Description
The Winchester Long Beard Tungsten line brings serious turkey-hunting performance to a 20-gauge platform without excessive weight or recoil. This load pairs a 1-9/16 ounce payload of #8 tungsten shot with Winchester's field-proven design to deliver devastating patterns where it counts.
What Makes Long Beard Tungsten Stand Out
Tungsten's density means smaller pellets retain energy that would be lost with traditional lead loads. An #8 tungsten pellet behaves like a much larger lead pellet downrange, which is why this load can punch well beyond what you'd expect from a 20-gauge shell. The buffered payload flows cleanly through any choke without deformation, producing the tight, consistent patterns that separate good turkey loads from great ones. No flyers means more confidence when the moment comes.
Superior Pattern Density and Penetration
Compared to traditional lead ammunition, this tungsten load delivers significantly more pellets in your pattern circle at distance. That extra density translates to a higher probability of clean, ethical kills at ranges where most hunters default to larger gauges. The smaller shot size still penetrates deeply because tungsten is substantially harder than lead, so the pellets don't deform on impact.
Why Choose 20 Gauge for Turkey Hunting
Modern tungsten ammunition has completely changed how 20-gauge guns perform on turkeys. You get the same lethal capability as a 12-gauge magnum while carrying a gun that's noticeably lighter and gentler on your shoulder. For hunters who've been intimidated by heavy 12-gauge loads or simply prefer a more manageable gun, the Long Beard Tungsten makes 20 gauge a legitimate choice, not a compromise.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Winchester
- Model: Long Beard Tungsten TS17
- Manufacturer Part Number: LBT2038
- UPC: 020892029873
- Gauge: 20 Gauge
- Shell Length: 3 inch
- Shot Type: Tungsten Super Shot (TSS)
- Shot Size: #8
- Shot Weight: 1-9/16 oz (43.75 grams)
- Shot Density: 17 g/cc
- Muzzle Velocity: 1100 fps
- Rounds per Box: 5
- Intended Use: Turkey hunting
- Lead-Free: Yes
What’s Included
- 5 rounds of Winchester Long Beard Tungsten shotshells
Frequently Asked Questions
How does #8 tungsten shot compare to traditional lead turkey loads?
An #8 tungsten pellet hits like a much larger lead pellet because tungsten is significantly denser. This load puts more pellets on target than lead alternatives of the same weight, and those pellets maintain energy and penetration far better downrange. You get superior pattern density without needing a larger shot size.
What's the effective range for Winchester Long Beard Tungsten 20-gauge?
This load is designed for confident shooting out to 60 yards and beyond with proper choke selection and patterning. Your actual range will depend on your specific shotgun, choke, and personal comfort with your patterns. Always pattern-test your gun and load combination to know where it shoots effectively.
Can I shoot Long Beard Tungsten through any 20-gauge shotgun?
Yes, these shells work in any standard 20-gauge gun chambered for 3-inch shells. The buffered tungsten payload flows cleanly through any choke without causing deformation or flyers. That said, you'll want to pattern-test to find the choke and distance that work best for your setup.
Why choose 20 gauge tungsten instead of a 12-gauge load?
Modern tungsten ammunition has made 20-gauge shotguns genuinely competitive for turkey hunting. You get devastating patterns with significantly less recoil and a lighter gun to carry all day. For hunters who want serious performance without the shoulder punishment of a 12-gauge magnum, this is a smart choice.




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