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TSS or tungsten super shot, is the new craze in turkey hunting and for good reason. TSS turkey loads are allowing turkey hunters the ability to carry smaller gauge shotguns to the turkey woods without sacrificing pattern density when paired with the correct choke combination. We recently pattern tested three of the most popular TSS turkey loads to help you find the best turkey load to take to the woods this season.
How We Tested the TSS Turkey Loads
While pattern testing, the turkey loads that were tested were shot at 40 yards through a Benelli M2 20 gauge turkey shotgun and Indian Creek Black Diamond Strike 0.562 turkey choke. After each load was tested we counted the number of hits inside the 10 inch circle, inside the head and body, and inside the spinal column and brain area of the turkey targets.
Apex Turkey TSS Loads
Turkey Load Specifications
Gauge: 20 gauge
Shell Length: 3 inch
Shot: 1 5/8oz
Shot Size: #9 tungsten super shot
Velocity: 1175 fps
Test Results
10″ Circle Score: 380
Turkey’s Head & Body Score: 144
Kill Zone Score: 38
The Apex TSS Turkey #9s performed the best overall during our test. However it is important to note that out of the three turkey loads that were tested, this load did have more pellets per shell which should be taken into account when comparing to the others. Here’s what stood out the most when testing this turkey load:
At 40 yards this load has an exceptional pattern density with 380 hits inside the 10 inch circle.
Produced a nice even pattern with no large holes in the pattern.
Produced a tight pattern but still open enough to allow for some human error in the woods.
Apex Ninja TSS Loads
Turkey Load Specifications
Gauge: 20 gauge
Shell Length: 3 inch
Shot: 1 5/8oz
Shot Size: #8.5 tungsten super shot
Velocity: 1175 fps
Test Results
10″ Circle Score: 290
Turkey’s Head & Body Score: 99
Kill Zone Score: 21
The Apex Ninja #8.5s produced a nice consistent pattern at 40 yards out of the Benelli M2 and Indian Creek Choke Tube combination. Here’s what stood out the most when testing this lethal turkey load:
Good Pattern Density at 40 yards
High pellet count inside turkeys head and body
Even Pattern with no major holes
Federal Heavyweight TSS Turkey Loads
Turkey Load Specifications
Gauge: 20 gauge
Shell Length: 3 inch
Shot: 1 1/2oz
Shot Size: #9 tungsten super shot
Velocity: 1100 fps
Test Results
10″ Circle Score: 181
Turkey’s Head & Body Score: 65
Kill Zone Score: 18
The third and final turkey load that we tested was the Federal Heavyweight TSS #9s. This turkey load did produce lower pellet counts than the others but that’s to be expected with having 1/8oz less shot than the others. Overall the Federal Heavyweight TSS performed better than expected. Here’s what stood out the most when testing this tss load:
Good Pattern Density although not as dense as the Apex loads
Even Pattern with no holes large enough to cause a miss
Cheaper price point when compared to other TSS turkey loads
Final Thoughts
After testing we can say that we would recommend any of the three loads to turkey hunters looking to improve their patterns and accuracy downrange this turkey season. While the Apex Turkey TSS performed the best overall, hunters looking for a cheaper option should consider the Federal Heavyweight TSS turkey loads. No matter what turkey load you decide to take to the woods turkey hunting this spring, don’t forget to get out an pattern test your shotgun, choke, and turkey load combination to ensure your equipment is producing consistent patterns downrange.
