The Best 28-Gauge and .410 Turkey Loads of 2026
Posted 2026-03-13 by
Sub-gauge turkey guns are all the rage right now, and for good reason. These 28-gauge and .410 loads will drop gobblers dead from lightweight guns with lightweight recoil
I remember when the first 20-gauge TSS turkey loads hit the market. I grew up in the “Magnum 12 Era” of turkey hunting, and my first thought was that there was no way these puny little 20-gauge loads could match the performance I was used to from big guns. Then I shot them, at targets and then at gobblers. I marveled at their performance in the woods.
We put a variety of .410 and 28-gauge TSS turkey loads to the test on the patterning range. Images by author
These days, I laugh at my initial reluctance. Now I look at the 20-gauge 3-inch loads as a little bit of overkill. The past several seasons have found me afield with .410 and 28-gauge guns most of the time. The turkeys haven’t been able to tell the difference. In fact, these two, when paired with extremely heavy TSS shot, will outperform my old magnum 12-gauge lead loads. They shoot farther, often faster, and hit harder than the No. 5 lead loads of the past. While these loads aren’t inexpensive (some of them top $15 per trigger pull), they offer the ultimate blend in light weight, light recoil, and heavy hitting performance.
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My test guns for this one were matching CVA Scout Spurs fitted with TruLock XX-Full Turkey chokes and topped with red dot sights. These guns have probably the best triggers I’ve ever felt on a shotgun. All loads were tested at 35 yards. I shot each load twice, and then averaged the number of shots in 12-inch circle for the final count.
Shots were fired at a large sheet of paper with a central aim point. I’ve found over years of load tests that most turkey loads vary slightly in point of impact, even from the same gun. I didn’t pay any attention to where the pattern hit according to aim point, since that can be addressed with a sight adjustment. I just flipped the paper over and made a 12” circle over the densest part of the pattern before counting the pellets. While I tested these loads at 35 yards, many of them would be affective at considerably longer ranges. You will have to test with your exact gun and choke combo to know just how far you can ethically shoot at a bird.
The test guns for this one were CVA’s new Scout Spur single shot shotguns. All shots were taken at 35 yards.
When considering a turkey load, it’s important to look at factors other than just pattern density. Smaller pellets usually result in denser patterns, but they don’t retain as much energy downrange as larger pellets. Also, look at the payload of each shell. A load that puts 75-80 percent of its payload in a 12-inch circle may actually outperform a load that only puts 50-60 percent of its pellets on target. TSS is getting more expensive, and it’s a safe bet that shotshell payloads will be reduced in the future in an effort to keep prices manageable.
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28-Gauge TSS Loads
The 28-gauge used to be thought of as a gentleman’s upland gun. Not anymore. Modern TSS and other heavier-than-lead pellet options have turned these light, quick pointing shotguns into the new darlings of the turkey woods. Manufacturers have taken notice and now offer a variety of turkey options. What blows me away is how many of these loads carry payloads that are equal to or, in the case of the Federal Custom Shop loads, heavier than some of the 20-gauge loads.
The 28 is the new darling of the turkey woods, packing a comparable load to a 3-in 20-gauge in a lightweight, quick pointing platform.
If you hunt with an older 28-gauge, there is a good chance it has a 2 ¾ inch chamber. Even some of the new guns limit shell length. Most manufacturers are offering both 2 ¾ inch and 3 inch loads. Check the chamber on your gun before buying and shooting your turkey loads. I generally tested one length or the other, but tried to mention if the load is available in both lengths.
Federal Premium
3-in (also available in 2 3/4-in), 1 1/2 oz. of No. 9 TSS shot, 1050 FPS
MSRP: $88.99
Total Hits in 12” Circle: 337
Packed with a heavy load of heavyweight Tungsten Super Shot to provide the highest pellet counts possible and loaded with a rear-braking FLITECONTROL FLEX wad to perform flawlessly through ported and standard turkey chokes for the most consistent, deadly patterns possible. One of the original, and most easily located, brands of TSS turkey loads.
Federal Custom Shop
3-in (also available in 2 3/4), 1 11/16 oz. of No. 9 TSS shot, 1050 FPS
MSRP: $138.99/10
Total Hits in 12” Circle: 343
The Federal Custom Shop packs what would be a magnum 20-gauge payload into a 28-gauge hull and still sends it downrange at a speedy 1050 fps. If you want a turkey load made with the highest quality components and one of the heaviest 28-gauge payloads available, give the Custom Shop loads a look. They come packed 10 to a box. Due to their custom nature, you need to order these well in advance, but they are worth the wait and priced competitively for what you get.
Hevi-18 TSS Turkey
3-in (also available in 2 ¾-in loads), 1 1/4-oz of No. 9 shot, 1200 FPS
MSRP: $72.99/5
Total Hits in 12” Circle: 289
If added speed is more important to you than a magnum payload, give the Hevi-18 loads a look. They drop down to 1¼ ounces of shot (still around 450 pellets) to allow for a heavier powder charge. The result is a very speedy 1200 fps down range.
Apex Next Level Ninja TSS
2 ¾-in, 1 1/2-oz blend of No. 8.5 and 9.5 TSS shot, 1060 FPS
MSRP $70/5
Total Hits in 12” Circle: 349
New this season, Apex introduces the Next Level Ninja loads. With a combination of 8.5 and 9.5 shot, these loads offer an outstanding blend of knockdown power, dense patterns and downrange performance. Even though the test load was a 2 3/4 inch shell, it still packs 1 1/2 ounces of shot and 569 pellets into a lighter recoiling package.
Verdict Ammunition TSS
2 ¾-in ,1 1/2 oz. of No. 9 TSS shot, 1075 FPS
MSRP: $59.99
Total Hits in 12” Circle: 366
This small, Kentucky-based company has been handloading premium turkey, predator, and waterfowl loads for several years. Using only the highest quality components and highly tested load formulas, these are worth checking out. These heavy hitters push a 1 1/2-ounce load to 1,075 fps.
Salt Creek Custom Ammunition Cold Turkey
2 ¾-inch, 1 1/2-oz of No. 10 TSS shot, 1050 FPS
MSRP: $88.99/5
Total Hits in 12” Circle: 334
Salt Creek is a small company based in Utah that handloads premium components into high quality turkey loads. I tested the No. 10 load, but it’s available in No. 9 shot as well. The No. 10 load has a mind blowing 820 pellets that each carry roughly the same downrange energy as No. 6 lead. This load put similar numbers in the 12" circle as many of the No. 9 shells, but it had a very even pattern that extended several inches outside that circle in every direction.
BOSS Tom TSS
2 ¾-in, 1 1/4-oz. No. 9 TSS shot, 1050 FPS
MSRP: $65/5
Total Hits in 12” Circle: 268
This one is loaded with BOSS’s in-house manufactured wad that delivers tight, even patterns and consistent performance at any range. Available in TSS No. 7s and No. 9s. I tested the No. 9. This one had impressive, even patterns and was one of the mildest recoiling loads of the test. It would be perfect for young or new shooters.
Hevi-Shot Magnum Blend
3-in. (also available in 2¾ inch),1 oz. of No. 5,6,7 Tungsten shot, 1300 FPS
MSRP: $42.99/5
Total Hits in 12” Circle: 144
For those looking for a viable 28-gauge turkey load without breaking the bank, give the Hevi-Shot Mag Blend a try. It’s loaded with a combination of No. 5, 6, and 7 tungsten pellets that weigh nearly 13 grams per cubic centimeter, vs the 18 grams of TSS. It’s still heavier than lead and the three shot sizes offer consistent patterns up close and at a distance. At nearly half the cost of many of the TSS loads, this one is a good value.
.410 TSS Loads
For those turkey hunters who really want a challenge, or who just want to enjoy the benefits of a lightweight gun with minimal recoil, consider a .410. Most of these loads carry 7/8 or 11/16 ounce of No. 9 shot, which translates to around 300 pellets. That’s roughly the same pellet count as you’d get in a 3-inch, 1 7/8-oz load of No. 5 lead in a 12-gauge, so you really aren’t giving up much performance to the turkey guns of yesteryear with these modern, premium .410 loads.
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Forty years ago, I would have laughed at the thought of using a .410 for turkey, but these patterns blow most of the magnum 12s of that era out of the water.
Federal Realtree 40th Anniversary TSS
3-in, 13/16-oz of No. 9 TSS shot, 1100 FPS
MSRP: $61.99/5
Total Hits in 12” Circle: 163
This one sports limited edition packaging for Realtrees 40th anniversary. Premium components include Federal’s rear-braking FLITECONTROL FLEX wad to perform flawlessly through ported and standard turkey chokes. Federal was one of the first major companies to embrace TSS turkey loads and are still industry leaders.
Remington Premier TSS
3-in, 13/16-oz. of No. 9 TSS shot, 1100 FPS
MSRP: $62.99
Total Hits in 12” Circle: 171
Remington tunes these loads for the tightest and most consistent, even patterns possible over multiple ranges. Loaded with premium components, hunters can expect optimum performance from every pull of the trigger. They produced very even patterns over the entire circle, and then some.
Salt Creek Ammunition Cold Turkey
3-in (also available in 2.5 inch for lower recoil), 7/8-oz of No. 10 TSS shot, 1080 FPS
$54.99/5
Total Hits in 12” Circle: 239
I tested the 3-in load of No. 10 shot, but if you have a young or recoil sensitive shooter, Salt Creek also makes a 2.5 inch load that still packs an impressive payload. This one produced the highest pellet count of the test on target for the .410, but that is to be expected given the smaller pellet size compared to the competition.
Apex Ninja Next Level TSS
3-in, 7/8-oz. blend of No. 8.5 and 9.5 TSS shot, 1065 FPS
MSRP: 114.99/10
Total Hits in 12” Circle: 201
New this year, Apex and Woodhaven have introduced the NEXT LEVEL Blend, which is designed to strike the perfect balance between pattern density and better downrange energy. These shells produced impressive, even patterns.
Winchester Longbeard TSS
3-in, 13/16-oz of No. 9 TSS shot, 1100 FPS
MSRP: $59.99
Total Hits in 12” Circle: 172
These shells pack the reputation of original Longbeard XR into a high-performance TSS turkey load. Longbeard TSS is engineered for tight patterns and premium down range performance, with a fully buffered payload for consistency through a variety of guns and choke tubes.
Verdict Ammunition TSS
3-in, 7/8-oz of No. 9.5 shot, 1065 FPS
MSRP: $49.99/5
Total Hits in 12” Circle: 229
This Kentucky based company handloads premium components into some of the hardest hitting turkey loads on the market. Dropping down to 9.5 size shot translates to an impressive 390 pellets packed into a tiny shell while still carrying plenty of downrange energy to cleanly take any tom.
Boss Tom TSS
3-in, 13/16-oz of No. 9 TSS shot, 1050 FPS
MSRP: $85/10
Total Hits in 12” Circle: 171
Handloaded with a full length wad and roll crimp to keep everything tight, these shells pattern well and carry plenty of power down range. With an MSRP of $85 per 10 rounds, they are also one of the more economical TSS .410 loads on the market.
