Hevi-Shot Hevi-18 TSS Turkey 20 Gauge Tungsten Ammo

Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, lifelong hunter.

For spring turkey hunters who demand downrange lethality beyond lead’s reach, the Hevi-Shot Hevi-18 TSS Turkey 20 Gauge load brings tungsten super shot density — 18 g/cc versus 11 g/cc for traditional lead — in a 3″ shell that chambers in your favorite 20 gauge pump or semi-automatic. A 20 gauge tungsten turkey load is a shotshell designed to deliver tight, consistent patterns at extended ranges by substituting ultra-dense tungsten alloy pellets for conventional lead shot, enabling smaller gauges to carry lethal energy farther downfield. You’re launching 1-1/2 ounces of #7 shot at 1250 feet per second, held together by a friction-free sealed spherical buffer that keeps pellets round and patterns tight from the moment you break the crimp until they arrive on target. Five rounds per box, non-toxic, non-corrosive Boxer primers, reloadable hulls with a 6-point star crimp, and a thicker base wad engineered to cycle reliably in semi-automatic actions. Made in the United States.

Built for the Box

Hevi-Shot Hevi-18 TSS Turkey pellets measure 18 grams per cubic centimeter — 64% denser than lead — which translates to higher pellet counts per ounce and deeper penetration through feather, bone, and tissue. The sealed-in-the-shell spherical buffer isolates each pellet during setback and barrel travel, preventing flat spots that open patterns and bleed energy. A crimp-seal resin locks the buffer inside the hull, resisting moisture, vibration, and rough handling in your vest pocket. The 1250 fps muzzle velocity sits in the sweet spot for 20 gauge — fast enough to flatten trajectory, gentle enough to keep patterns centered. Hotter primers and clean-burning propellants ensure ignition in cold morning blinds and reliable cycling in gas-operated semi-automatics. The thicker base wad cushions the shot column and stabilizes pressure curves, reducing the likelihood of blown patterns or short-stroking your action on follow-up shots.

The Numbers

Five rounds ship per box, with Boxer primers that allow for reloading if you recover the hulls. Browse the full selection of premium 20 gauge turkey loads to compare payload weights, shot sizes, and velocity profiles for your spring season setup.

Who It’s For

Hunters who run 20 gauge shotguns in tight timber or prefer lighter-recoiling platforms for all-day carries will appreciate the energy and pattern density tungsten delivers without stepping up to 12 gauge. Youth and smaller-statured shooters benefit from reduced felt recoil while still putting lethal pellet counts on target at 40+ yards. Public-land hunters facing non-toxic shot requirements can load Hevi-18 TSS with confidence — tungsten is non-toxic, legal in every jurisdiction that mandates lead-free shot, and carries no corrosive residue. If you’ve patterned your turkey gun and discovered your 20 gauge prints tighter groups than your buddy’s 12, this load extends your effective range without punishing your shoulder or your hearing.