Walmart TSS Blend

Has anyone ever tried it or has it just been released? I don't think anyone has mentioned it. It is a blend of 40% tss, 40% #5 lead and then 20% some other lead. It is about 15 bucks for 5. I think it was federal brand. Wonder how it patterns? I know it wouldn't be as good as all TSS but it has peaked my interest.


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Is it called 3rd Degree? If so, save your money.

That is the Federal 3rd degree, the concept behind the shell was it should be good at close range as well as further ranges. The #6 spread quick for close, #5 mid and the #7 Tss for long range. I have a box but mine has heavy weight #7 in them instead of Tss. The shell has been out a few years so I assume they switched to TSS #7. They pattern pretty well out of my gun and I wouldn't be afraid to hunt with them. Again the box I have is a yellow and orange looking box. They now are in the same box as TSS. I think it is just a matter of what patterns well from your gun! You find both ends of the spectrum on how people feel about the shell! You are correct in nothing is like TSS!

I absolutely love to shoot! I picked up a box of these shells at Walmart this morning and shot out of two 20 gauge guns at 40 yards! Tri Star Raptor and Mossberg SA 20 turkey thug. I would say both these birds would be done for! I always try to shoot turkey between 30 and 35 yards but shoot 40 in case of a mistake in judgement. Not as good as straight TSS but I thought I would show you the results since you ask about the shell. Again different guns and chokes will shoot various patterns!

Duplex/Triplex loads are nothing new, althought I'm not a fan. But IMO, the 3rd Degree shells especially gimmicky. 40% of the load is just copper plated lead 5s. Tried and true but nothing special. 20% is belted pellets which are stupid. They started out in duck loads with claims of "devistating wound channels." Projectiles should be aerodynamic and fly true. "Belted" pellets do the opposite. They are literally designed to pattern poorly, advertised as a positive because they "spread" at close range. i.e., they fly erratically. I'm sure there have been some hens standing 6 feet away from a gobbler catch some stray "belted" pellets. Then 40 percent TSS 7s. TSS is awesome stuff, but shooting TSS 7s defeats the entire purpose/benefit of TSS. The advantage of TSS is that you can shoot small shot (usually 9s), thus drastically increasing pellet count without loosing effectiveness of pellets. Lead 5s run ~ 170-175oz. TSS 7s ~ 185/oz. So your only gaining 10-15 pellets but spending 3x as much. You'd be better off just shooting 2 oz of straight lead 5s.

That load is junk!

Roost 1":75i4jzkn said:

Is it called 3rd Degree? If so, save your money.

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Yes i was in there today. They have been out for a few years and I have not heard good things about them.