So I guess that's what I'll use; I have plenty.

Quote from: Turkeyman on January 05, 2022, 08:51:39 AM
I have two 12 ga. Moss...3" and 3.5". I'd like some Win LB 6s in 3"; can't find them anywhere. The 3.5" are easy to find. So I guess that's what I'll use; I have plenty.

Same here, I have plenty of WLB 3 inch 5's, but the 3 inch 6's are very scarce....Like you, I have the LB 3.5 #6's. They will just bust up our shoulders a bit, oh well....be safe :fud:

I just ordered 3 more boxes of 20 gauge apex tss.   As in 5 minutes ago..

Quote from: WW on January 05, 2022, 12:08:07 PM
I just ordered 3 more boxes of 20 gauge apex tss.   As in 5 minutes ago..

Do you mind sharing from where

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I've secured 2 boxes of HeviShot Magnum Blend 12ga 3.5 2 1/4 oz. #5-6-7 for a paltry $39 bucks a box at Cabelas, Richfield WI.  Shoot well out of my 870 23in Supreme barrel with Indian Creek #1 0.665 choke.  Not going to spend one on a 'pattern test' though.  Golly.  Thank goodness I convinced myself years ago.  I will look for some Winchester back-up shells......they will turn up somewhere....fingers crossed. 

Quote from: HootnScoot714 on January 05, 2022, 01:16:46 PM
I've secured 2 boxes of HeviShot Magnum Blend 12ga 3.5 2 1/4 oz. #5-6-7 for a paltry $39 bucks a box at Cabelas, Richfield WI.  Shoot well out of my 870 23in Supreme barrel with Indian Creek #1 0.665 choke.  Not going to spend one on a 'pattern test' though.  Golly.  Thank goodness I convinced myself years ago.  I will look for some Winchester back-up shells......they will turn up somewhere....fingers crossed.

"You never take an unproven rifle into battle"------Michael Douglas, "The Ghost and the darkness"

"Just remember your rifle was made by the low bidder" Me- former U.S. Army Infantry Sgt.  Ok actually I believe Gen, George Patton said it first but I like it!

Quote from: tomstopper on January 05, 2022, 12:53:49 PM

Quote from: WW on January 05, 2022, 12:08:07 PM
I just ordered 3 more boxes of 20 gauge apex tss.   As in 5 minutes ago..

Do you mind sharing from where

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Apex ammunition website. They have quite a bit in stock........

Scored box of 410 shells today Federal 3 inch 11/16 - 7 1/2 shot and also got box of Federal 22 - box count 325 rounds for 21 dollars..

I'm already seeing it.  Some I'm sure was left over from last season.

our local walmart has all gages of shells they get them in every week not many boxs of one size or gage but they get them just got be their at right time and decent prices ,,, our local small shops have ammo but for the prices they want they can keep them  lol

Midway has 12ga 3" Longbeards in #5s currently. I'd rather #6s but

Mack's also has some stuff. They have LB #6s but only in the 3.5".

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MPW yesterday had Apex 20 ga TSS in # 9 at $46 a box.

As of this morning MPW has Apex TSS .410  and 20 gauge

Roger's has Apex 20 gauge 9 shot TSS GT-20. Ordered 5 boxes the other day. Apex website was out of stock.

Quote from: Tom007 on January 05, 2022, 10:52:34 AM

Quote from: Turkeyman on January 05, 2022, 08:51:39 AM
I have two 12 ga. Moss...3" and 3.5". I'd like some Win LB 6s in 3"; can't find them anywhere. The 3.5" are easy to find. So I guess that's what I'll use; I have plenty.

Same here, I have plenty of WLB 3 inch 5's, but the 3 inch 6's are very scarce....Like you, I have the LB 3.5 #6's. They will just bust up our shoulders a bit, oh well....be safe :fud:

Yes...the only time I've ever felt recoil is when patterning at the range; hunting...never. My intent when I bought my Moss 930 was to use my Moss 835 as a backup. Now it appears to be the other way around...fine with me. Either will do the job quite nicely.

Order early and hope for the best ... Reloading components are about impossible to locate  too

anyone know if .410 9.5 shot is legal in wisconsin?

couldn't find anything online and when i called the dnr on tuesday the message said the department was STILL on holiday break

"Hunt wild turkey with or while in possession of shotshells loaded with shot larger than no. 4 lead or other non-steel shot, or shot larger than no. 2 steel"

https://www.zerohedge.com/political/what-great-ammunition-shortage-says-about-inflation

The 835 eats lead and im all set there. TSS for the 20 and I ordered some last fall. I am seeing some in the stores not a lot but it`s been there. Get it early as you can I guess would be the way to go.

https://www.sgammo.com/product/12-gauge-ammo/100-round-case-12-gauge-winchester-long-beard-xr-turkey-load-35-inch-2-oz-numb

Spend over $200 and you get free shipping.. I order from these guys a lot and have never had an issue.. They are a little high on these, but having some is better than not..

Natchez shooters supply is showing 3.5" longbeards in stock 2 and 2 1/8 6s

I'm stocked up as of now. Lol
20ga. Federal TSS #9's  6 boxes
20ga. Apex  7.5   6 Boxes
12ga  Hevi 3.5" #6's 4 boxes
12ga. Hevi 3.5" Magnum blend 6 boxes


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Doesn't seem to be a shortage at this time . But I wouldn't wait to long. As season approaches it will go fast.

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Targetsports USA has lots of Federal 12 Ga TSS in stock.

https://www.targetsportsusa.com/csearch.aspx?CategoryID=0&ManufacturerID=0&SectionID=0&PriceRange=0&SortBy=6&PageSize=12&AndOr=AND&DisplayMode=Grid&Condition=-1&Search=tss

Spend some time yesterday visiting couple family owned gun stores yesterday and found one that had a few boxes of Hevi-13 / 20 gauge 7 shot on the shelf along with some number 6 shot, they also had few left in 12 ga of these type shells, i bought all of the Hevi - 13 / 20 gauge 7 shot they had left. They also had few Long beards in 20 gauge number 5 shot and several boxes of Mag-blend shells in both 12 and 20 ga.. it was a good find yesterday..

I have been lucky, I buy in bulk when I find it and I found a small shop that carries some of the newer tss choices that I could not find here in Ontario. I budget myself to approx $1000 a year for ammo, I don't use a lot on the rifle or muzzleloader budget so I end up spending 95% of it on waterfowl and turkey shells and I have about $750 more to play with.

I have a list for turkey shells and I have already started to purchase. I always hoard it as well, so that I am never in need, or stuck without something. If people get offended by that, I have an easy fix for them, buy your ammo sooner. I know I was years trying to find ammunition that i wanted and never could find it, mainly because It was not imported or carried here in Ontario. I decided quickly when It started to flow in to hoard it.

 Heartbreak...I gasped at your 1K budget thinking that was a lot of ammo. Then I got to thinking, I bought 2 bricks of Lapua Xact 22 long rifle, 1 brick of Lapua Center X and one box of 25 TSS this year. That was a over 1K, man it adds up fast!

22 ammo is hard to find if you want a specific round, just like all others.

Hoard sounds so bad.  How about "planning ahead"?   ;D

Quote from: The Heartbreak Kid....... on January 15, 2022, 10:52:39 AM
I have been lucky, I buy in bulk when I find it and I found a small shop that carries some of the newer tss choices that I could not find here in Ontario. I budget myself to approx $1000 a year for ammo, I don't use a lot on the rifle or muzzleloader budget so I end up spending 95% of it on waterfowl and turkey shells and I have about $750 more to play with.

I have a list for turkey shells and I have already started to purchase. I always hoard it as well, so that I am never in need, or stuck without something. If people get offended by that, I have an easy fix for them, buy your ammo sooner. I know I was years trying to find ammunition that i wanted and never could find it, mainly because It was not imported or carried here in Ontario. I decided quickly when It started to flow in to hoard it.

I am planning ahead for sure, when I first could locate Federal tss 7's for the 20 gauge it was 44.99 for 5 . I am now paying $56.99 to 64.99 a box. I probably shot $600 worth of tss last spring pissing around and patterning a handful of 20 gauge guns. I decided a few years ago to write down every gun,choke and shell I pattern, to what distance,which optic etc. I am never going to do that again with tss ammo, once I get a 20 gauge setup now with the expensive shells, I have all my notes and go from there.

It's so cheap with 12's because I tried tss and until we can shoot 9's, I am not buying anymore tss as I will just use longbeard or a little hevi shot.

If I didn't love to do it, I wouldnt. I remember when I was happy to buy a box of shells every year and my tags, as I have gotten older,settled and setup in life, my hobbies and interests have evolved into turkey guns,chokes,ammo and vests. I would love to be going on more trips in the next decade with my father,hopefully when all this covid chit gets sorted out,we can.

It was fishing lures when I guided, and I had as much tackle and rod/reels as some shops, and yet, used only a dozen or so lures 97% of the time. It was incredible when I sold the majority of it when I left that world behind me. All the guides were the same, to live that life you have to be a die hard fisherman, what an experience those years left imprinted in me. All the different people I met from all over North America, the times laughing, cursing, the food at shore lunches,  and the memories of seeing places all over Canada that I would have never seen or experinced if I hadn't made that decision to travel in my 20's.

We all have vices, I have learned to enjoy life and indulge in what you love to do because someday, there won't be anymore mornings in the turkey woods, or flipping the chug bug at dusk just beyond the lily pads and the brush, waiting on that giant swirl.....

 So true! I go and punch holes in paper with my 22 just to see how small of a hole I can make. It costs money.

Yes, it will get more expensive if they make legal the #9's and you start hunting with the 12 gauge. The price in those shells is the shot itself, I push 2 5/8 oz of shot at each pull of the trigger with my 10g. It ain't cheap. But, it sure is fun!!!

Ive got some hevishot turkey loads in both 12 and 20 that I would sell.

Basspro in Ft. Myers had some Longbeard XR 5's last Sunday. $25/10.

I ordered 2 boxes of 12 gauge  Winchester LBXR Magnum #6  2 weeks ago from Macks Prairie Wings. Best patterning lead out of my Girsan MC312.

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Dear ......,

Right now, orders are experiencing a delay.

You are looking at roughly a week to two before going out.

Best Regards,


That is the email I received after checking the shop where I buy some of my turkey shells. I think I will wait a few more weeks to order as It's always in stock here.

  I am going on the Turkey Ammo search this Saturday.  I will take any brand in #4s or 5s. Not picky anymore when you can't  find much Ammo or the shipment that just came in is long gone..

I have been looking for months for Federal or Browning .410 TSS loads to purchase over the counter locally.  Finally found some Federals last week at my favorite LGS.  I bought as many as I could afford as I am sure they will not last long.  They ran out last spring.  I may go back and buy some more in the near future.

This is why you go big when you find the right deal, just like the stock market.   I bought 30 boxes federal #9 TSS at $20 each.  All this while I still had a dozen bxs hevi's on the shelf that I stole at about $12 a bx.  That's not hoarding, it's buying smart and staying prepared.

If folks can't find anything I've got some Winchester LB 12ga #5 and 20ga #6, and some Winchester Double X 20ga #5 I'd get rid of if you get in a bind.


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Quote from: ChesterCopperpot on January 30, 2022, 07:22:17 PM
If folks can't find anything I've got some Winchester LB 12ga #5 and 20ga #6, and some Winchester Double X 20ga #5 I'd get rid of if you get in a bind.


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Nice gesture Dave......

My local hardware store has a pile of TSS if you can handle the $60 price tag. Pretty sure they were all Federal.

I just walked out of a local gun shop with 5 boxes of 20 ga Federal TSS, 7 shot / $32.95 per box
They have been sitting there since I bought all of the 9 shot they had last year.
He has another case and a half marked $52.00 that are 9 shot.

Finally found some LBXR 20ga. #6 shot , bought a box of #5 last year $18, paid $25 this year. Wishing I would've bought the Federal TSS 20 ha. I saw last year for $25 ea!

I just found some Hevi-shot magnum blend and Strut X online. Going to see how both pattern in my gun. I paid $40/a box for the mag blend. I think the Strut X was around $25.

My local Academy just got shipment of 12 ga. XR Longbeards and some 2 3/4 windchesters turkey loads in 4 and 5 copper shot... glad to at least see these on the shelf... so check your local Academy ...

Academy has Winchester longboards xr #5 12 gauge for sale $21.99.

This was the other day at my local Wal-Mart
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20220204/279e20e01eb9c2ebad286ba328c074d6.jpg)


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