Turkey hunting forum for turkey hunting tips

With Apex, Nitro and Federal getting into loading TSS factory loads, how many will switch?

Used Apex TSS last year in my 20g 870 youth and will be sticking with it. Haven't swapped my 12g BPS over yet and don't know if I will. Fairly satisfied with the LB #5s out of it and I found myself with the 20 in the woods more often then not last year!

Don't know. If I ever go 28 guage or smaller I might. Long as I have #7 hevi weight shells for the 20 guage my boys use i have no desire to switch.

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I dont see myself switching as long as there are other alternatives.  If they quit making the Fed HW 7's I'll probably go to TSS once I run out of the HW's.   Either that or go back to the 12 with supremes or long beards.  I'v shot a couple of the long beards and didn't care for them.  To tight for my liking.

I really can't see myself spending that much for shells. If I shot a 20 gauge or smaller then maybe. But I never minded the extra weight of a 12 and son started using a 12 so with all the good (and cheaper) loads out there, I think I'll pass on the tss.  I gotta admit though, I am curious to see what our guns would do with a heavy load of 8 or 9 shot!! 

If the federal HW goes away, then yes I'll switch.


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I'd try them at the range.
Here in Iowa, I believe that any shot size smaller than 7.5 is not legal. 
Greg

I'm sold on LB Xr 6's in a couple pretty average 12 ga guns, can't see reason for the added expense....... I wouldn't have as much money to buy calls with!     :gobble:

I will try a box of the new Federal Tss but i just bought several boxes of the Federal HW 7 ...yes these shells are going to be discontinued...Midway USA has already listed them as Discontinued ... so if you want some of these shells better get them while the getting is good ....

Not me.

I hold my nose and pay the premium for Fed HW 7's for the 20 gauges.  LBXR's are just too good in the 12's.  I'll stock up on the HW 7's and if I run out, I'll either go back to lead in the 20's or sell a couple nice little guns...........

Quote from: Double B on December 29, 2017, 06:00:15 PM
I'm sold on LB Xr 6's in a couple pretty average 12 ga guns, can't see reason for the added expense....... I wouldn't have as much money to buy calls with!     :gobble:

This :z-winnersmiley:

Looking forward to trying it in my .410.

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I guess I'm just cheap but I couldn't stomach paying the price of what those would cost. I've shot some magblends and some Hw's   But I've never walked up to a turkey and noticed it being more dead by some of those more expensive shells than some cheap ones I've shot. I take Conservative shots and 40- is a long shot to me. I just rather them be close lol.  They just aren't necessary to Kill a bird at reasonable range  with that being said  Im sure they'll fly off the shelves  and some good ol boys will have Facebook post tellin how they "Got it done"  at 80 yards!!!  Just not by me lol

I load my own but if I hadn't invested in material and tools I'd be shooting Apex most likely.  To me it makes little sense not to.  We spend coin on calls, gas, camo, boots, chokes, and time so why skimp on shells.  In the end our ammo is the connection between us and the bird.

Quote from: Gooserbat on December 29, 2017, 10:37:31 PM
I load my own but if I hadn't invested in material and tools I'd be shooting Apex most likely.  To me it makes little sense not to.  We spend coin on calls, gas, camo, boots, chokes, and time so why skimp on shells.  In the end our ammo is the connection between us and the bird.

You obviously haven't seen my camo, calls and especially my boots :TooFunny:   I hear what your saying though.   

Quote from: Gooserbat on December 29, 2017, 10:37:31 PM
I load my own but if I hadn't invested in material and tools I'd be shooting Apex most likely.  To me it makes little sense not to.  We spend coin on calls, gas, camo, boots, chokes, and time so why skimp on shells.  In the end our ammo is the connection between us and the bird.

I doubt your stash is any bigger than mine. 

Quote from: Gooserbat on December 29, 2017, 10:37:31 PM
I load my own but if I hadn't invested in material and tools I'd be shooting Apex most likely.  To me it makes little sense not to.  We spend coin on calls, gas, camo, boots, chokes, and time so why skimp on shells.  In the end our ammo is the connection between us and the bird.

You and I are definitely from different schools!  Lol. I'm from the penny saved penny earned school.   I don't justify paying out the butt for shells by comparing the money I spend on other things. I don't spend much( if anything) on calls most years. I buy boots when needed and use them for all my hunting, not just turkey. I don't chase numbers so chokes aren't a factor. And while the ammo might be the final connection between us and the bird, the woodsmanship and the calling is what made that connection possible!  Strive to be good at the core aspects of this "game", and don't worry about chasing numbers on paper or whether your gun patterns as well as the next guys.  If you really feel you need or want to use the expensive stuff, then do it!  But don't try to justify it to those of us who don't need it or want it! 

Everyone is right.  As long as they kill turkeys cleanly, ethically and legally.  I don't like other people hunting with me usually so why do I care what products they choose to do their OWN thing.  Nothing will change turkey hunting, turkey behavior, or your success as much as experience, woodsmanship, and plain old luck. 
I'll stick with my LB XRs in 3" and #6 shot.  It works. For me.

Quote from: Farmboy27 on December 30, 2017, 06:44:50 PM

Quote from: Gooserbat on December 29, 2017, 10:37:31 PM
I load my own but if I hadn't invested in material and tools I'd be shooting Apex most likely.  To me it makes little sense not to.  We spend coin on calls, gas, camo, boots, chokes, and time so why skimp on shells.  In the end our ammo is the connection between us and the bird.

You and I are definitely from different schools!  Lol. I'm from the penny saved penny earned school.   I don't justify paying out the butt for shells by comparing the money I spend on other things. I don't spend much( if anything) on calls most years. I buy boots when needed and use them for all my hunting, not just turkey. I don't chase numbers so chokes aren't a factor. And while the ammo might be the final connection between us and the bird, the woodsmanship and the calling is what made that connection possible!  Strive to be good at the core aspects of this "game", and don't worry about chasing numbers on paper or whether your gun patterns as well as the next guys.  If you really feel you need or want to use the expensive stuff, then do it!  But don't try to justify it to those of us who don't need it or want it!

I'm actually probably closer to your way of thinking than you realize.  I don't wear the latest greatest camo, I don't own 4 turkey vest for different hunting conditions, sure I do have a small collection of chokes but I'm apt to trade one for something else.  I don't own a single decoy because woodsmanship does kill turkeys.  And I do shoot tss not because I'm trying to be better than anyone who shoots lead or any other load but because I simply want to.  I hunt for me not for anyone else.  Sure I build a lot of calls and I enjoy sharing the success of others.  I guide a few guy each spring and I have guys who show up with superX lead #5, longbeards, Hevi shot, tss, and Remington nitros.  I only ask two things.  Does your poa coincide with your poi and do you know your effective range.  I don't care if it's 30 or 60.  Just know your limits, sit still, and let's have a good hunt.

Quote from: fallhnt on December 29, 2017, 09:39:32 PM
Looking forward to trying it in my .410.

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Sure will be fun taking the .410 out! Have to get some for that.
As for the 20 gauge  I have enough Hw7 to last a very very long time and it works just fine.

I won't be switching to TSS. I bought the wife a new 20 ga. last year and will have it set up for The HW7's. She isn't an experienced hunter or shooter. I want it shooting a good, even hunting pattern at 35yds., but not so tight at 15 that she could easily miss. I know I can probably do this with lead shot, but want the fuller/denser pattern that 7 shot provides. We only turkey hunt one week a year. It's bad enough paying $4 a shell for the HW7, let alone the higher price of the new TSS shells will cost. I am going to stock up on some more HW7 and if nescessary switch to Hevi 7's... they shot just as good as the HW7's in the old gun.

As far as boots, camo and stuff like that, I'm kind of like Farmboy27. I wear my deer hunting boots for turkey hunting. I've been wearing the same turkey hunting camo for 8 yrs.(it was retired from deer hunting so it's closer to 12yrs old) and this will be the 5th year for the wife's camo.

These prices are nothing new.  Any of you shoot nitros?  They have been priced like this for dang near 20 years

Quote from: marshboy on December 29, 2017, 05:53:45 PM
I'd try them at the range.
Here in Iowa, I believe that any shot size smaller than 7.5 is not legal. 
Greg

Can use 8's. Copied from DNR webpage.

Archery equipment as de ned on p. 40,
and 10-, 12-, 16- and 20-gauge shotguns or muzzleloading shotguns shooting number 4, 5, 6, 7 1/2 or 8 lead or nontoxic shot. Number 2 or 3 nontoxic shot may also be used. Hunters may not have shot sizes other than those listed above on their person

My mistake, thanks.
Greg

I checked Indiana regs and 7 1/2's are the smallest size allowed here.

No need too....Longbeard#5 work great for me..

Not here. My old school Rem 11-87 does well with HS 5,6,7s and my Win SX3 does well with Win LB #4s.

Simply lead for me.

I will be trying them just as soon as they hit the shelves.
I pretty much share Gooserbat's opinion, with all the time, travel and $$$ I invest each spring, 10 bucks a shot to have the best odds possible is just another drop in the bucket. I just hope they come out we'll in advance of season.

I'll probably whine about the cost but still end up at least trying them for the 20 not the 12.

I switched to Hevi Shot several years ago but went back to Lead when the Longbeards came out.
I'll just stick with those as long as they produce them.
I might try some TSS in the future but I'm very happy with my current setup in my 835.


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I'll be trying apex this year . Expensive yes, but so are a lot of things. If it doesn't work out, back to LB #6s.

Quote from: 17hornethunter on January 02, 2018, 08:53:09 PM
I'll be trying apex this year . Expensive yes, but so are a lot of things. If it doesn't work out, back to LB #6s.

I'll bet you all the diaphragms in my turkey vest it will work.

Quote from: Gooserbat on January 02, 2018, 09:59:44 PM

Quote from: 17hornethunter on January 02, 2018, 08:53:09 PM
I'll be trying apex this year . Expensive yes, but so are a lot of things. If it doesn't work out, back to LB #6s.

I'll bet you all the diaphragms in my turkey vest it will work.

Ha, that's a good bet.  I mean, who wants to use someone else's mouth calls? :TooFunny:

Now if we were talking your box and slates...you're on.  But I suspect you're right.

I may give them a shot if I ever get my lil 20 going.

If you only knew how many new packaged calls were in my vest... I give out a sample to hunters I meet in the field.

Clark shot the Federal  .410 loads @ 40yrds. and they had great performance. Anybody have an idea of when or where the .410 will be available?

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For the 12 im fine with Hevi 6's and Longbeards I hardly carry the 12 anymore anyways

The 20 I've loved the HW7's and will have to buy a bunch, but will give TSS a shot but not federal the 9's aren't legal in all the states I hunt and 7's seem like overkill and reduced pellet count so I will try apex 8's

From my limited experience with TSS, there is no doubt in my mind that it will extend the lethal range for most folks.  Is the added expense worth it?  To me, that depends on the ranges you are willing to shoot.  In my opinion, you cannot have a discussion about extended-range loads without a corresponding discussion about the ethics of long-range shooting, and how the two are tied together.

Here on OG, we have had much discussion about those long-range shooting ethics.  It seems the number that is thrown around the most is 40 yards maximum ethical range.  Although that may be a reasonable standard to adopt as a guideline, there is no doubt in my mind that many on OG that try to stick to that axiom have shot at turkeys beyond that range,...and some pretty regularly. 

Some of us hunt in places and under conditions where the great majority of our shots will be under that 40 yard mark.  Just as certainly, there are those that hunt places where shots at or beyond 40 yards are the norm,...or at least are to be expected.  If someone fits into that category, then by all means use the most effective load you can find for your gun.  If that is TSS (and it probably will be), then pay the extra cost for those shells. 

On the other hand, there are plenty of loads that will kill turkeys cleanly out to that 40 yard mark.  If you hunt where all of your turkey shooting is under forty yards,....and you know your gun and loads will consistently kill gobblers up to that range,...then forget the TSS. 

Finally, when all is said and done, self-awareness and self-discipline are the key elements for all of us as turkey hunters.  Whether we use TSS or the standard, run-of-the-mill, lead turkey loads, each of us has the responsibility to know the limits of our weapons and our abilities.  We owe that to the majestic bird we pursue.   

Quote from: GobbleNut on January 03, 2018, 04:06:40 PM
On the other hand, there are plenty of loads that will kill turkeys cleanly out to that 40 yard mark.  If you hunt where all of your turkey shooting is under forty yards,....and you know your gun and loads will consistently kill gobblers up to that range,...then forget the TSS. 

I'm more interested in pattern density, and that's where the TSS shines for my use.

Switched three years ago and have no plans to shoot anything else.

will not be switching, you can only kill a bird so dead

Switched last year and I'm staying with tss. It's easy to load your own and way cheaper than buying them from any company. And the patterns well they speak for themselves! 12 870 supermag 3.5 inch 2.5 oz 8.5s at 40 yards = 375 in 10 inch and 275 in the 20 inch.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/temzdCOkij3neSmf2

Nope! Lead in the 12 (rarely used) or HW7 in the 20...

I bought a 20 gauge late last year and set it up with tss. Patterns are great and looking forward to seeing how well it does on turkeys. I switched my 12 last week with awesome results. I was not sure if the company's were going to keep making heavyweight so I converted and have everything ready for a outstanding year. I hope you all have a great year regardless of what you use.

I love to turkey hunt, first and foremost I am a Christian and a Pastor and I work a full time job as well. Turkey hunting is my hobby and yes I do get carried away, I have in my safe magna blends, Winchester supreme super x, long beards, heavy weight 7s, and just ordered some apex. Am I switching to tss probaly yes. Is it to say I put 300-400 on paper no. But to me turkey hunting is 365 I have more clothes, boots, cAlls, Gun's, Ammo, decoys, etc. more then I ever can or will use. I don't get allot of time to hunt but I just enjoy turkey hunting and have probaly in allot of folks eyes wasted allot of money. I don't load my own shells because Time is valuable and I just try to buy a quality load. All my guns will shoot any of the shells good enough to kill a turkey. I killed my first turkey didn't even know what Gun patterning was just grabbed a Remington 11-87 with a xtra full ten choke and some Winchester x number 5s and smoked em lol didn't even know what red dots, patterning, high quality turkey chokes or calls or decoys was and believe it or not I'm only 30 and that was only 4 years ago. I'm hooked and it's my hobby. I deer hunt but turkey hunting is what I enjoy and is in my blood. So now I buy nice chokes, good ammo, clothes, calls, etc.

A turkey call especially and box and put call is like a musical instrument to me I enjoy holding them and playing them just like a man who likes guitars does.

Yes I have ordered some apex is it to kill turkeys at 80 yards no. Most all my turkeys but 1 have been killed within 17 yards.

Apex tss is probaly what I will shoot this year and I have hw7s and others as well. I normally only pull the trigger twice so 2 shells at 10bucks each ain't but 20.00. Then 3 or 4 before season to pattern once I've patterned my Gun a box of shells will last me 5 turkeys.

I probaly have about 7500.00 in each turkey I kill lol but I love it and thank God I can go and enjoy it.


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I started loading it last year. Don't see myself going back to lead or H13.

For me I like trying to call them in close and if I don't they live to be hunted another day. My 12g. Encore with #7 Htl is more than adequate for my hunting style. Actually going to try LB#6s before spring and if they pattern well I'll  make the switch. My son's 20 g. shoots great with H13 #7s and Fed Hvy#7s I bought some tss shot years ago just to see what the hype was about,but haven't done anything with it. It's up to the individual. Chasing numbers and figuring out the magical combo for an awesome pattern is fun,but dead is dead if you do your part in patterning and I like hunting Turkey's not just shooting them. The Turkey's I haven't shot over the years I think is what has kept me most interested all these years.

Quote from: 1iagobblergetter on January 15, 2018, 10:37:46 PM
For me I like trying to call them in close and if I don't they live to be hunted another day. My 12g. Encore with #7 Htl is more than adequate for my hunting style. Actually going to try LB#6s before spring and if they pattern well I'll  make the switch. My son's 20 g. shoots great with H13 #7s and Fed Hvy#7s I bought some tss shot years ago just to see what the hype was about,but haven't done anything with it. It's up to the individual. Chasing numbers and figuring out the magical combo for an awesome pattern is fun,but dead is dead if you do your part in patterning and I like hunting Turkey's not just shooting them. The Turkey's I haven't shot over the years I think is what has kept me most interested all these years.

Concur

Calling them close has nothing do with the ammo one shoots, but the self control to not pull the trigger until the appropriate time, lots of hope shots with lead and other types of shot that should have never been taken.


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Quote from: davisd9 on January 16, 2018, 08:05:39 AM
Calling them close has nothing do with the ammo one shoots, but the self control to not pull the trigger until the appropriate time, lots of hope shots with lead and other types of shot that should have never been taken.

The absolute truth. 


I've never understood the remark, "well I'm not going to shoot that ammo because I like to call them close."  I guess that helps justify not buying them.


I shoot Hevi7's from my 12's and HW 7's from my 20's.  If I didn't have 20 boxes of HW 7's stored up, you know for long shots, I'd be trying TSS 9's, you know for longer shots.  It would have nothing to do with the fact of I like the extra insurance from heavier shot.  LOL

Quote from: Tom Foolery on January 16, 2018, 08:46:40 AM

Quote from: davisd9 on January 16, 2018, 08:05:39 AM
Calling them close has nothing do with the ammo one shoots, but the self control to not pull the trigger until the appropriate time, lots of hope shots with lead and other types of shot that should have never been taken.

The absolute truth. 


I've never understood the remark, "well I'm not going to shoot that ammo because I like to call them close."  I guess that helps justify not buying them.


I shoot Hevi7's from my 12's and HW 7's from my 20's.  If I didn't have 20 boxes of HW 7's stored up, you know for long shots, I'd be trying TSS 9's, you know for longer shots.  LOL

That's an easy one. If my gun patterns great out to 40 yards and I don't miss and cripple Turkey's,but shoot them dead why do I need Tss unless I didn't want to call them in close???Now if my gun didnt pattern adequately with other shells and it took tss to acheive killing patterns out to 40yds I'd spend the money on tss.. For guys that think they need to take their heads off or kill them at longer ranges more power to you,buy the Tss...

Quote from: 1iagobblergetter on January 16, 2018, 09:48:50 AM

Quote from: Tom Foolery on January 16, 2018, 08:46:40 AM

Quote from: davisd9 on January 16, 2018, 08:05:39 AM
Calling them close has nothing do with the ammo one shoots, but the self control to not pull the trigger until the appropriate time, lots of hope shots with lead and other types of shot that should have never been taken.

The absolute truth. 


I've never understood the remark, "well I'm not going to shoot that ammo because I like to call them close."  I guess that helps justify not buying them.


I shoot Hevi7's from my 12's and HW 7's from my 20's.  If I didn't have 20 boxes of HW 7's stored up, you know for long shots, I'd be trying TSS 9's, you know for longer shots.  LOL

That's an easy one. If my gun patterns great out to 40 yards and I don't miss and cripple Turkey's,but shoot them dead why do I need Tss unless I didn't want to call them in close???For guys that think they need to take their heads off and kill them at longer ranges more power to you,buy the Tss...

Why is it bad to plan for the worst situation? Also, if shooting upgraded ammo falls into that then shouldn't shotguns and chokes? Why not just shoot a modified barreled single shot?


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So again, how about the guys that shoot that stuff and do call them in close?  Most of my birds are 20-30yds but I still shoot heavy because it patterns better and penetrates better, extra insurance.


Hunt long enough and weird stuff happens, in my experience less weird stuff happens with better stuff.  I can swing $20-$30 for a box of ammo and not feel bad about it. 


I assume the call them in close guys use an old break down single shot 26" full choke barrel with 2.75" #4's?

Quote from: Tom Foolery on January 16, 2018, 09:55:54 AM
So again, how about the guys that shoot that stuff and do call them in close?  Most of my birds are 20-30yds but I still shoot heavy because it patterns better and penetrates better, extra insurance.


Hunt long enough and weird stuff happens, in my experience less weird stuff happens with better stuff.  I can swing $20-$30 for a box of ammo and not feel bad about it. 


I assume the call them in close guys use an old break down single shot 26" full choke barrel with 2.75" #4's?

I shoot Htl or Fed Hvys. Its overkill in my opinion at times for the way I hunt,but i like the extra insurance..If someone wants to spend money on tss spend the money by all means..I do shoot a T/C Encore I've patterned extensively..Its all opinions and if I thought I needed Tss I'd use Tss. It's turkey hunting..Patterning your gun for whatever shell you want to use is where a guy spends the most at first. Once you get your combo dialed in for me its just one shell here and there afterwords..

Quote from: 1iagobblergetter on January 16, 2018, 10:19:06 AM

Quote from: Tom Foolery on January 16, 2018, 09:55:54 AM
So again, how about the guys that shoot that stuff and do call them in close?  Most of my birds are 20-30yds but I still shoot heavy because it patterns better and penetrates better, extra insurance.


Hunt long enough and weird stuff happens, in my experience less weird stuff happens with better stuff.  I can swing $20-$30 for a box of ammo and not feel bad about it. 


I assume the call them in close guys use an old break down single shot 26" full choke barrel with 2.75" #4's?

I shoot Htl or Fed Hvys. Its overkill in my opinion at times for the way I hunt,but i like the extra insurance..If someone wants to spend money on tss spend the money by all means..I do shoot a T/C Encore I've patterned extensively..Its all opinions and if I thought I needed Tss I'd use Tss. It's turkey hunting..Patterning your gun for whatever shell you want to use is where a guy spends the most at first. Once you get your combo dialed in for me its just one shell here and there afterwords..

I feel the same way.  Setup on any firearm is the most expensive and then after that unless you just want to burn rounds it's fairly cheap.  Last season between hunting and checking zero with HW 7's I spent around $25. 

Interesting, but not surprising to see folks on both sides.  I like trying new things, and have the money to dabble.

Question: I get the impression from a couple of posts that folks think the Apex TSS is better than what Federal is coming out with.  Is there a reason for this?  Also, those that have been running TSS, is there a place to look for choke recommendations?

I guarantee you more birds have been call in close and killed with just about any kind of shotgun shell. You have to remember a lot of these turkey loads weren't even around. So regardless what shell you want to use or shoot , just may sure you have a complete circle or pattern.  Just remember because you have the biggest and latest guns, shells , call's and clothing , doesn't mean a thing if you don't know how to listen and play the game with turkeys ...It's like i own a fine race car but i don't know how to drive it...same with turkey hunting ...don't let shells dictate your ability to kill turkeys ...patience's will always make you a better turkey hunter...learn what those call's will do in your vest, will this call today run him off or will it call him to the barrel..it's doesn't matter if you have 20 calls in your vest or one or six..it's learning what those calls will do with calling turkey's .. Sometime, just try after you hear the bird gobble in a reasonable range sitting down and try calling that bird, don't run thru the woods like a deer that has been shot and missed ...  just opinion...guys...

Just curious if anyone has shot enough of the TSS to know if it does any damage to chokes and if it damages chokes is it harder on the barrel also?

Quote from: 1iagobblergetter on January 16, 2018, 01:14:48 PM
Just curious if anyone has shot enough of the TSS to know if it does any damage to chokes and if it damages chokes is it harder on the barrel also?

I read the Federal release and I think that is a myth or thing of the past. The shot cup carries the load to the end of the barrel. Clark would know. I'm not an expert.

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That is a good question being a harder an heavier shot is there long term wear and abuse on a the Gun, shooting a 10.00 round in a 800.00-2000.00 setup depending on Gun and setup that is going to eventually destroy the barrel and choke doesn't sound very wise to pay more for a round to tear up your equipment. I would like to hear from guys who have been shooting tss for awhile, guys who have been shooting it out of benelli crio barrels. Also I wander if it's easier on non ported chokes instead of ported chokes. I suppose as more folks buy it and more folks shoot it we will see if there are repercussions for shooting it. I believe it would take allot I mean allot to do any damage and a man who is setting his rig up just to be a turkey rig isn't going to be hammering 1000s of rounds of tss down the barrel each year.


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Quote from: 1iagobblergetter on January 16, 2018, 01:14:48 PM
Just curious if anyone has shot enough of the TSS to know if it does any damage to chokes and if it damages chokes is it harder on the barrel also?

If loaded properly it never touches the barrel.  The shot stays in the wad until it leaves the barrels, just like any shot that is harder than the barrel metal.  Also, some load recipes call for mylar wraps which is more protection to the barrel.

Quote from: BottomLand54 on January 16, 2018, 02:01:00 PM
That is a good question being a harder an heavier shot is there long term wear and abuse on a the Gun, shooting a 10.00 round in a 800.00-2000.00 setup depending on Gun and setup that is going to eventually destroy the barrel and choke doesn't sound very wise to pay more for a round to tear up your equipment. I would like to hear from guys who have been shooting tss for awhile, guys who have been shooting it out of benelli crio barrels. Also I wander if it's easier on non ported chokes instead of ported chokes. I suppose as more folks buy it and more folks shoot it we will see if there are repercussions for shooting it. I believe it would take allot I mean allot to do any damage and a man who is setting his rig up just to be a turkey rig isn't going to be hammering 1000s of rounds of tss down the barrel each year.


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Gotta Vinci with four or five seasons of TSS and barrel shines like a mirror. Steel shot waterfowlers use would probably come closer to doing damage to barrel than TSS loaded with the correct wad and or mylar.

Switched last year...hand loaded my own and enjoy doing it...just another thing to prep for season...20ga performance is amazing with it!


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Quote from: mrclif on January 16, 2018, 03:44:41 PM

Quote from: BottomLand54 on January 16, 2018, 02:01:00 PM
That is a good question being a harder an heavier shot is there long term wear and abuse on a the Gun, shooting a 10.00 round in a 800.00-2000.00 setup depending on Gun and setup that is going to eventually destroy the barrel and choke doesn't sound very wise to pay more for a round to tear up your equipment. I would like to hear from guys who have been shooting tss for awhile, guys who have been shooting it out of benelli crio barrels. Also I wander if it's easier on non ported chokes instead of ported chokes. I suppose as more folks buy it and more folks shoot it we will see if there are repercussions for shooting it. I believe it would take allot I mean allot to do any damage and a man who is setting his rig up just to be a turkey rig isn't going to be hammering 1000s of rounds of tss down the barrel each year.


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Gotta Vinci with four or five seasons of TSS and barrel shines like a mirror. Steel shot waterfowlers use would probably come closer to doing damage to barrel than TSS loaded with the correct wad and or mylar.

Thanks man I was wandering I got a brand new benelli sbe ii 25th anniversary I am about to build and shoot apex out of Lord willing.


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Nope.  Stocked up on Hevi 7's and have plenty of Longbeards to back those up.  Playing Devil's advocate here, we have killed them for years with lead 4's and Hevi's come along, now Hevi's are out and TSS is the only thing that will kill a bird.  Where does the madness stop?  Just saying?

Quote from: bbcoach on January 16, 2018, 05:42:46 PM
Nope.  Stocked up on Hevi 7's and have plenty of Longbeards to back those up.  Playing Devil's advocate here, we have killed them for years with lead 4's and Hevi's come along, now Hevi's are out and TSS is the only thing that will kill a bird.  Where does the madness stop?  Just saying?

Devil's Advocate: who said TSS was the only thing that will kill a bird?


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Playin Devils advocate part 3,  Indians used bow and arrow, throw the shotgun away.

They also drove buffalo off cliffs. It wasn't a sport to them. It was survival.

True that.

 :popcorn:

It would seem that when there are so many pellets in the 10" circles that you no longer have any chance of counting them!

Oh and out to the 20" too!  You know for close up encounters!

Do you experience any more wasted meat with TSS than other HTL or lead? Thinking they would penetrate breast easier.


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Quote from: bbcoach on January 16, 2018, 05:42:46 PM
Nope.  Stocked up on Hevi 7's and have plenty of Longbeards to back those up.  Playing Devil's advocate here, we have killed them for years with lead 4's and Hevi's come along, now Hevi's are out and TSS is the only thing that will kill a bird.  Where does the madness stop?  Just saying?

You just explained it in your post. The evolution of the turkey load.

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Really we all should try to lasso them and forget about bows, guns, shells, etc. just lasso em take a picture and let em go. Go back the next day and try to lasso them again. I would still go back again and again no matter if my lasso was built out of bailing twine or para cord boy it will still be fun to hear one gobble.


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Quote from: Gooserbat on January 02, 2018, 11:20:03 PM
If you only knew how many new packaged calls were in my vest... I give out a sample to hunters I meet in the field.

Tell me where u'll b this spring. I'd like to "bump" into u myself. Lol


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Quote from: buzzardroost on January 16, 2018, 08:17:45 PM
Do you experience any more wasted meat with TSS than other HTL or lead? Thinking they would penetrate breast easier.


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Nope! I've shot a couple with it with zero I'll effect. Bang away. They pass right on thru like a hot knife thru butter.


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I would switch to TSS with a 20ga but not the 12ga.  Few hundred rounds of 12ga turkey loads is going to last me a loooong time.

I am currently on the fence, but I probably will.

No need........

 Not me. I still can't believe they dropped the 20ga #7 heavy weight loads. They produced killer patterns with more penetration at far longer ranges than anyone needs for turkeys, farther than in my opinion should be shot at any game. To me pattern density is pattern density regardless of the size of shot. We had that with the 7's and they were bone crushers! I can't see it being a good move for federal going to tss. If they wanted to really help out us hunters, keep the sales and profits up, and bring something new to the table in terms of smaller shot they would keep the heavyweight line of 7 shot and add to that line. Such as heavy weight #8 shot and #9 shot at the same price point with less money and research involved. Which would no doubt be more than effective pattern wise and energy wise. Just can't wrap my head around why they did it.lol Of course I know its for the money such as everything else these days but at over twice the price per box of their highly sought after and loved 20 ga #7 loads? In a way it seems like they're holding their loyal customers over a barrel by doing things this way.

Quote from: old3toe on January 18, 2018, 03:13:44 PM
Not me. I still can't believe they dropped the 20ga #7 heavy weight loads. They produced killer patterns with more penetration at far longer ranges than anyone needs for turkeys, farther than in my opinion should be shot at any game. To me pattern density is pattern density regardless of the size of shot. We had that with the 7's and they were bone crushers! I can't see it being a good move for federal going to tss. If they wanted to really help out us hunters, keep the sales and profits up, and bring something new to the table in terms of smaller shot they would keep the heavyweight line of 7 shot and add to that line. Such as heavy weight #8 shot and #9 shot at the same price point with less money and research involved. Which would no doubt be more than effective pattern wise and energy wise. Just can't wrap my head around why they did it.lol Of course I know its for the money such as everything else these days but at over twice the price per box of their highly sought after and loved 20 ga #7 loads? In a way it seems like they're holding their loyal customers over a barrel by doing things this way.

I'm pretty sure you don't understand what tss can do.  I'd post pics and tell you what the actual yardage was but I'd be shamed, slammed and some do-gooder would want me kicked off the forum.  Long story short is patern density.  #7 will not equal that of #9. Coupled with the heavier weight of tss.  It simply outperforms HW#7 and I'm not dissing the HW it's a very good load.

I think we should just all shoot






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Quote from: old3toe on January 18, 2018, 03:13:44 PMIf they wanted to really help out us hunters, keep the sales and profits up, and bring something new to the table in terms of smaller shot they would keep the heavyweight line of 7 shot and add to that line. Such as heavy weight #8 shot and #9 shot at the same price point with less money and research involved. Which would no doubt be more than effective pattern wise and energy wise.

HWs 7,8, or 9s are 15 g/cc will TSS of the same size is 18-19 g/cc.  While not a huge difference, the TSS will always carry more energy because of its density.  They have not really changed a lot to their shells other than improving the FCW.

No need for me to use tss in 12ga. but can't wait to run it in my .410

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Quote from: fallhnt on January 19, 2018, 01:30:19 PM
No need for me to use tss in 12ga. but can't wait to run it in my .410

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That's where it changes the game, with the small guns. Excited to load some #10s in my sons 20 gauge to try to get him a bird this year.

 I'm aware of the density differences in all the different shot materials and sizes but what I mean is if almost 100% of heavy weight #7 pellets that make contact with a gobbler will penetrate completely through and through, and in my experience they do out to at least 40 yards maybe farther, why would the tss be worth anything more? I mean anything extra out the other side is a waste energy wise. Why go up to an alloy that is two or three times more expensive when obviously the hvywght material in #8 and #9 at the cheaper price point will still be more than needed out to 40 yards or so. And no doubt will still have the crazy pattern densities that tss has with the smaller #8, #9, and #10 shot.

Quote from: old3toe on January 19, 2018, 07:19:14 PM
I'm aware of the density differences in all the different shot materials and sizes but what I mean is if almost 100% of heavy weight #7 pellets that make contact with a gobbler will penetrate completely through and through, and in my experience they do out to at least 40 yards maybe farther, why would the tss be worth anything more? I mean anything extra out the other side is a waste energy wise. Why go up to an alloy that is two or three times more expensive when obviously the hvywght material in #8 and #9 at the cheaper price point will still be more than needed out to 40 yards or so. And no doubt will still have the crazy pattern densities that tss has with the smaller #8, #9, and #10 shot.

At risk of having my hand slapped... Not all turkeys are shot at 40 yards. 

Quote from: Gooserbat on January 19, 2018, 07:51:41 PM

Quote from: old3toe on January 19, 2018, 07:19:14 PM
I'm aware of the density differences in all the different shot materials and sizes but what I mean is if almost 100% of heavy weight #7 pellets that make contact with a gobbler will penetrate completely through and through, and in my experience they do out to at least 40 yards maybe farther, why would the tss be worth anything more? I mean anything extra out the other side is a waste energy wise. Why go up to an alloy that is two or three times more expensive when obviously the hvywght material in #8 and #9 at the cheaper price point will still be more than needed out to 40 yards or so. And no doubt will still have the crazy pattern densities that tss has with the smaller #8, #9, and #10 shot.

At risk of having my hand slapped... Not all turkeys are shot at 40 yards.

And that's just the cold hard truth. Fact of the matter is, and I hope that everyone understands exactly what I'm saying here, some of the guys that proclaim they only shoot 40 or less aren't exactly speaking the truth. Others proclaim to misjudge the distance. This will make the difference between a crippled bird and a dead one. Some will tell of shooting a bird at 40 on this site and brag of shooting it at a much farther distance on another board. I'm not complaining in the least but GB spelled it out pretty clearly. Last I'll say of any of it.


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honestly this is my though, its just like any thing. i grew up on Ford Tractors but chevrolet trucks. now ford doesnt make a tractor is is new holland and not the quality and if i were to go buy a new tractor under 100 hp it would be a kubota. when i went and bought a new truck it was a toyota.

that being said i think we are spoiled with turkey hunting shells. i am so thankful we are so blessed in America and have such a great variety to choose from. i just got my apex in the mail, and when it comes available i will get some federal tss as well. i say why not. if a man wants to shoot federal heavy weight i say praise God i got some of that as well.

shoot what you want to shoot, kill birds and what ethical range you can kill birds at. everyone of us will and have missed, i dont go hunting to miss but it happens. know what your weapon will do and the lethal effective range of it.


if you want to shoot tss shoot it
if you want to shoot lead shoot it
if you want to shoot a sling shot get you some rocks
if you want to shoot carbon arrows shoot em
if you want to shoot aluminum arrows shoot em
if you want to shoot wood arrows shoot em.

its all about the sport and thats what makes each of us different some folks like tss some dont. i dont know what it will do so i bought some to shoot.
i like federal heavy weight and i do not believe any company such as federal would make any move that would hurt there company financially, or there reputation. i am excited about whats next.

Quote from: Gooserbat on January 18, 2018, 10:16:44 PM

Quote from: old3toe on January 18, 2018, 03:13:44 PM
Not me. I still can't believe they dropped the 20ga #7 heavy weight loads. They produced killer patterns with more penetration at far longer ranges than anyone needs for turkeys, farther than in my opinion should be shot at any game. To me pattern density is pattern density regardless of the size of shot. We had that with the 7's and they were bone crushers! I can't see it being a good move for federal going to tss. If they wanted to really help out us hunters, keep the sales and profits up, and bring something new to the table in terms of smaller shot they would keep the heavyweight line of 7 shot and add to that line. Such as heavy weight #8 shot and #9 shot at the same price point with less money and research involved. Which would no doubt be more than effective pattern wise and energy wise. Just can't wrap my head around why they did it.lol Of course I know its for the money such as everything else these days but at over twice the price per box of their highly sought after and loved 20 ga #7 loads? In a way it seems like they're holding their loyal customers over a barrel by doing things this way.

I'm pretty sure you don't understand what tss can do.  I'd post pics and tell you what the actual yardage was but I'd be shamed, slammed and some do-gooder would want me kicked off the forum.  Long story short is patern density.  #7 will not equal that of #9. Coupled with the heavier weight of tss.  It simply outperforms HW#7 and I'm not dissing the HW it's a very good load.

Pattern density? What kind of pattern density do you expect to get out of 1.5 oz. of tss 7's ?
Now 9's I get it but so far for some who have put a lot into a 20 gauge turkey gun they are having some reservations . A 15 dollar a box of 5 increase does not make some people feel all warm and fuzzy inside either.

 I do understand what you guys are saying and sadly I hear plenty of talk about such shots more often than not when around other hunters and especially on the net. I didn't want to get into all that. I've always been the one in the group that got scalded for holding off on a shot because I thought it was best or there was to much greenery or brush in they way, or it just didn't seem right as in birds to close together, or I thought it was to far even if it wasn't. I do carry a rangefinder and if at all possible get my ranges down when I'm hunting open ground. Its not always possible but most times it is. I'm just hoping things don't go the ways of gasoline, tobacco products, and taxes. Once these manufacturers get the price point set (driven up) and are all on the same level, I believe its safe to say even the cheaper loads will show a substantial increase as well. That won't be good.

What chokes are yall using with the HW federals for 20 ga? Recently bought a new 20 ga and will be using it as a daily driver.

Quote from: Tomfoolery on January 20, 2018, 09:44:23 PM
What chokes are yall using with the HW federals for 20 ga? Recently bought a new 20 ga and will be using it as a daily driver.

Pure gold.555 I believe. It does well enough to 40 that the birds not going anywhere.


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Quote from: Tomfoolery on January 20, 2018, 09:44:23 PM
What chokes are yall using with the HW federals for 20 ga? Recently bought a new 20 ga and will be using it as a daily driver.

Sumtoy 5625

Quote from: guesswho on January 21, 2018, 07:40:01 AM

Quote from: Tomfoolery on January 20, 2018, 09:44:23 PM
What chokes are yall using with the HW federals for 20 ga? Recently bought a new 20 ga and will be using it as a daily driver.

Sumtoy 5625

William makes some excellent chokes. Have one for my 835 and it's amazing. Actually performs better than the choke in my gun currently but was testing to see the effects of tss on a "lead-only" choke tube. Probably switching it back this spring.


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Carlson .575 or a sumtoy as mentioned above either or depending on gun


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Benelli M2

Quote from: guesswho on January 21, 2018, 07:40:01 AM

Quote from: Tomfoolery on January 20, 2018, 09:44:23 PM
What chokes are yall using with the HW federals for 20 ga? Recently bought a new 20 ga and will be using it as a daily driver.

Sumtoy 5625

Bingo  I use one of Williams in my 20ga it shoots the Federal Heviweights #7 shot and TSS #9 both very well.

I've got enough heavy #7s for my 20 to last probably five more years.  And until Longbeards stop killing birds I see no need in changing.  I might pick up a box just to see what all the fuss is about, but don't see myself switching.  My problem has always been woods turkeys getting too close so im not worried about extending my range. 

I think the 20 gauge loadings will sell pretty well, and should be around long term, but I'm thinking the 12 gauge loads will be discontinued after a few years. Those will have an up hill battle on cost vs performance against the already established Winchester longbeards for the average/casual turkey hunters. I have a decent stash of htl for my 12 gauges and not going to switch. when I run out of those I will probably go back to lead, but that will be years down the road and who knows what ammo company's will be offering by then!

What the ammunition companies offer by then ?
Guys I hope for the sport that this is enough!
But obviously it won't be that .

Quote from: owlhoot on January 23, 2018, 03:33:40 PM
What the ammunition companies offer by then ?
Guys I hope for the sport that this is enough!
But obviously it won't be that .

The ammo companies will have depleted uranium fletchette loads by then. But the E.P.A will require the use of bio-degradable pellets made from bubblegum starting in California in 2020.Nationwide by 2024. The Government will require them to be only fired from a spring loaded air shotgun. For the children. And the environment. Lol!

In the not so distant future it will be common practice to shoot them off the roost and over corn piles and chufa plots. tss will be too expensive and rifles will be the weapon of choice.

Quote from: Happy on January 23, 2018, 05:42:29 PM
In the not so distant future it will be common practice to shoot them off the roost and over corn piles and chufa plots. tss will be too expensive and rifles will be the weapon of choice.

Rifles are illegal in 90% of the country


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So were crossbows. Without permits anyways

Quote from: Happy on January 23, 2018, 05:56:04 PM
So were crossbows. Without permits anyways

Do not hunt with a crossbow but to my knowledge it has never been illegal in SC. Could be wrong.


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Quote from: the Ward on January 23, 2018, 05:35:10 PM

Quote from: owlhoot on January 23, 2018, 03:33:40 PM
What the ammunition companies offer by then ?
Guys I hope for the sport that this is enough!
But obviously it won't be that .

The ammo companies will have depleted uranium fletchette loads by then. But the E.P.A will require the use of bio-degradable pellets made from bubblegum starting in California in 2020.Nationwide by 2024. The Government will require them to be only fired from a spring loaded air shotgun. For the children. And the environment. Lol!

lmbo
the depleted uranium is 19.1  tss is a lousy 18 :OGturkeyhead:
It will have to be sugarless gum!

Quote from: owlhoot on January 23, 2018, 06:02:36 PM

Quote from: the Ward on January 23, 2018, 05:35:10 PM

Quote from: owlhoot on January 23, 2018, 03:33:40 PM
What the ammunition companies offer by then ?
Guys I hope for the sport that this is enough!
But obviously it won't be that .

The ammo companies will have depleted uranium fletchette loads by then. But the E.P.A will require the use of bio-degradable pellets made from bubblegum starting in California in 2020.Nationwide by 2024. The Government will require them to be only fired from a spring loaded air shotgun. For the children. And the environment. Lol!

lmbo
the depleted uranium is 19.1  tss is a lousy 18 :OGturkeyhead:
It will have to be sugarless gum!

Lol! :fud:

Hunt a turkey with a rifle?


Wow I never knew that was legal anywhere I need to get out more.

Why would anyone want to shoot a turkey with a rifle I'm probaly about to get blasted on this.


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Don't want to derail this thread but yes there are states.

Quote from: BottomLand54 on January 23, 2018, 06:23:15 PM
Hunt a turkey with a rifle?


Wow I never knew that was legal anywhere I need to get out more.

Why would anyone want to shoot a turkey with a rifle I'm probaly about to get blasted on this.


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It is all up to the users personal limits.
They keep advancing the shotgun ammunition and it might not be much difference..

Quote from: BottomLand54 on January 23, 2018, 06:23:15 PM
Hunt a turkey with a rifle?


Wow I never knew that was legal anywhere I need to get out more.

Why would anyone want to shoot a turkey with a rifle I'm probaly about to get blasted on this.


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They're legal here. Last year was the first year that I hunted solely with a shotgun. This year, that likely will not be the case. People may complain all they like but I personally prefer the feel of a rifle to shotgun. Not real certain the difference in guys bragging about shooting birds at distance with a shotgun vs shooting them at the same distance or closer with a rifle. All depends on personal preference. Lead, TSS, rifle. Makes no matter to me, nor should it matter to others. Hunt as you like.


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The reason I'm glad rifles aren't legal here is #1 to me it takes the hunt out. #2 I may have a chance of surviving getting shot by a shotgun. Not many people want to set behind a decoys with people running through the woods with a rifle.

Quote from: Tomfoolery on January 24, 2018, 07:02:58 PM
The reason I'm glad rifles aren't legal here is #1 to me it takes the hunt out. #2 I may have a chance of surviving getting shot by a shotgun. Not many people want to set behind a decoys with people running through the woods with a rifle.

I agree a person with a rifle turkey hunting on the ground is a lot different from a guy deer hunting from a treestand..This is very scary .... In our state during deer season you have to wear orange..what about states that allow turkey hunting with rifles ?

Missouri has a shot size of no larger than number 2 shot. lead was mainly used at  the time this came in effect. The regulations were for safety in the turkey woods and was said to cause fatalities  . I would wonder what size tss would have the same energy?

Quote from: owlhoot on January 24, 2018, 08:47:00 PM
Missouri has a shot size of no larger than number 2 shot. lead was mainly used at  the time this came in effect. The regulations were for safety in the turkey woods and was said to cause fatalities  . I would wonder what size tss would have the same energy?

I'm just guessing 7.5 would be close to 2 shot in Tss

Yeah go in in the dark and set up decoys on edge of field and at daylight Man shoots at your decoy on other side of field 200 yards away with a 7mag..... no thank you.  Could you imagine shooting a turkey with a 30-06 at 20 yards lol.


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Quote from: Greg Massey on January 24, 2018, 09:00:31 PM

Quote from: owlhoot on January 24, 2018, 08:47:00 PM
Missouri has a shot size of no larger than number 2 shot. lead was mainly used at  the time this came in effect. The regulations were for safety in the turkey woods and was said to cause fatalities  . I would wonder what size tss would have the same energy?

I just guessing 7.5 would be close to 2 shot in Tss

Dang! Turkey loads are getting scary enough .

Never been bothered by the prospect of rifles personally. I've had birds shot by others with rifles as they were coming in. All just part of the game in a state that allows it. The vast majority of the birds I've shot with rifles have still been within shotgun range. With the advent of TSS, it reduces the number even more considering the distance guys talk about shooting with it. 40 yards is 40 yards. Weapon makes no difference if u want to keep the hunt in it. Not going to sit here and say they've all been at 40 and under but I'd bet that there's plenty of guys using shotguns that have a hard time saying the same. Not trying to continue fanning a possible fire here. Just different strokes...


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Quote from: wvmntnhick on January 24, 2018, 09:13:17 PM
Never been bothered by the prospect of rifles personally. I've had birds shot by others with rifles as they were coming in. All just part of the game in a state that allows it. The vast majority of the birds I've shot with rifles have still been within shotgun range. With the advent of TSS, it reduces the number even more considering the distance guys talk about shooting with it. 40 yards is 40 yards. Weapon makes no difference if u want to keep the hunt in it. Not going to sit here and say they've all been at 40 and under but I'd bet that there's plenty of guys using shotguns that have a hard time saying the same. Not trying to continue fanning a possible fire here. Just different strokes...


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I don't think your fanning any fire, i think your giving us a different perspective on how a person rifle hunts. I would be scared that some people wouldn't hunt in a safe manor regardless a rifle hunter or anyone shooting any kind of turkey loads , it doesn't have to be just Tss shot... i respect your comments...

Amen shoot em legally and safely.


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I'd like to switch, whether buying it loaded or getting into reloading.  I don't NEED it, but just intriguing.


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I love my 12ga Longbeard edition SX3 so I doubt I'll be switching since my normal nitro shells/rhino combo shoot a plenty hot pattern for me. Only reason I'd go to tss would be to go to a lighter gun in 20 ga.

Now after checking prices, don't think I'll be doing TSS loads this year. 


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I shoot about $24 per year of TSS on a good year... 4 turkeys.  To offset this enormous cost, I will drink 1 case less of Coors Light per year.   ;D

I'll be sticking with my Hevi Shot since I still have several boxes

Quote from: honker22 on January 25, 2018, 02:57:05 PM
I shoot about $24 per year of TSS on a good year... 4 turkeys.  To offset this enormous cost, I will drink 1 case less of Coors Light per year.   ;D

If I looked at it like that I'd still be shooting lead.

Quote from: honker22 on January 25, 2018, 02:57:05 PM
I shoot about $24 per year of TSS on a good year... 4 turkeys.  To offset this enormous cost, I will drink 1 case less of Coors Light per year.   ;D

That's what I keep coming back to, I think $9 a shell are you out of your mind.... then I look over and see turkey calls that I paid $50,70,150 dollars for and hardly even take them to the woods some of which never simply because I have too many to carry. How many mouth calls have I paid $5-10 for not been happy with and discarded or never used

If you view it as an upgrade to an essential piece of gear the price feels different than if you look at it as just another firearm cartridge to be fired a single time.

I just ordered the supplies to load 410/28/20/16 gauge and will be ordering TSS shot next week.  I figure if I do it today, I will have enough supplies for years and years to come.  I love loading for my rifles so why not shotgun.  Also, I know it is expensive but look at it this way.  If I shoot a bird and not miss or worse wound one, I can either hunt a new bird the next day or go fishing.  The few bucks extra per round is nothing when you look at tanks of gas, fishing lures, or the arrows I use bowhunting.  I know it is expensive but at the end of the day a bird over my shoulder for $5 extra dollars is better than missing and walking out of the woods with my head down.


I always think of my buddy who I call for every season.  He said his gun was great out to 40 and he has killed at that range before with his ammo/gun.  Well, after hiking for hours I call a bird into 40 yards and he missed it.  At that point, we hunted 3 more days and never filled his tag.  Last year, same thing, he shot at a bird at 35-40 and missed it.  I mentioned Hevi shot and TSS and patterning his gun but he said not it was too expensive.  The way I see it, the time and gas used to try filling his tag were greater than the one shot that most likely killed that strutter. 

If I'm carrying a shotgun, it'll b TSS for the very reason mentioned above. By the time I waste gas running back and forth trying to get on a bird, I'd like to know that when the trigger is pulled (assuming it all comes together) that the bird is getting an easy hike out with me.
I'm intrigued by the prospect of using the .410. Something about that somewhat excites me. Think I'll use the 16 ga first tho. Wanna give it a whirl before I go with the real small stuff.

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Quote from: Gobble! on January 25, 2018, 03:07:54 PM

Quote from: honker22 on January 25, 2018, 02:57:05 PM
I shoot about $24 per year of TSS on a good year... 4 turkeys.  To offset this enormous cost, I will drink 1 case less of Coors Light per year.   ;D

If I looked at it like that I'd still be shooting lead.

So 2 cases of Coors or 4 cases of keystone and shoot lead... hmmmm quite the dilemma


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I don't waste my money on beer or cigarette, i like spending my money on guns, shells , calls and enjoying the outdoors...turkey hunting...

Dang! Ain't none of you ever heard of Sam Adams,Boulevard or Leinenkugal !

Franchi Affinity 3 800.00
Burris ffiii 200.00
Mount and choke 125.00
Sling 40.00
Camo outfit with gloves mask and hat 200.00
Boots 175.00
Turkey calls I would carry hunting not what I have 800.00
Thermacell 30.00
Fill my truck up with gas 65.00
Turkey vest 120.00
Decoys if I carry them 400.00
Nc sportsman annual hunting license 52.00
Box is apex 3" 9s tss 50.00




Pulling the trigger on an old paint brush beard dragging Tom at 15 yards. Shooting a 10.00 round.....priceless

Better yet it's all priceless, when the moment comes and I get up that morning get ready and head to the woods it is a day that is like no other I have worked hard all year to spend what little extra hard earned money I have to chase one of God's wisest creations and see the most beautiful sunrises and hear the spring woods come alive. Cold mornings that turn into nice cool t shirt wearing days.    I love it. It's in my blood.

Tss or lead just get outdoors and enjoy what the Lord hath made!


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Glad it does not cost me $9 a shell to shoot TSS.  If it did I probably still would though.  I pay no more for the TSS I shoot than I did Hevi shells 3-4 years ago.

You know guys with all of you who reload the prices may go up for you also..it's called supply and demand..Apex is out of 20 gauge 9.5 and it's still Jan..so reloaders i wouldn't brag just yet with how cheap you reloading Tss...

I just don't get how it's $9 per shell unless you buy it loaded.  I hand load a 2oz 12 ga load for around $6.75 each and a 1 5/8 20 ga for aroun $6.

Quote from: Greg Massey on January 26, 2018, 10:51:07 AM
You know guys with all of you who reload the prices may go up for you also..it's called supply and demand..Apex is out of 20 gauge 9.5 and it's still Jan..so reloaders i wouldn't brag just yet with how cheap you reloading Tss...

There is a reason why you buy in the off season and have plenty to spare.  Got prices yesterday for shot and still looking good.

Quote from: davisd9 on January 26, 2018, 11:13:02 AM

Quote from: Greg Massey on January 26, 2018, 10:51:07 AM
You know guys with all of you who reload the prices may go up for you also..it's called supply and demand..Apex is out of 20 gauge 9.5 and it's still Jan..so reloaders i wouldn't brag just yet with how cheap you reloading Tss...

There is a reason why you buy in the off season and have plenty to spare.  Got prices yesterday for shot and still looking good.

That's great for you reloaders, i hope these prices hold the same for you, but as we all know time will tell with Federal and Apex...and don't think these other shell manufacturers aren't going to take notice of what's happening with Tss shells...with Federal in the game...

Quote from: Greg Massey on January 26, 2018, 11:18:32 AM

Quote from: davisd9 on January 26, 2018, 11:13:02 AM

Quote from: Greg Massey on January 26, 2018, 10:51:07 AM
You know guys with all of you who reload the prices may go up for you also..it's called supply and demand..Apex is out of 20 gauge 9.5 and it's still Jan..so reloaders i wouldn't brag just yet with how cheap you reloading Tss...

There is a reason why you buy in the off season and have plenty to spare.  Got prices yesterday for shot and still looking good.

That's great for you reloaders, i hope these prices hold the same for you, but as we all know time will tell with Federal and Apex...and don't think these other shell manufacturers aren't going to take notice of what's happening with Tss shells...with Federal in the game...

Apex deals in no more quantity of shot then who I buy shot from.  They are no real competition as far as getting shot goes.  Federal probably has their own connections.  There are plenty of people to buy shot from which helps prices,  I stick with who I started buying from cause he has always been honest and reliable.  There is plenty of lead shells out there and I can still load lead shells for cheaper than I can buy them, steel as well.

Quote from: davisd9 on January 26, 2018, 11:24:00 AM

Quote from: Greg Massey on January 26, 2018, 11:18:32 AM

Quote from: davisd9 on January 26, 2018, 11:13:02 AM

Quote from: Greg Massey on January 26, 2018, 10:51:07 AM
You know guys with all of you who reload the prices may go up for you also..it's called supply and demand..Apex is out of 20 gauge 9.5 and it's still Jan..so reloaders i wouldn't brag just yet with how cheap you reloading Tss...

There is a reason why you buy in the off season and have plenty to spare.  Got prices yesterday for shot and still looking good.

That's great for you reloaders, i hope these prices hold the same for you, but as we all know time will tell with Federal and Apex...and don't think these other shell manufacturers aren't going to take notice of what's happening with Tss shells...with Federal in the game...

Apex deals in no more quantity of shot then who I buy shot from.  They are no real competition as far as getting shot goes.  Federal probably has their own connections.  There are plenty of people to buy shot from which helps prices,  I stick with who I started buying from cause he has always been honest and reliable.  There is plenty of lead shells out there and I can still load lead shells for cheaper than I can buy them, steel as well.

I'm glad your able to load these shells at a reasonable price, but at my age NOW buying a lot of equipment and supplies wouldn't be practicable , so i will just buy what i need from Apex or Federal...

Quote from: Greg Massey on January 26, 2018, 11:42:33 AM

Quote from: davisd9 on January 26, 2018, 11:24:00 AM

Quote from: Greg Massey on January 26, 2018, 11:18:32 AM

Quote from: davisd9 on January 26, 2018, 11:13:02 AM

Quote from: Greg Massey on January 26, 2018, 10:51:07 AM
You know guys with all of you who reload the prices may go up for you also..it's called supply and demand..Apex is out of 20 gauge 9.5 and it's still Jan..so reloaders i wouldn't brag just yet with how cheap you reloading Tss...

There is a reason why you buy in the off season and have plenty to spare.  Got prices yesterday for shot and still looking good.

That's great for you reloaders, i hope these prices hold the same for you, but as we all know time will tell with Federal and Apex...and don't think these other shell manufacturers aren't going to take notice of what's happening with Tss shells...with Federal in the game...

Apex deals in no more quantity of shot then who I buy shot from.  They are no real competition as far as getting shot goes.  Federal probably has their own connections.  There are plenty of people to buy shot from which helps prices,  I stick with who I started buying from cause he has always been honest and reliable.  There is plenty of lead shells out there and I can still load lead shells for cheaper than I can buy them, steel as well.

I'm glad your able to load these shells at a reasonable price, but at my age NOW buying a lot of equipment and supplies wouldn't be practicable , so i will just buy what i need from Apex or Federal...

Nothing wrong with that, if I go through with the 410 after this season I will start off with the federal loads for it. There is not as much involved in loading the shells as many people think, but not everyone is into it. I also load my deer rounds and some pistol so it is an overall hobby. Do not use a traditional loader for turkey shells as you are loading so few and all.


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So Davis  for those who may want to know, how cheap can a guy load tss rounds compareable to apex loads and others??
Thanks

Quote from: owlhoot on January 26, 2018, 12:53:37 PM
So Davis  for those who may want to know, how cheap can a guy load tss rounds compareable to apex loads and others??
Thanks

My 20 ga 1 5/8 oz load runs about $6.35 a shell if I remember correctly.

I know this is crazy but how much would it cost to buy all the quality equipment needed.

And when y'all are pricing loading a round are you including your equipment prices in that, your hull, primer, buffer, shot, and cards?

I would really like to know if a man went and bought all new stuff to load tss what does he need and how much to get started. I know there is probaly a thread somewhere about this but why not ask here why we are all having a great time talking about it.


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Quote from: BottomLand54 on January 26, 2018, 01:18:11 PM
I know this is crazy but how much would it cost to buy all the quality equipment needed.

And when y'all are pricing loading a round are you including your equipment prices in that, your hull, primer, buffer, shot, and cards?

I would really like to know if a man went and bought all new stuff to load tss what does he need and how much to get started. I know there is probaly a thread somewhere about this but why not ask here why we are all having a great time talking about it.


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Good point. I don't shoot enough to reload. I only gun hunt turkey and that isn't every year so reloading isn't an option. Federal flight contol shoots good out of my early 90's Remingtons that are all original. It's .410 that I'm buying.

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With respect to the owners of the forum it has been asked not to discuss handloading in detail to protect them from liability issues. 

I guess if I did bite the bullet and spend the money on these expensive shells, they would last me a while thanks to Michigan's ridiculous 1-bird limit. 


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Quote from: Gooserbat on January 26, 2018, 11:10:52 AM
I just don't get how it's $9 per shell unless you buy it loaded.  I hand load a 2oz 12 ga load for around $6.75 each and a 1 5/8 20 ga for aroun $6.

With the 2.5 oz load and the TSS prices I'm getting from four major sources the shot itself for that shell will be $7.50-$8.44. Another $0.56 for everything else. It's in the $8-$9 range depending on the price your paying for shot. 

Quote from: BottomLand54 on January 26, 2018, 01:18:11 PM
I know this is crazy but how much would it cost to buy all the quality equipment needed.
And when y'all are pricing loading a round are you including your equipment prices in that, your hull, primer, buffer, shot, and cards?
I would really like to know if a man went and bought all new stuff to load tss what does he need and how much to get started. I know there is probaly a thread somewhere about this but why not ask here why we are all having a great time talking about it.

I had $148 in the tools to get started. Another $109 in all the shell components. Not counting the shot itself. The only major recurring cost is the shot itself. Everything else per shell as I mentioned above is cheap.

Quote from: owlhoot on January 26, 2018, 12:53:37 PM
So Davis  for those who may want to know, how cheap can a guy load tss rounds compareable to apex loads and others??
Thanks

Apex, WITHOUT SHIPPING, is $11.70 per shell for the 2.5oz loads. I'm at $8.15 loading my own. You add in shipping on orders less than $200 and that number really jumps up. I haven't priced Nitro but I'm assuming it's same ball park.

Quote from: Greg Massey on January 26, 2018, 10:51:07 AM
You know guys with all of you who reload the prices may go up for you also..it's called supply and demand..Apex is out of 20 gauge 9.5 and it's still Jan..so reloaders i wouldn't brag just yet with how cheap you reloading Tss...

100% accurate. Prices have gone up in the last month. When asked why I was told supply and demand from multiple sources.

Quote from: kdsberman on January 26, 2018, 01:51:32 PM
I guess if I did bite the bullet and spend the money on these expensive shells, they would last me a while thanks to Michigan's ridiculous 1-bird limit. 


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Ouch. I hate only getting to kill two a year in MD.

Quote from: Gobble! on January 26, 2018, 04:07:53 PM

Quote from: kdsberman on January 26, 2018, 01:51:32 PM
I guess if I did bite the bullet and spend the money on these expensive shells, they would last me a while thanks to Michigan's ridiculous 1-bird limit. 


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Ouch. I hate only getting to kill two a year in MD.

x2 in Missouri and 1 would be real tuff!

I load my own and it doesn't matter what the market does because I have enough components to load around 500 shells give or take. Happy happy happy.

Quote from: Spitten and drummen on January 26, 2018, 08:05:12 PM
I load my own and it doesn't matter what the market does because I have enough components to load around 500 shells give or take. Happy happy happy.
[/quote
] You sure you spent/got enough?lol
You might stock up some more !

Quote from: owlhoot on January 26, 2018, 04:25:33 PM

Quote from: Gobble! on January 26, 2018, 04:07:53 PM

Quote from: kdsberman on January 26, 2018, 01:51:32 PM
I guess if I did bite the bullet and spend the money on these expensive shells, they would last me a while thanks to Michigan's ridiculous 1-bird limit. 


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Ouch. I hate only getting to kill two a year in MD.

x2 in Missouri and 1 would be real tuff!

It IS real tough!   Wait all year for my favorite hunting season and before u know it, it's over.


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Quote from: USMC0331 on January 16, 2018, 06:00:18 PM
Playin Devils advocate part 3,  Indians used bow and arrow, throw the shotgun away.

Devils advocate part 4, atlatl, killed mammoths why not turkeys


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Lasso em


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Turkey trot line  :TrainWreck1:

Was at Bass Pro today. Didn't see any Federal TSS on the shelves yet.

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Thought about it then decided that this was just the same Ol argument I had with using 2 shot from a new angle. I believe hunters who roll their own most likely carry a respect and sense of responsibility with them BUT I believe these companies that will now offer TSS by mail for anyone with the $$$ is encouraging SOME to chase the 50+yd turkey shooter... which like #2's will likely increase collateral wounding as patterns open up at range. Not trying to offend or make enemies, my opinion. I've made Long shots and I've missed long shots but over my last 32yrs turkey chasing the mark I measure my success on isn't how far he was but was he killed clean at 25-35yds.

Quote from: tha bugman on January 18, 2018, 12:46:15 PM
I am currently on the fence, but I probably will.

That means "yes" from a fella who likes to pattern as much as you do... #9s are gonna blow your mind :)


And to answer the OPs question, I did last year and ain't looking back.

Gimme $1,000.00 worth of tss and a $100 gun any day and I'm happy. As long as I can shoot it, I won't shoot anything else.


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Quote from: Prospector on January 28, 2018, 06:32:58 PM
Thought about it then decided that this was just the same Ol argument I had with using 2 shot from a new angle. I believe hunters who roll their own most likely carry a respect and sense of responsibility with them BUT I believe these companies that will now offer TSS by mail for anyone with the $$$ is encouraging SOME to chase the 50+yd turkey shooter... which like #2's will likely increase collateral wounding as patterns open up at range. Not trying to offend or make enemies, my opinion. I've made Long shots and I've missed long shots but over my last 32yrs turkey chasing the mark I measure my success on isn't how far he was but was he killed clean at 25-35yds.

this has some truth to it but also is wrong. there will always be people chasing the extreme distance shots, but sometimes people are just looking for a great pattern. For example, with a 20gauge for recoil sensitive people or youths it will be easy to get a great pattern with basically any model shotgun with any type turkey choke using #7 or #9 loads. No more spending crazy dollars on new guns or chokes and finding the right combo. Simply grab a shotgun, throw a full choke on it...put some tss#9s in the chamber and pattern for POA/POI. The patterns will almost certainly be dense enough to take a bird inside 40 yards.

the LB 6  pattern just great out my gun dont see how it could get much better then maybe more pellets   ,, wont say ill switch,  but got box apex just see what they shoot like .waiting on outside temps get like better

Quote from: Greg Massey on January 24, 2018, 09:00:31 PM

Quote from: owlhoot on January 24, 2018, 08:47:00 PM
Missouri has a shot size of no larger than number 2 shot. lead was mainly used at  the time this came in effect. The regulations were for safety in the turkey woods and was said to cause fatalities  . I would wonder what size tss would have the same energy?

I'm just guessing 7.5 would be close to 2 shot in Tss

Can I get #2 TSS?
What would be my range then?

Quote from: Trax on February 09, 2018, 01:21:19 PM

Quote from: Greg Massey on January 24, 2018, 09:00:31 PM

Quote from: owlhoot on January 24, 2018, 08:47:00 PM
Missouri has a shot size of no larger than number 2 shot. lead was mainly used at  the time this came in effect. The regulations were for safety in the turkey woods and was said to cause fatalities  . I would wonder what size tss would have the same energy?

I'm just guessing 7.5 would be close to 2 shot in Tss

Can I get #2 TSS?


23-1/2 YARDS.
What would be my range then?

Quote from: Trax on February 09, 2018, 01:21:19 PM

Quote from: Greg Massey on January 24, 2018, 09:00:31 PM

Quote from: owlhoot on January 24, 2018, 08:47:00 PM
Missouri has a shot size of no larger than number 2 shot. lead was mainly used at  the time this came in effect. The regulations were for safety in the turkey woods and was said to cause fatalities  . I would wonder what size tss would have the same energy?

I'm just guessing 7.5 would be close to 2 shot in Tss

Can I get #2 TSS?
What would be my range then?

With only 54 pellets in an oz, maybe 20 yards.  :fud:

Quote from: Gobble! on February 09, 2018, 01:42:05 PM

Quote from: Trax on February 09, 2018, 01:21:19 PM

Quote from: Greg Massey on January 24, 2018, 09:00:31 PM

Quote from: owlhoot on January 24, 2018, 08:47:00 PM
Missouri has a shot size of no larger than number 2 shot. lead was mainly used at  the time this came in effect. The regulations were for safety in the turkey woods and was said to cause fatalities  . I would wonder what size tss would have the same energy?

I'm just guessing 7.5 would be close to 2 shot in Tss

Can I get #2 TSS?











What would be my range then?

With only 54 pellets in an oz, maybe 20 yards.  :fud:

That would be slightly less shot then gobble's 900 or so 9's !
Now in grizzly country them 2's might come in handy  ;D

Quote from: owlhoot on February 09, 2018, 01:52:40 PM

That would be slightly less shot then gobble's 900 or so 9's !
Now in grizzly country them 2's might come in handy  ;D

Those #9s would light up a grizzly! Out of those 900 pellets ones bound to land in each eye  :smiley-char092:

Quote from: davisd9 on January 16, 2018, 08:05:39 AM
Calling them close has nothing do with the ammo one shoots, but the self control to not pull the trigger until the appropriate time, lots of hope shots with lead and other types of shot that should have never been taken.


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This^^^^^^^
Couldn't have said it better!

Switched last year...sold an expensive 12 I never used and bought a new 20 some shot and loaded my own, all funded from selling the 12.

I switched to it mainly to carry a lighter  gun and so I knew I had consistency in my shells...killed 7 birds last year and the longest shot was 35 yards. Never even patterned past 40 but it will outshoot my 12 at 40 all day and is 2lbs lighter.


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I ordered some Apex for my 20ga
While ordering I thought what the heck, if it's the cats meow on the smaller gauges then what would it do in the 12?

I was able to get out and pop off a couple test rounds this week.
Ranged at 40 yards the 12 had 312 hits in a 10 and my 20 had 187



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Quote from: 762hunter on February 11, 2018, 09:19:13 AM
I ordered some Apex for my 20ga
While ordering I thought what the heck, if it's the cats meow on the smaller gauges then what would it do in the 12?

I was able to get out and pop off a couple test rounds this week.
Ranged at 40 yards the 12 had 312 hits in a 10 and my 20 had 187



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I got 180's with federal hw7 out of my 20. What choke are you shooting? I get 280 in the 10 with my handloads with a Carlson 575

Sumtoy
Believe it's a 562-5

I was shooting the Fed HE #7, it wasn't much less from what I remember counting in years past


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Quote from: 762hunter on February 11, 2018, 09:19:13 AM
I ordered some Apex for my 20ga
While ordering I thought what the heck, if it's the cats meow on the smaller gauges then what would it do in the 12?

I was able to get out and pop off a couple test rounds this week.
Ranged at 40 yards the 12 had 312 hits in a 10 and my 20 had 187



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What size shot for the 20

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Quote from: 762hunter on February 11, 2018, 09:19:13 AM
I ordered some Apex for my 20ga
While ordering I thought what the heck, if it's the cats meow on the smaller gauges then what would it do in the 12?

I was able to get out and pop off a couple test rounds this week.
Ranged at 40 yards the 12 had 312 hits in a 10 and my 20 had 187



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What size shot and load are you shooting in the 12.  I can get over 300 with 2 1/4 oz Hevi 7's with my 835.  With 9's it should be a lot higher.  You will have more energy with the TSS but at 40 or less, mine will be just as dead.

On the 20 I was shooting 3" #8

On the 12 I was shooting 3 1/2 #8

BB sounds like you are getting a better pattern out of your 835 with the Fed HW


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Hevi-13 7's, pattern extremely well with several chokes out of most Mossy 835 and 935's. 

I bought several boxes of apex 9s. I don't plan on hunting with them this year, but Id like to experiment with them during the summer. I may make a swap in the future...maybe. Or ill just sell them next time season roles around and they are sold out everywhere again. Ive been shooting lbxr 6s with a sumtoy choke out of my 12 guage since the first year they hit the shelf. My gun has an excellent pattern with them, very excellent. For what I consider sportsman like.

Now that season is over for me, I am thinking about getting the equipment and materials to make the switch to tss. 

I see the wonderful patterns that everyone posts at 40 yards but how does it pattern at closer yardages? 

What does it look like at 20 yards?  What's the general consensus about blends of 7.5's and 9's or 8's and 9's as compared to straight 9's?

At close ranges, how does it compare to the Hevi-13 7's I'm currently shooting?

i bought 2 boxes of Federal TSS #9s at the beginning of the season and i killed 3 turkeys with 3 shots and shot one as a pattern.  I plan on using them until at least i am out of them.

Seems expensive (TSS were roughly $7 each) compared to the Longbeards (i pay roughly $1 a shell) but I don't shoot a whole lot of shells.  I was impressed with the 40 yard pattern compared to the pattern of the Longbeard at the exact same distance with same choke tube so I may stick with them.  Hopefully the price will drop on the Federals if there is more competition in the market for them.

i posted the patterning Longbeard VS TSS on this site
http://oldgobbler.com/Forum/index.php/topic,82761.0.html

Now using Federal TSS in my .410

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I considered it but I'm gonna stick to LBXR's. They shoot pretty good out of my SX3 20 gauge and really good out of any of my 12's.

Made the switch last year. No intentions of looking back in my primary guns. Not sure what I'll do on the backup end yet tho.


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Now that Fed HW 7 is obsolete in 20 ga I will be switching my sons 870 over to TSS.  As far as my 12 ga I see no reason to switch from long beard XR #6.  Just south of 250 in the 10" at 40.  Kills plenty good for me!

 Had no intention of switching to tss for awhile my primary turkey gun is the 12 and I still have several Nitro 3.5 inch blend hevi shot that kick like a mule and cost about 10 dollars a shell I couldn't justify shelfing them in search of new 10 dollar a shell loads. That being said I was blown away with what the Apex 20 gauge loads did out of the 20 gauge has me itching to get through my Nitro Hevi blends and try them in my 12.

Quote from: BottomLand54 on January 16, 2018, 02:01:00 PM
That is a good question being a harder an heavier shot is there long term wear and abuse on a the Gun, shooting a 10.00 round in a 800.00-2000.00 setup depending on Gun and setup that is going to eventually destroy the barrel and choke doesn't sound very wise to pay more for a round to tear up your equipment. I would like to hear from guys who have been shooting tss for awhile, guys who have been shooting it out of benelli crio barrels. Also I wander if it's easier on non ported chokes instead of ported chokes. I suppose as more folks buy it and more folks shoot it we will see if there are repercussions for shooting it. I believe it would take allot I mean allot to do any damage and a man who is setting his rig up just to be a turkey rig isn't going to be hammering 1000s of rounds of tss down the barrel each year.

A friend of mine brought his gun by the shop yesterday. He's a turkey fanatic, loves to pattern guns, scout, etc. Season is over here in MO and he was trying to remove his choke to clean the gun. It was stuck. I got it out without further damage to the gun or tube. But the threads on the tube are distorted. There was no rust or anything else. The barrel threads are a little tight when screwing in the flush mount OEM tubes. He's been shooting tungsten shot. This is a dedicated turkey gun and not used for waterfouling etc. So it seems the unyielding nature of tungsten can iron the barrel/choke threads together with extensive use. He says the choke screwed in fine by hand back in Feb.


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Quote from: 457121 on May 09, 2018, 09:46:51 AM

Quote from: BottomLand54 on January 16, 2018, 02:01:00 PM
That is a good question being a harder an heavier shot is there long term wear and abuse on a the Gun, shooting a 10.00 round in a 800.00-2000.00 setup depending on Gun and setup that is going to eventually destroy the barrel and choke doesn't sound very wise to pay more for a round to tear up your equipment. I would like to hear from guys who have been shooting tss for awhile, guys who have been shooting it out of benelli crio barrels. Also I wander if it's easier on non ported chokes instead of ported chokes. I suppose as more folks buy it and more folks shoot it we will see if there are repercussions for shooting it. I believe it would take allot I mean allot to do any damage and a man who is setting his rig up just to be a turkey rig isn't going to be hammering 1000s of rounds of tss down the barrel each year.

A friend of mine brought his gun by the shop yesterday. He's a turkey fanatic, loves to pattern guns, scout, etc. Season is over here in MO and he was trying to remove his choke to clean the gun. It was stuck. I got it out without further damage to the gun or tube. But the threads on the tube are distorted. There was no rust or anything else. The barrel threads are a little tight when screwing in the flush mount OEM tubes. He's been shooting tungsten shot. This is a dedicated turkey gun and not used for waterfouling etc. So it seems the unyielding nature of tungsten can iron the barrel/choke threads together with extensive use. He says the choke screwed in fine by hand back in Feb.


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Are you sure the choke tube didn't just expand?I had a Brand new tru glo choke that after shooting through it a couple times would barely screw out. Sent it back received a new one and did the same thing again. I wasn't going to try a 3rd time and got my money back. That was shooting a Benelli and Heavy shot 3.5in  loads. I've never had an issue when using higher quality chokes with Heavy shot,but haven't ever tried Tss.

I hear about a lot of hunters switching to them. Apparently the price isn't as scary as you would think. I saw a guy at Outdoor Junction in Cookeville buying 4 boxes of Federal TSS Yesterday.

the name of the game is to call them in CLOSE...  if you do this, damn near every factory lead load will kill them at 35-50 yards.  I would NEVER stoop to shooting a bird at 60+ yards, even though I have the tools to do it.  TSS shoots too tight at normal ranges. 

Quote from: Sasha and Abby on May 09, 2018, 08:16:36 PM
the name of the game is to call them in CLOSE...  if you do this, damn near every factory lead load will kill them at 35-50 yards.  I would NEVER stoop to shooting a bird at 60+ yards, even though I have the tools to do it.  TSS shoots too tight at normal ranges.

I agree, except about TSS being too tight at normal ranges.  Its not in my experience.  Longbeards are tighter in close.

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Not me I am sticking with my hevi-13 2oz #6's. 

i have 10 boxes of Heavy 7s and Mag Blends to go thru first.

Coulda killed this years participants with a dove load.

Quote from: Gobspur on May 09, 2018, 08:36:16 PM

Quote from: Sasha and Abby on May 09, 2018, 08:16:36 PM
the name of the game is to call them in CLOSE...  if you do this, damn near every factory lead load will kill them at 35-50 yards.  I would NEVER stoop to shooting a bird at 60+ yards, even though I have the tools to do it.  TSS shoots too tight at normal ranges.

I agree, except about TSS being too tight at normal ranges.  Its not in my experience.  Longbeards are tighter in close.

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i agree. Longbeard in my gun were like shooting a bullet at 25 yards

I switched and glad I did!

I want to switch, but you guys bought up all the ammo.

Quote from: land cruiser on May 11, 2018, 08:08:24 PM
I want to switch, but you guys bought up all the ammo.

You might be able to get some for next year? MIGHT
I only got 2 boxes of 20 and 2 of .410 so wasn't me .
Blame it on the 12 guage 3 1/2" shooting all the shot up.lol

It's completely situational with me. I shoot TSS in those states and areas that have no small shot size restrictions. I revert to lead, hevi-shot, or heavyweights in those that prohibit smaller shot. Where 6's or larger are required, I shoot Win LBs. Where anything larger than 8's must be used I shoot Hevi-Shot 7's or dip into my stash of Fed HW 7's.

For the record, I've shot turkeys this spring with everything from #5's to #9.5's. None of them cared...

Ammo is running low some places and I even heard that the tungsten shot is getting hard to get.