I typically tote my 870 12 gauge w/ a super full choke for spring turkey hunting. As I'm starting to pull out the hunting gear for next weeks hunt, I notice my lowly H&R 158 Topper single shot 20 gauge leaning in the corner looking lonely. I start feeling all sentimental and decided what the heck...why not?!

I've historically used Remington Premier Turkey Loads in the 870. Are they still my best bet for the 20? The Topper has a fixed full choke and can handle a 3" shotshell.

Can it handle steel? If so, look for hevi-shot #5 or #6. I use it with good success in the 20. Hornaday also patterned well in my 20.

Thanks tzone. I honestly have no idea if the Topper can handle steel. How can this be determined?

Federal heviweight no7 all the way. has been amazing out of every 20 i own . non ported choke and doesn't require super tight constriction

Federal heviweight no7 all the way. has been amazing out of every 20 i own . non ported choke and doesn't require super tight constriction

just call them in close and use lead 5 or 6's in the little 20 .

Federal Heavyweight #7's

3 inch 20 ga #6 and keep @ or under 30 yards and you will have no problem. The last 8 or 9 birds I got have been with a 20.

I'd never pick a SS over a repeater.

Thanks for the responses guys. Here is what Federal Premium High Velocity 3" #5's look like. Pics are in order of shot taken:

At 20 yards:


At 30 yards:


At 25 yards. I noticed the previous two shots were to the right. I aimed a tad left for this last shot.


Do you think I'll see better results with the heavy stuff? Looking at the 3 pics above, I'd want to limit shots to 25 yards.

Suggestion-
Leave the Topper standing in the corner.

My 21" barreled youth 870 with .570 Primos Tightwad + Fed HW #7 @ 42yds - 16" circle






Same setup with Hevi13 #6's @ 42yds

10" circle - 115
20" circle - 119

This is low for this combo it's usually in the mid to high 120's in the 10"

Thanks again for your replies guys. I picked up a box of Federal Heavyweight #7's yesterday for the H&R Topper. Shot the first shell at 25 yards to compare patterns. Looked pretty similar to me though will do a hole count to be sure.

The spring opener started at 6:12 this morning. By 6:45, the second shell planted a turkey at 15 yards. Haven't struck in about 8 years now and never that soon. 7" beard on public land...I'm a happy camper!

I would imagine at that distance it wouldn't make any difference which of the two loads I was shooting. I thought about leaving the Topper behind as suggested by a few but figured it was just a matter of getting the bird to walk in a few yards closer. Guess I got lucky this time!

I'm not sure how'd you'd know for sure. It may say on the barrel.

To be safe you could pattern it with some of the other non heavy shot type loads. There are a lot now. The 20ga is becoming very popular for turkeys.