I am finally going to break down and buy the TSS shot shells for turkey and chokes that are matched shot size specific. So, my question is, #7 shot or #9 shot and why ??? If I buy 4 chokes, 2 for each gun for #7 and #9 shot it will be well over $200 just for the chokes so hoping to take some of the guess work out of shot size selection but then again, every shotgun is a different animal and you never know what it likes to eat best. Ready, go.

TIA

Booner1

If he does not see this send a PM to Barneywho, from what I hear go with #9 shot, lots of shot in the pattern and energy level and penetration for each piece of shot is impressive.

Straight 9's.

I have been reloading TSS for a few years now for my 20 gauge. Without a doubt go with 9 shot. More pattern density and penetrating capabilities of #5 lead shot. Honestly 7 shot TSS is over kill and dont provide near the amount of shot as 9s. As far as choke, Sumtoy is the way to go. I went through the ordeal back when I used to turkey hunt with a 12 gauge of buying this choke and that, but William at Sumtoy will build you a choke that will make you happy. Ever since I started shooting Sumtoy I have never had a choke that did not pattern awesome. I have purchased indian creek, rhino, jebs, and carlsons that have always not done exactly what I wanted. I called william told him my load and what I was wanting to achieve and he made it happen. With TSS open is better. I shoot an Affinity 3 now with a 562-5 Sumtoy and in a 10in circle at ranged 40 yards it will average 350-355 in a 10 in circle and 180-190 in the 20. I do not even bother hunting with the 12 anymore. This gun will do what a 12 gauge will with lead and more.

Who are you going to buy your shot from? If you do not have anyone in mind, PM me and I will pass you a guy to purchae shot from and he can give you all the load data you will need to create loads. His loads have all been pressure tested and are proven killers. I had two birds come in last year and I shot one over the decoys and the other was running off and stopped. When he stopped I thought he was around 50ish yards but because of the field and dips in the field, it messed up my judgement. He was at a measured 67 yards. He never flinched or kicked. I do not promote killing birds at long distance as I like to call them in close, but this was one of those deals it was nice to have the capability to do so. I patterned my gun out to 60 and know it will kill if need be at that distance. Honestly, with the 9s at 60, it is a better pattern than most 12 gauge lead shooters at 40. TSS is the way to go. If you have any questions please let me know and I will help out as much as I can.

I am not at the reloading stage for TSS shot yet and will be shooting factory ammo but I absolutely would love to hunt with my 20 Ga. exclusively for turkey as well. I shoot it now for ducks and dove and want to add turkey to the list. I have been using Trulock chokes for turkey in my 12's since they are shell brand and shot size specific and they produce amazing results but I am wanting to try the TSS and see what the rave is all about.

Well go with APEX. They seem to be the best over the counter. Federal has not been true to the amount of shot advertised. I have heard good and bad about trulock. The whole shot specific thing works to a certain degree but I ahve had buddies try them and get horrible results. If it was me and I was going to buy over the counter TSS I would start with a sumtoy 562-5, a carlson 575, or an indicreat 555. Those are predominantly going to give you the best patterns. But that still is gun dependent.

9's for pattern density. I still use TruLock chokes with it.

Don't get too caught up in chokes. So many variables when shooting only one or two shells on paper to be conclusive. I shoot on big paper and look for flyers. If I see too many, then I go too the next size choke till I see the flyer numbers diminish.

A lot of times people will try and over choke the TSS. That equates to more and more flyers. I will be shooting a more open choke this year to give me some more wiggle room. In my opinion, the perfect pattern will have 280-300 in a 10in circle with 220-250 in the 20. I am gone get william to build me a 568 constriction choke to try and I also have a carlson 575 to try.

Good point. TSS patterns very well because of shot size and no shot deformation. You can have too tight of a pattern for close work, and I like my gobblers in tight. Its why I love my Williams Ghost Ring sights. If everything is lined up, I know where my load is going.

I have gone away from sites. I used to use williams fire sites, but now have a burris ff3. It is the greatest thing since sliced bread. I will never go back to having any form of site on a turkey gun. Either a Vortex Venom or Burris FF3 will be on all my turkey guns in the future. Can shoot with both eyes open, upside down, etc... It makes it nice to know that regardless of how you ahve the gun positioned, as we know turkey hunting can put you in some akward positions at times, as long as the red dot is on the head it is going to be a dead bird.

I tried TSS for the first time this last spring in my Ithaca 12 gauge Turkeyslayer. On a whim I bought some Federal 7s that I saw on sale. I'm planning on trying 9s next year.

My bird didn't even twitch, but then again, so didn't my cousin's that he shot simultaneously with lead. I think with 20 gauge guns its the only way to go.

I loaded up 25 shells yesterday. Gone have to order another 5lbs of TSS for future loading. Its fun to sit back have a few beers and load up some shells. Nothing like loading your own shells to kill these hateful monstrous birds.