I don't want to start the old which shell is better debate. But I'm throwing a scope on my new Mossberg turkey rig and wanted to test several loads. I recall hearing of a sporting goods store that sells shells one at a time. So you could test several brands without having to buy a whole box to test just a few. Does anybody know of such a place near Lancaster or York?

News to me. You might try finding a buddy to share and test....or just bit the bullet like many of the rest of us. Dollars well spent...small portion in comparison to guns, chokes, gear, attire and license.

If you are only testing one I assume you will try a few more once you have a good prospect.

I would suggest if you are shooting one use a big target of 30X30" no less to determine the density at the center of the pattern whereas, a small target will not show the total pattern and if the sweet part of the pattern is not readily visual it is impossible to determine exotically how the load has performed.

think of it this way, if you buy a few different boxes of shells you accomplish 2 things...
1. you know how it shoots in your gun (pattern)
2. you have turkey shells for the next few years or more (depending on misses )

I know... I know... just suck it up. Good idea though if somebody who owns a shop wanted to break open a bunch of boxes.... I swear somebody was doing this locally..

Thats one heck of an idea for a website

the only place that I know of was at the true value/sporting goods store in Windber Pa by Johnstown. it was a great idea and I bought many shells this way. I don't think they are operational anymore, but I haven't been up there in several years.