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General Discussion => General Forum => Topic started by: Dhamilton1 on March 01, 2023, 11:58:57 AM

Title: Preferred (Non TSS) 20 Gauge Ammo
Post by: Dhamilton1 on March 01, 2023, 11:58:57 AM
What's everyone's preferred 20 gauge ammo that's not TSS?

Personally, my 20 likes 3rd degree best. Longbeard and grand slam after that.


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Title: Re: Preferred (Non TSS) 20 Gauge Ammo
Post by: WildTigerTrout on March 01, 2023, 12:33:49 PM
1 Hevi-Shot Magnum Blends 5,6,7
2.Winchester Longbeard #6
3.Hevi-Shot Triple Beard 5,6,7 (no longer manufactured)
4.Federal "Premium" 1 5/16oz.#6

These four loads shoot the best in my Benelli 20ga. Nova. The Magnum Blend Hevi-Shot pattern the best overall and is what I currently hunt with.
Title: Re: Preferred (Non TSS) 20 Gauge Ammo
Post by: Dtrkyman on March 01, 2023, 03:38:31 PM
From past experience and what is left available I would say Mag Blends, I have not shot long beards though so they may be on par?

The old hevi 7s shot much better than mag blend for me!  I think i have two of them still, should put one in this year and kill a bird!
Title: Re: Preferred (Non TSS) 20 Gauge Ammo
Post by: Tail Feathers on March 01, 2023, 05:47:28 PM
Watching this thread.  I want to buy some backup loads for my 20.
Title: Re: Preferred (Non TSS) 20 Gauge Ammo
Post by: Mountainburd on March 01, 2023, 06:00:11 PM
Hevi shot mag blends. Would still use them in a heartbeat. I still have 4 or 5 boxes.
Title: Re: Preferred (Non TSS) 20 Gauge Ammo
Post by: Hooksfan on March 03, 2023, 11:56:42 PM
Without a doubt, Hevi #7.
Unfortunately, all that can be found now is the mag blend. Mag blend does not shoot as well for me.
Title: Re: Preferred (Non TSS) 20 Gauge Ammo
Post by: paintbrush on March 04, 2023, 06:46:40 AM
Hevi #7's in my Encore, but I'm nearly out of them. Sure wish they would start to remake them, but I'm pretty sure that won't happen!
Title: Re: Preferred (Non TSS) 20 Gauge Ammo
Post by: PALongspur on March 04, 2023, 06:55:03 AM
My 20 gauge guns haven't done that well with the Longbeards for some reason. The Federal Grand Slam load does really well and I wouldn't hesitate to use it if I had to.
Title: Re: Preferred (Non TSS) 20 Gauge Ammo
Post by: TBoo on March 04, 2023, 08:28:32 AM
Longbeard XR #6s for me. 
Title: Re: Preferred (Non TSS) 20 Gauge Ammo
Post by: Sungrazer on March 04, 2023, 04:39:50 PM
I'm in the process of figuring that out right now.
Unfortunately 20ga. ammo has been hard to find in my area of Illinois, especially 3" 20ga., and I've done a lot of driving and been to quite a few different stores. Of the few I've patterned longbeard #6 has been the best so far. Next week I'll be venturing out in a different direction - but I'm going to let my fingers do the walking before I drive this time.
Title: Re: Preferred (Non TSS) 20 Gauge Ammo
Post by: Dhamilton1 on March 04, 2023, 07:37:30 PM
Quote from: TBoo on March 04, 2023, 08:28:32 AM
Longbeard XR #6s for me.
Can't find #6s anywhere around me in WV ... shot #5s only


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Title: Re: Preferred (Non TSS) 20 Gauge Ammo
Post by: Dhamilton1 on March 04, 2023, 07:39:42 PM
Quote from: PALongspur on March 04, 2023, 06:55:03 AM
My 20 gauge guns haven't done that well with the Longbeards for some reason. The Federal Grand Slam load does really well and I wouldn't hesitate to use it if I had to.
Mine patterned good one season and not as good the next ... same choke and setup both years ... not sure what the problem was ... maybe user error? Lol

Have a few left so I'll try again this year just to see


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Title: Re: Preferred (Non TSS) 20 Gauge Ammo
Post by: bowT3ch5 on March 04, 2023, 07:56:15 PM
I'm in the Longbeard XR #6's group
Title: Re: Preferred (Non TSS) 20 Gauge Ammo
Post by: Bringintheh2o on March 04, 2023, 07:56:36 PM
Longbeard #6's out of my Mossberg 500
Title: Re: Preferred (Non TSS) 20 Gauge Ammo
Post by: Mossyguy on March 04, 2023, 10:09:01 PM
Longbeard XR #5's...shoot great in my 870
Title: Re: Preferred (Non TSS) 20 Gauge Ammo
Post by: FullChoke on March 05, 2023, 01:01:32 AM
If you can find them, my Rem 870 liked the Federal Heavyweight #7s with the Flight Control Wad.
Title: Re: Preferred (Non TSS) 20 Gauge Ammo
Post by: 2eagles on March 05, 2023, 04:18:22 PM
I might regret saying this because their website says only a few left. I might need some.
Scheels.com has 20ga Magnum Blend available for shipping at a not horrible price.
Title: Re: Preferred (Non TSS) 20 Gauge Ammo
Post by: WV Flopper on March 05, 2023, 07:44:47 PM
 I find it impossible to find what I want in WV. I would "Let you fingers do the walking" and order some from online. The shipping cost is well worth your time and gas money.

The boys gun shot ok with the #6 Longboards.