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best tss alternative stoeger 3020 to 40 yds

Started by bluetick58, January 26, 2026, 09:33:52 AM

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zelmo1

The Federal #7 Heavyweights were great 20 gauge ammo. The longbeards are great lead, but if you compare them to TSS you will be very sad. They should give you a 35 yard gun with the right setup. But make no mistake, you can't beat a 12 gauge if you shoot lead. It's just physics, you can't fight science. Z

the Ward


bbcoach

Quote from: the Ward on January 27, 2026, 09:36:27 AMa twelve gauge
Agreed.  With TSS prices rising, the 20 and 410 are becoming obsolete in the turkey woods unless you want to keep them inside 30 yards ethically.  Many jumped on the TSS bandwagon a few short years ago and now not so much.  With a 12, you have plenty of choices for cheaper ammo that will get you to that magical 40-yard mark and slightly beyond.  If you have stocked up on 20 TSS, you'll be OK for a few years, but I don't see TSS shot coming back down.  Good luck with your search.

BeerCheese

I still think lbxr is the best lead load if you're wanting maximum distance but I've only ever gotten the #6 to pattern well to 40 yards with a 20 gauge. Granted they don't have the stopping power so I would be careful not to stretch it beyond 35-40. They shoot well through a .570 tight wad

Ihuntoldschool

You got 3 options.

1, Call them into 35 yards not 40 and shoot any 20 gauge turkey load you want.

2, Pay the inflated TSS prices and be good to 40

3, Get a 12 Gauge and shoot any turkey load you can get your hands on out to 40 yards.

Greg Massey

I'm going to make a guess and say most people on this forum all started with a 10 / 12 gauge and still have them. Federal HW 7 - 20 gauge and people on this forum got me to try a 20 gauge. From that point on I was hooked.
TSS and seeing the results and patterns /  reading on this forum got me hooked on Sub gauges in both 410 and 28 gauge, for the last few years I have REALLY enjoyed the 28 ga... But I never waited until I needed turkey shells to buy turkey shells.

So I have a good stock of old Federal 12 ga. 2oz. number 5 and 6 shot and plenty of sub gauge TSS to never have to buy and more shells period.. Alone with Long beards in 12 and 20 ga.

Brian Stewart

Ive been experimenting with #7 nickel plated lead.  Seems very promising.
But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD.  Joshua 24:15