Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) has made the 20 gauge a genuine turkey-killing machine, but getting those dense, hard pellets to pattern tightly comes down to the choke. TSS uses small, very hard pellets, so the right constriction and a quality choke make a big difference. Here’s a guide to choosing the best 20-gauge turkey choke for TSS.
Understanding constriction
For a 20-gauge firing TSS, a constriction roughly between .555 (tight) and .572 (more open) is the usable window. Because TSS pellets are small and very hard, they tend to pattern well across a range of chokes — but tighter constrictions (around .555-.560) typically produce the densest cores for longer shots. The only way to know what your specific gun and load like is to pattern it on paper.
Popular dedicated TSS chokes
- Carlson’s TSS Turkey choke — a 17-4 stainless choke optimized for TSS loads, made in fitments for Remington, Winchester/Browning Invector, Beretta/Benelli Mobil, and Mossberg. A widely used, well-regarded starting point.
- JEBS Head Hunter — a multi-stage interior design aimed at better shot/wad separation for tighter, more precise patterns; available in 20-gauge fitments.
- Indian Creek Black Diamond and TRUGLO Head Banger — other turkey chokes frequently used successfully with TSS.
How to choose
- Match the fitment to your gun: chokes are model-specific (Rem Choke, Invector, Mobil, etc.) — confirm yours before buying.
- Start around .555-.560 for TSS, then pattern-test; open up slightly if your pattern is too tight at your hunting ranges.
- Always pattern on paper with your exact TSS load (shot size and brand) at your expected distances — guns are individuals, and the ‘best’ choke is the one that prints the densest, most even pattern in your barrel.
- Use a choke rated for TSS / heavy tungsten. TSS is much harder than lead, so use a choke designed (or rated) for it to protect both pattern quality and the choke itself.
Safety & legal note: always follow your firearm and choke manufacturer’s load and constriction guidance, and check your state’s turkey-hunting regulations (legal shot sizes and equipment) before heading out.