Description
Federal 3rd Degree 20ga Turkey Load shotshells are Federal Premium 3rd Degree turkey loads with Heavyweight TSS. Each 3 inch 20 gauge shell carries 1-1/2 ounces of a mixed payload of number 5, 6 and 7 shot at a published muzzle velocity of about 1100 feet per second. Each box holds 5 rounds.
- A Three-Stage Payload for Close and Long Shots
- Federal 3rd Degree 20ga Turkey Load Specifications
- Turkey Season Tips
A Three-Stage Payload for Close and Long Shots
Most turkey loads are built to throw the tightest pattern possible. That works at 40 yards, but it can leave a very small margin for error when a gobbler steps out at 15. Federal designed 3rd Degree to address both ends of the range with a payload made of three different shot types stacked in the same hull.
Federal lists the blend as about 20 percent number 6 FLITESTOPPER lead, 40 percent copper-plated number 5 lead and 40 percent number 7 Heavyweight TSS. The FLITESTOPPER pellets are meant to open up for a more forgiving pattern up close, the copper-plated 5s handle the middle distances, and the dense tungsten 7s carry energy for shots past 40 yards.
The Heavyweight TSS portion has a density of 18 grams per cubic centimeter, much denser than lead. Denser pellets hold velocity and energy better downrange, which is why a smaller size 7 TSS pellet can still do the work at distance.
All three shot types ride in Federal’s FLITECONTROL FLEX wad. Federal says the wad works with standard and ported turkey chokes, so you can try the load in the choke you already own before buying anything new.
Federal 3rd Degree 20ga Turkey Load Specifications
These figures follow Federal’s published data for item PTDX258 567. Federal’s product page lists UPC 604544626698, which matches this listing.
- Brand: Federal Premium
- Product line: 3rd Degree with Heavyweight TSS
- Manufacturer item number: PTDX258 567
- Gauge: 20 gauge
- Shell length: 3 inch
- Shot weight: 1-1/2 oz
- Shot sizes: 5, 6 and 7 (copper-plated lead, FLITESTOPPER lead and Heavyweight TSS)
- TSS density: 18 g/cc
- Muzzle velocity: about 1100 fps
- Wad: FLITECONTROL FLEX
- Usage: Turkey hunting
- Rounds per box: 5
Turkey Season Tips
Use Federal 3rd Degree 20ga Turkey Load shells only in shotguns chambered for 3 inch 20 gauge shells or longer.
Pattern the load on paper at 20, 30 and 40 yards before the season so you know how it performs with your choke.
Aim for the head and neck, and keep shots within the range where your pattern stays dense on a turkey-sized target.
Check your state regulations for shot size, shell and season rules before you hunt.
Federal 3rd Degree 20ga Turkey Load ammo is a good choice for turkey hunters who carry a 20 gauge and want one shell that covers both close and longer shots.
Why a mixed payload makes sense
Turkeys rarely come in at the exact distance you planned for. A bird can hang up at 45 yards or pop out of the brush at 15. A blended load like Federal 3rd Degree 20ga Turkey Load is meant to give a usable pattern across that whole window, so you spend less time worrying about the distance and more time on the shot.
Getting the most from your shells
Shoot a few rounds at a turkey head target before opening day. Note where the pattern centers and how dense it is at each distance, then adjust your sights or point of aim if needed. Because the payload mixes three shot types, your patterns may look different from a single-size load, so judge them by how many pellets land in the head and neck area.
Federal also notes that a portion of 3rd Degree proceeds goes to the National Wild Turkey Federation, a conservation group that works on habitat and turkey populations.
Store your shells in a cool, dry place in the original box, and carry them in a shell holder or vest pocket that keeps them clean and quiet in the blind.
Choosing a Choke for 3rd Degree
Federal built the FLITECONTROL FLEX wad to work in standard and ported turkey chokes. Start with the choke you already use and pattern it at several distances.
If the center of the pattern is too thin at 40 yards, try a tighter turkey choke. If the pattern is too small at close range, a slightly more open choke may help.
Why hunt turkeys with a 20 gauge
A 20 gauge shotgun is usually lighter to carry on long walks and easier on the shoulder than a 12 gauge. Dense TSS pellets in the payload help a smaller gauge stay effective at longer turkey distances, which is part of why many hunters now use 20 gauge guns for spring gobblers.
Keep a box in your vest for the spring season and another for fall hunts where your state allows them.
Is Federal 3rd Degree 20ga Turkey Load Right for You?
If your turkey gun is a 20 gauge with a 3 inch chamber, the Federal 3rd Degree 20ga Turkey Load gives you a single shell for decoy-range birds and longer shots alike.
Consider picking up two boxes of Federal 3rd Degree 20ga Turkey Load: one to pattern at the range before the season opens and one for the field.
Read more on Federal’s 3rd Degree 20 gauge page, or pair it with the Remington Raptor 20 gauge TSS choke.
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