TSS

[Gravey]

Gonna make the move to a 20ga with TSS. I won't be reloading and it looks like #9's with 1.5 oz is what's out there. Seeing several places with Federal Heavyweight TSS available and that's about it. Assuming these would be fine but anybody with real world experience?

 

[bowhunterfanatic]

That's what I've shot the last couple years. I'm not a big paper puncher but I can tell you the turkeys don't like it.

 

[Southern Sportsman]

I hand load so I can't speak from experience regarding the commercially available loads, but from what I've heard and read Apex seems to be at or near the top of the stack.

 

[deerfever]

Federal TSS is all I use in 20 gauge and it's good stuff! The Gobblers hate it. I use #9 the 8/10 load also patterns great lf you see it.

 

[Spurhunter]

I ran out of Hevishot last year and switched over to Federal TSS #9. I've only killed one bird with it so far, but he was dead before he hit the ground. Patterns were unreal.

 

[TheLBLman]

I've been using the Federal branded TSS loads since they came out with it, and before then, their older "heavyweight" turkey loads were also top-notch.

Strange as it may seem, the #9 size TSS is far deadlier (farther, closer, any range) than #5 copper-plated lead. The pattern density of #9 TSS is unreal, and more uniform than lead.

I know some "like" Apex brand, but I have much confidence in Federals' quality control, and see no reason to change over to a new brand.

 

[ZachMarkus]

Federal #9's are bad news out of my 20 gauge.

 

[Roost 1]

Look up Foxtrot Ammo…. Specifically the 20ga Crusher load. Of all commercially loaded TSS, Federal is prolly the worst performing….. Not saying its bad but there are better options……

 

[danny1975]

Last year. I was hunting kansas . So I switch up and started using tss #9 out of my 870 in 20 ga. I shoot one there at 54 yards and it dropped . I'm gunna start leaving my 12 in the safe lol. . But this is what I was patterning at 40 yards with a primos jellyhead max choke . I was using federal custom shop #9 . Actually only ones I seen that has 10 shells in a box .

 

[megalomaniac]

All me and the kids have used are the Federal #9 TSS for the past 4 years. Almost 30 kills, only 2 whiffs (one a clean miss at 15 yards, the other prob a cripple loss at 40y... but not because of the shells... my fault, switched from the original reduced recoil to their full power loads and didn't rezero the load.)

I'm sure the 1 5/8 loads from Hal, Apex, etc are a bit better, but prob just overkill if you are shooting 40y and in.

 

[Boll Weevil]

I've kilt'em deader than an anvil with both Federal 9s and 8/10 blends. Also, I like a tight pattern core out of my long barrel so there's less chance of fliers into the breast. You DO NOT want to bite down on one of those lil'boogers.

 

[Union Co. Boy]

I used it in my 12 gauge last year and it was pretty dang devastating. I haven't used it in the 20, but I'd imagine it to be proportionally deadly.

 

[scn]

I've been using the Federal branded TSS loads since they came out with it, and before then, their older "heavyweight" turkey loads were also top-notch.

Strange as it may seem, the #9 size TSS is far deadlier (farther, closer, any range) than #5 copper-plated lead. The pattern density of #9 TSS is unreal, and more uniform than lead.

I know some "like" Apex brand, but I have much confidence in Federals' quality control, and see no reason to change over to a new brand.

BS on the far deadlier than lead #5. It approaches the lead and provides better patterns in the smaller gauges, but some of this TSS worship borders on ridiculousness.

 

[megalomaniac]

BS on the far deadlier than lead #5. It approaches the lead and provides better patterns in the smaller gauges, but some of this TSS worship borders on ridiculous.

I shot 2oz #5 lead out of my 10g gauge for 2 decades... its crazy deadly and accounted for around 100 birds. That being said, about 1 out of 8 to 10 slam dunk kill shots with the 10g the bird got away. Not because the lead didn't have the killing power at reasonable distances, but just because the head and neck slipped through the pattern.... that won't happen with properly choked #9 TSS. There just isn't any way you arent going to get at least a dozen pellets in the brain or spinal cord at 40y and in with the pattern density TSS throws with 1.5 oz. It's that good, it really is.

If you are shooting at reasonable distances (40y and in), TSS is FAR more ethical due to fewer crippling losses. Pull the trigger, punch the tag. No more shooting at 6 birds to get a 4 bird limit like happened with lead.

Again, this is at reasonable distances (40y and in)... beyond that TSS has the penetration to kill at 70 or even 80 yards, but the lack of pattern density is going to result in just as many crippling losses as kills... which just isn't ethical.

 

[Rakkin6]

BS on the far deadlier than lead #5. It approaches the lead and provides better patterns in the smaller gauges, but some of this TSS worship borders on ridiculousness.

I started shooting TSS last year. I did shoot it in my 12 gauge and the pattern density is just ridiculous. I think where TSS shines is in the sub gauges and the .410 bore. A 20 gauge with TSS throws a better pattern than a 12 with lead. But I agree out of a 12 gauge I don't really think it matters at 40 yards. I shot longbeard 3" #5 1 7/8 ounce and put a hurting on them prior to last year.

 

[scn]

I shot 2oz #5 lead out of my 10g gauge for 2 decades... its crazy deadly and accounted for around 100 birds. That being said, about 1 out of 8 to 10 slam dunk kill shots with the 10g the bird got away. Not because the lead didn't have the killing power at reasonable distances, but just because the head and neck slipped through the pattern.... that won't happen with properly choked #9 TSS. There just isn't any way you arent going to get at least a dozen pellets in the brain or spinal cord at 40y and in with the pattern density TSS throws with 1.5 oz. It's that good, it really is.

If you are shooting at reasonable distances (40y and in), TSS is FAR more ethical due to fewer crippling losses. Pull the trigger, punch the tag. No more shooting at 6 birds to get a 4 bird limit like happened with lead.

Again, this is at reasonable distances (40y and in)... beyond that TSS has the penetration to kill at 70 or even 80 yards, but the lack of pattern density is going to result in just as many crippling losses as kills... which just isn't ethical.

I started turkey hunting in 1971 or 72. I didn't kill (or shoot at) a bird until 1988. They were few and far between in the mountains of ETN during those years, and I made a BUNCH of rookie mistakes.

Since '88, I have killed a bird or two. During that time period, I "missed" two gobblers that I badly misjudged the range of. They may have been wounded, but showed no signs. I am certainly not proud of taking those shots as they were not in ethical ranges.

Absent of that, every bird (except one) I pulled the trigger on with my 12 ga and lead #5 dropped in their tracks and were DRT. Most didn't even flop. The bird that I had to shoot at a second time dropped his head at 18 yds as I was pulling the trigger. I grazed him and he went straight up and flew. I shot again, and he glided another 20 yds where I found him dead. Hard to have much more ethical results than that with a pretty darn large sample size.

TSS is great. I have partaken of the koolaid and own a bunch. I have used it to kill several birds. I'm convinced in my results that it is NO BETTER than my favorite lead loads in my 12 ga. Dead Right There is dead with either one. There is no doubt in my 20 ga that TSS is the load of choice.

The prices I am seeing right now for TSS, when you can even find it, are $10/12/shell. That is a load for some folks budget. IMO, it is a stretch to imply that TSS is some magic bullet and a hunter is not ethical if they aren't using it. Turkeys were killed for decades with lead, and, it will kill them just as dead right now. Ethical shots are determined by knowing what your gun will do, and limiting actual shots to where you have sufficient pattern to kill the bird in its tracks.

And, it can be done just as well with lead at least in the larger bores.

 

[Chief44]

I killed my first Turkey in the late 80's and have been fortunate enough to take my share of gobblers over the last 30 years or so. They were all taken with 3" or 3.5" 12 ga lead Turkey loads until I switched to TSS a few years ago. Initially, I was very hesitant to switch to TSS but I like to cover ground when I hunt and wanted a lighter more compact shotgun that didn't kick like a mule. I now hunt with either 20ga or 410 TSS #9's. Both pattern very well, are a joy to carry around and are flat out Turkey killers. I also come from the school of if I can't get him within 40 yards, I don't take the shot. So for what it's worth, my opinion is this, if you don't mind the extra weight and recoil of the 12 ga gun and loads, save your money and keep doing what your doing. If you want a lighter weight, easier to carry gun that doesn't jar your teeth, switch to a sub-gauge and TSS. Here are 40 yard patterns with my 20ga 870 compact and steven's 301 in 410. Both shooting federal #9 TSS. So far I've had good luck with the federal loads. I've got some Apex TSS in both gauges but haven't patterned them yet. Good luck.

 

[Remington700]

I switched last year to TSS and will never look back. I'm a Federal guy when it comes to ammo. Unfortunately because of the jamming issue in Benelli/Franchi shotguns. I ended up going with Apex. I was very pleased with the #9's I shot.

 

[Bell3wv]

Gonna make the move to a 20ga with TSS. I won't be reloading and it looks like #9's with 1.5 oz is what's out there. Seeing several places with Federal Heavyweight TSS available and that's about it. Assuming these would be fine but anybody with real world experien

Gonna make the move to a 20ga with TSS. I won't be reloading and it looks like #9's with 1.5 oz is what's out there. Seeing several places with Federal Heavyweight TSS available and that's about it. Assuming these would be fine but anybody with real world experience?

Federal TSS are great and the 3rd Degrees are good too. This is a pic of Gederal 3rd Degree 12 ga at 40 yards, 97 in 8" circle.

 

[Willysman]

When I started turkey hunting in '77 we used 2 3/4 Winchester XX Magnum. Killed a bunch of turkeys with this combo. Now I've gone to 3 inch Winchester Longbeard. Very pleased with their performance. No reason for me to change. Not going to pay 10.00 a shell. Dead is dead.

 

[Gad Father]

You should make the switch. Federals will do it but Apex, foxtrot, and Rogue pattern much better. The Flex control wad does not pattern as tight in my experience. Fed #9 40 yards 10" circle 186, Apex #9 317.

 

[deerfever]

You should make the switch. Federals will do it but Apex, foxtrot, and Rogue pattern much better. The Flex control wad does not pattern as tight in my experience. Fed #9 40 yards 10" circle 186, Apex #9 317.

All depends on your choke / gun combo. Go watch the blue collar outdoor boys shoot Federal 7/9 versus apex 7/9 side by side target same gun 50 yards. He couldn't even judge a winner they patterned so close. I have two of the same gun he is buying, Federal #9, 7/9, 8/10 and a Carlson 575 Is deadly as it gets. Yes you can kill em with lead no problems, My first several with a 20.gauge were the old Federal shell that had the flight control wad #6 shot. I then went to Federal HVW #7 which was an amazing shell. Then on to TSS which is absolutely amazing. Some would say get you a 555 or 562 and you will get more in a 10 inch circle. No thanks I want a more open pattern for hunting as I am not trying count numbers but kill Turkeys. That is all a matter of preference just the same as the shell company. My parting advice would be if you can get your hands on it Federal or whatever and you want to shoot TSS , you better go ahead and get it!

 

[TheLBLman]

One thing I "like" about TSS is it allows me to use a more open choke (FOR A LARGER PATTERN), and, the TSS pellets tend to be more uniformly spaced on the target. Say what you want about dead being dead, but having a larger diameter pattern with fewer holes between pellets, reduces the chances of both wounding or missing, whether we're talking 20 yards or 40 yards.

Another benefit is at least a slight increase in effective range.
Some hunters are going to push the range envelope, no matter what they're shooting, but the fact remains that TSS gives an ethical hunter a greater margin for range error.
This is true whether you're shooting a 12 ga or a 20 ga.

Considering how few rounds need be fired annually, the cost per shell becomes less an issue, at least with turkey hunting.

I guess TSS would also make a lot of sense for sandhill crane hunting, or any kind of hunting when only 2 to 4 rounds might be needed annually?

 

[poorhunter]

I started turkey hunting in 1971 or 72. I didn't kill (or shoot at) a bird until 1988. They were few and far between in the mountains of ETN during those years, and I made a BUNCH of rookie mistakes.

Since '88, I have killed a bird or two. During that time period, I "missed" two gobblers that I badly misjudged the range of. They may have been wounded, but showed no signs. I am certainly not proud of taking those shots as they were not in ethical ranges.

Absent of that, every bird (except one) I pulled the trigger on with my 12 ga and lead #5 dropped in their tracks and were DRT. Most didn't even flop. The bird that I had to shoot at a second time dropped his head at 18 yds as I was pulling the trigger. I grazed him and he went straight up and flew. I shot again, and he glided another 20 yds where I found him dead. Hard to have much more ethical results than that with a pretty darn large sample size.

TSS is great. I have partaken of the koolaid and own a bunch. I have used it to kill several birds. I'm convinced in my results that it is NO BETTER than my favorite lead loads in my 12 ga. Dead Right There is dead with either one. There is no doubt in my 20 ga that TSS is the load of choice.

The prices I am seeing right now for TSS, when you can even find it, are $10/12/shell. That is a load for some folks budget. IMO, it is a stretch to imply that TSS is some magic bullet and a hunter is not ethical if they aren't using it. Turkeys were killed for decades with lead, and, it will kill them just as dead right now. Ethical shots are determined by knowing what your gun will do, and limiting actual shots to where you have sufficient pattern to kill the bird in its tracks.

And, it can be done just as well with lead at least in the larger bores.

I have pretty much always used lead 5's and have yet to not kill in one shot…not as many as a lot of folks to be sure though. Personally I cannot justify the expense to switch to TSS, although I'm not against it at all, and think it would perform better than lead pattern wise. Will it kill them deader? No, but to be more sure is just fine IMO. To use it to extend your range is a different discussion, and I'm totally against using TSS for that purpose.

 

[Roost 1]

 

[Benelli 4 Life]

I started shooting a 20ga with TSS 8 years ago As long as I can get my hands on it I won't be going back to a 12 and dang sure won't be going back to Lead

 

[tnanh]

I havent tried tss in my 20. I have a good supply of hevi 13 20 gauge 6's and 7's and have been happy with those.

 

[woodsman04]

I've shot a bunch with 2-3/4" magnum 6s in a remington 1100 bird gun with a fixed improved cylinder. All I had, and never even gave it a thought to upgrade in my early turkey hunting days.

TSS is incredible though. I use it some. I just wish people wouldn't shoot them at 70-80 yards with it.

 

[ruger7mag]

BOSS should have their 20 gauge loads in stock soon. Their 2 oz 20 gauge load did really well for me last year.

 

[TheLBLman]

I've shot a bunch with 2-3/4" magnum 6s in a remington 1100 bird gun with a fixed improved cylinder.

Similarly, I killed many turkeys with my Browning Sweet 16, just using the same shells used for squirrel hunting.