I know this is an open ended question but how much better does TSS shot out perform Hevi 13 shot. Is it really worth the extra. I thought Hevi 13 were expensive but the TSS is even higher. Does it pattern better or is it just a harder shot pellet?
What is every ones thought??
With out a lot of explanation let's just pretend Hevi 6 is suddenly steel #4 and tss is now Hevi 6. That's kinda the difference.
I shot heavy 7 and tss 7 and at 40 heavy put 123 and tss put 173 so there u go better pattern and more weight..this is out of a 20
Quote from: Gooserbat on March 04, 2018, 02:38:13 PM
With out a lot of explanation let's just pretend Hevi 6 is suddenly steel #4 and tss is now Hevi 6. That's kinda the difference.
Agree.
I think I have my numbers right someone tell me if I'm wrong.
Steel - 7.86g/cc
Lead - 11.1g/cc - 41% Densier Than Steel
HeviShot - 12g/cc - 8% Densier Than Lead
TSS - 18 g/cc - 50% Densier Than HeviShot
Best way I can explain it is my best ever 12ga patterns in 3.5 inch hevi are not as good as tss 20ga patterns, not really even that close.
IMHO 12ga tss rounds are a waste of shot. They sure look amazing on paper but this stuff is too pricey to throw half of an ounce of extra shot down the drain each time you shoot a bird.
I shoot 1 5/8 oz loads and may experiment with some lighter ones.
It's harder and you can use smaller shot with the same amount of killing energy as the bigger heavy shot. More shot is a good thing. #9 tss out of my 20 gauge is unbelievable. Been shooting 1-5/8 ounces until this year. I loaded up some 1-7/8 to try out. It is about 100 more pellets. I consistently get 300 plus in the 10 at 40 and 200 plus in the 20.
Is it really worth the extra?...That's up to you
Does it pattern better and is it a harder shot?...Yes, and yes.
My thoughts?...If cost means less to you than using the best, then have at it. Suffice to say that plenty of other "not best" shells exist that are flat out hammers if set up properly. Plenty of evidence of that on this forum. Besides it's cost, availability is the worst part of it. Hopefully by next year with Federal loading it commercially, they'll be caught up with demand. I don't even think Cabela's has it on their site anymore.
Don't know until you try it... :z-guntootsmiley:
Doing some ammo shopping and have shot both hevi #4's and hevi #7's for 10+ years with success. I've also rolled and missed.
As it's time to reup, I too am wondering if I should switch to TSS. I see Hevi makes one by they way.
I'll add that I've traditionally always shot 3.5" shells. Thanks all.
The TSS is just a better performing shell out of the box ...
Quote from: Greg Massey on June 12, 2020, 05:09:46 PM
The TSS is just a better performing shell out of the box ...
Yeah, I think the jury's in on that. TSS is a superior load as far as ballistics are concerned. Can't imagine shooting anything else sub gauge. 12 gauge, another story as far as " need " is concerned.
If you shooting 40 yds or less out of 12 ga to me it's not worth the money. Dead is dead.
I'm thinking of going to a 20 ga (410?) then I would need to use TSS.
T.S.S. is THE SPECIAL SAUCE.....Before most of you were born, Hardee's Husky was the first 1/4 lb burger available in my area. Then they came out with the Hardee's Husky Jr. with the Special Sauce! Instant hit in the fast food world! We found out later that the Special Sauce was just Thousand Island Dressing.... I switched over to Apex T.S.S. last year and it's like shooting a solid cloud of shot. I know it's overkill in my Maxus 3.5 and SumToy choke but I firmly believe it gives me somewhat of an advantage in a cleaner kill providing I stay within my means. Good luck with your choice and remember with all the arrows you have to choose from today,it still comes down to the Indian....
I tried both in my 870 and both pellet counts at 40 yards were within 8 pellets of each other. I won't shoot a turkey past 40ish yards because that's not turkey hunting to me... If I can't call him in to 40 and under, he will live to be hunted another day. The tss is denser and allows you to use a 20 gauge to kill them the same distance as a 12 gauge and that is the selling point. To me, NO it's not worth it. I still carry my 12 gauge and love it, even if it is a little more heavy than a 20. What's amazing is how many people killed them at 40 plus for many years now think they have to have it just because it kills turkeys so far out. It's not about the pattern for everyone, for some, it's a crutch.
TSS will in all likelihood put up higher #s but will definitely be harder on your choke and or barrel as well as your wallet. Only YOU can decide if it's worth it to YOU.
I have only ever needed lead shot or copper plated lead shot.
Quote from: Ihuntoldschool on June 15, 2020, 01:42:41 PM
TSS will in all likelihood put up higher #s but will definitely be harder on your choke and or barrel as well as your wallet. Only YOU can decide if it's worth it to YOU.
I have only ever needed lead shot or copper plated lead shot.
Wallet and higher numbers yes. Barrel is not effected if loaded correctly and only chokes that are really effected are ones with wad strippers.
TSS for life
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Quote from: Belo83 on June 12, 2020, 05:04:38 PM
Doing some ammo shopping and have shot both hevi #4's and hevi #7's for 10+ years with success. I've also rolled and missed.
As it's time to reup, I too am wondering if I should switch to TSS. I see Hevi makes one by they way.
I'll add that I've traditionally always shot 3.5" shells. Thanks all.
If you are doing ammo shopping.... I recommend checking out www.nitrocompany.com Look up your gun and the recommended choke (brand and constriction).
No matter what you shoot good luck.
Quote from: WW on June 15, 2020, 01:17:28 PM
I tried both in my 870 and both pellet counts at 40 yards were within 8 pellets of each other. I won't shoot a turkey past 40ish yards because that's not turkey hunting to me... If I can't call him in to 40 and under, he will live to be hunted another day. The tss is denser and allows you to use a 20 gauge to kill them the same distance as a 12 gauge and that is the selling point. To me, NO it's not worth it. I still carry my 12 gauge and love it, even if it is a little more heavy than a 20. What's amazing is how many people killed them at 40 plus for many years now think they have to have it just because it kills turkeys so far out. It's not about the pattern for everyone, for some, it's a crutch.
I appreciate this response. The general response I'm seeing here is that they're great for a 20 and while not bad it's not significantly better in a 12 to justify the cost increase. I have no desire to buy a new gun until my kids get older. But I also have never shied away from expensive bullets. I spend so much time and money getting ready for the shot, the arrow and bullet is not something i'm going to skimp on in any hunting situation.
I shoot TSS out of my 12 and .410 and it's night and day difference compared to other shot. Tungsten is by far heavier than lead or steel, you can use smaller shot and still have as much energy and knockdown as a bigger load. It's pricey, but what isn't anymore? I shot the Federal TSS this last year and it performed amazing paired with my IC .665. I will be buying a box or two of Apex to see if there's much difference. All in preference like anything else I'd say.
Quote from: Belo83 on July 09, 2020, 11:03:15 AM
Quote from: WW on June 15, 2020, 01:17:28 PM
I tried both in my 870 and both pellet counts at 40 yards were within 8 pellets of each other. I won't shoot a turkey past 40ish yards because that's not turkey hunting to me... If I can't call him in to 40 and under, he will live to be hunted another day. The tss is denser and allows you to use a 20 gauge to kill them the same distance as a 12 gauge and that is the selling point. To me, NO it's not worth it. I still carry my 12 gauge and love it, even if it is a little more heavy than a 20. What's amazing is how many people killed them at 40 plus for many years now think they have to have it just because it kills turkeys so far out. It's not about the pattern for everyone, for some, it's a crutch.
I appreciate this response. The general response I'm seeing here is that they're great for a 20 and while not bad it's not significantly better in a 12 to justify the cost increase. I have no desire to buy a new gun until my kids get older. But I also have never shied away from expensive bullets. I spend so much time and money getting ready for the shot, the arrow and bullet is not something i'm going to skimp on in any hunting situation.
If you shoot a 12, TSS is absolutely unnecessary.
Plenty of great lead loads, as well as Hevi-13.
When I was shooting a 12, I shot Hevi-13 3-2-7, and got about 220 in the 10 at 40 with a truglo SSX in my 835.
I got out of the 12 game before the longbeard shells came on the market.
I would look no further than #5, or 6 longbeard for the 12. 40 yards and under, it's devastating.
Had a buddy roll 2 longbeards this spring with them.
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X2, the Long beards are the best bang for the buck. They really hold a tight pattern, have strong velocities and are readily available. Certain chokes produce such tight patterns, close shots require perfect aiming. Taking nothing away from TSS performance, it just gets expensive and sometimes is harder to get. It does give the sub-gauges new life due to its high level of performance. Be safe....
I hunt with 20 gauges almost exclusively so I go ahead and buy TSS (or have them handloaded) but with 12 gauge I'd be leaning toward the traditional hevi shot or maybe some Longbeard XR's. I use to get really good patterns from my 12 gauges with Hevi shot Mag Blends or straight 6's. Used handloaded TSS for a year or so and it was devastating in 12 gauge and that eventually led to me switching over to the 20 gauge with it.
Quote from: redleg06 on August 29, 2020, 03:50:09 PM
I hunt with 20 gauges almost exclusively so I go ahead and buy TSS (or have them handloaded) but with 12 gauge I'd be leaning toward the traditional hevi shot or maybe some Longbeard XR's. I use to get really good patterns from my 12 gauges with Hevi shot Mag Blends or straight 6's. Used handloaded TSS for a year or so and it was devastating in 12 gauge and that eventually led to me switching over to the 20 gauge with it.
I shoot an 870 12 Super Mag. My primary load is Hevi-13 3" #6, but I`ve shot Longbeard XR #6 as well. Between those two, the two best 12 loads IMHO. That`s not a knock at TSS, the only way to go with 20 gauge, just not enough difference in a 12, again IMO.