TSS ammo...is it worth it?

[BeeMaa]

A very interesting podcast generally on this topic for those of you interested. It’s duck season somewhere episode 551View attachment 662215

Appreciate a link to go with this because "Duck Season Somewhere" hasn't posted a video on YT in three years.

 

[Firebird]

The accompanying YouTube videos for this specific segment are called Surviving Duck Season and are produced by Joel Strickland

 

[BeeMaa]

The accompanying YouTube videos for this specific segment are called Surviving Duck Season and are produced by Joel Strickland

I like that guy. His videos with the ultra high speed camera on shot strings, chokes and loads was really good. He also appears to be very honest, transparent and genuine.

 

[CoElkHunter]

My father in law told me he was going to ditch his 12 ga. Benelli Super Black Eagle because the recoil was getting too much for him at 81yoa when pheasant hunting. He was looking to buy a 20ga O/U because one of his hunting buddies told him he was using this TSS ammo with #7.5 shot in his 20ga O/U because the penetration was better than #4 or #5 shot in a 12ga EVEN when shooting 50-60 yds on WILD pheasant. He said the larger shot wouldn't/didn't penetrate the feathers as well as the #7.5 shot. I've never used the TSS ammo but have taken many wild pheasant with #4 and #5 shot with a 12ga. with no "penetration" issues. So, I'm calling BS on the "better" penetration with #7.5 shot, especially at distance on heavily feathered wild pheasant. What say ye?

 

[Firebird]

Why shoot expensive tss at pheasant when lead is still legal? Even on a waterfowl refuge you can sling bismuth or other options for pheasant-kudos to your dad, my girls use an over under 20 2 3/4 #5 bismuth on ducks and pheasants and do just fine

 

[BeeMaa]

TSS just hits different. There’s no other way to explain it. Like the difference between using 375H&H on a Cape buffalo when a 458LOTT is available. They will both get the job done, but there is more margin for error on the 458 (TSS).

On the subject of penetration. There have been very few (comparatively) pellets left in the meat of the birds taken. I remember distinctly picking shot from between my teeth when eating duck and goose as a young lad. With TSS, the smaller size, higher density and more retained energy make pass through pellets the norm.

And head shots…forget about it. They just fall from the sky like stones.

 

[Mully]

I'm thinking of trying TSS in a Remington youth 20ga for turkey this season. A nice light run and gun type gun. Any advice on shells or chokes would be appreciated. I'm thinking of #9 shot and I don't want a super tight pattern for when a close shot presents itself. I have read a factory full is a good place to start, but my chokes do say lead shot only.

 

[BeeMaa]

I'm thinking of trying TSS in a Remington youth 20ga for turkey this season. A nice light run and gun type gun. Any advice on shells or chokes would be appreciated. I'm thinking of #9 shot and I don't want a super tight pattern for when a close shot presents itself. I have read a factory full is a good place to start, but my chokes do say lead shot only.

Carlson’s and Müller make chokes suitable for TSS. I’ve been using a super full turkey choke (.650 diameter) in Benelli SBE3 12 bore with incredible results. As you have stated, it's much like a rifle shot at close range, so it's best to do pattern testing at different distances. Contact either (or both) of these companies for the details. Both have very good customer service and I've been very happy with them and their products.

The other alternative is to use an over/under with two different chokes and two different loads. This is what a friend of mine is doing in a Browning Cynergy 12 bore & 3.5" chamber. He loads the bottom barrel with Federal Premium Heavyweight TSS 3.5", #7 shot, 2 1/4 oz, 1200 fps using a TKY choke that's good out to 70 yards. Top barrel is Winchester Last Call TSS 3", #7 shot, 1 1/4 oz, 1500 fps with a SKT choke for shots up to 30-40 yards. He also happens to be using a RDO on this rig because aging eyes suck.

This option would give you solid patterns from 10 yards out to at least 60. I've found the Browning Cynergy to not shoot quite as tight as my SBE3 which has killing capability with this load out to at least 70.

As for the particular shot size, that's your choice. From personal experience, I've found that #7's work wonders on goose. The anatomy of a turkey is quite similar when it comes to them floating in the water or walking on land. I've seen TSS #9's in YT videos taking all manner of game, but I'm not sure of the distances, loads, chokes or shotguns they were using. #7 works for me, so I'm sticking with it.

 

[Mully]

Thanks for the information BeeMaa.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

 

[BeeMaa]

I suppose Randy Wakefield is using it?

 

[Desaad]

I have shot Federal, Apex, Nitro, Rogue and Boss.

Until they come out with something superior for my gun, the 2 oz Boss will be my choice.

 

[BeeMaa]

Two more pattern boards using TSS from my Benelli SBE3

 

[BeeMaa]

It has become apparent to me that my Benelli shoots above the bead when looking straight down the rib. Meaning the pattern flies slightly above the point of aim. This has been a common complaint with the SBE3, but I've found it to be a stone cold killer.

What it does for me is the game bird is always visible and not blocked out by the fiber optic sight on the rib. Maybe I've gotten accustomed to it, but for whatever reason it's worked out.

IGS and I did a bunch of testing yesterday with different chokes and loads on his Browning Cynergy. Seems like he will be using FULL and MOD in this configuration for most applications. Might get out and test his TKY choke with the Winchester Last Call TSS to see what kind of patterns he can get and at what distance.

Currently a balmy 26F with 10 mph sustained winds and gusting to 20. Might wait a bit to warm up.