First Impressions of **Fiocchi Golden Turkey TSS 20 Gauge 1 3/8 oz 3in 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition
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Turkey hunting is a religion in my family, passed down through generations. The thrill of the hunt, the call echoing through the woods, and the satisfaction of bagging a big tom – it’s in our blood. We’ve always chased those wary birds with 12-gauge loads, figuring bigger was better, but a shoulder injury a few years back forced me to reconsider. I needed something with less recoil, but without sacrificing performance. That’s why the Fiocchi Golden Turkey TSS 20 Gauge 1 3/8 oz 3in 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition
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I had been searching for a load that would allow me to continue turkey hunting comfortably. Recoil reduction was paramount, but so was a dense pattern and deep penetration, characteristics essential for ethical and successful harvests. Friends had mentioned the impressive capabilities of Tungsten Super Shot (TSS), and the Fiocchi offering seemed like a premium option worth exploring.
The first thing I noticed upon receiving the Fiocchi Golden Turkey TSS was the packaging. It was clean, professional, and clearly marked with all the relevant information. The shells themselves looked meticulously crafted, with a deep crimson color and tight crimp. Picking up a single shell, it felt surprisingly dense for a 20-gauge round, a testament to the tungsten payload. This gave me a hopeful first impression about its potential power.
Compared to other 20-gauge turkey loads I’ve used – mostly lead or copper-plated lead – the Fiocchi shells felt noticeably heavier. I had been contemplating trying Federal Premium TSS or Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS, but the current sale and Fiocchi’s reputation for quality pushed me toward this purchase. My initial reaction was a mix of excitement and cautious optimism. Could this smaller gauge round truly deliver the knockdown power of a 12-gauge?
Real-World Testing: Putting **Fiocchi Golden Turkey TSS 20 Gauge 1 3/8 oz 3in 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition
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First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local shooting range, simulating typical turkey hunting scenarios. I set up a turkey silhouette target at 40 yards, a common engagement distance in the wooded areas I hunt. The weather was slightly overcast with a light breeze, presenting decent, typical hunting conditions.
The first shot with the Fiocchi Golden Turkey TSS through my Mossberg 500 20-gauge was revealing. The recoil was noticeably lighter than the 12-gauge loads I was accustomed to, yet the report still had a definite crack. Patterning was excellent; the target showed a dense, even spread of pellets concentrated in the vital head and neck area. There were no alarming signs of issues during this first outing.
Extended Use & Reliability
After the initial range test, I took the Fiocchi Golden Turkey TSS on several turkey hunts throughout the spring season. I hunted in various conditions, from crisp, early morning frosts to damp, drizzly afternoons. The ammunition performed consistently, cycling flawlessly through my shotgun and delivering devastating patterns on target.
The shells held up remarkably well to the rigors of the hunt. There were no signs of deformation or damage after being carried in my vest for extended periods. Cleaning my shotgun after each hunt was straightforward, with minimal residue left behind by the Fiocchi ammunition. Compared to my previous experiences with lead loads, the Fiocchi TSS delivered superior performance in terms of pattern density and penetration, even at extended ranges. This load definitely exceeded expectations and quickly became my go-to turkey round.
Breaking Down the Features of **Fiocchi Golden Turkey TSS 20 Gauge 1 3/8 oz 3in 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition
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Specifications
The Fiocchi Golden Turkey TSS 20 Gauge 1 3/8 oz 3in 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition boasts impressive specifications that contribute to its effectiveness. It is a 20-gauge shell with a 3-inch length. The load consists of 1 3/8 ounces of Tungsten Super Shot (TSS), in a size 9 configuration.
The muzzle velocity is rated at 1225 feet per second. These specifications are essential because they dictate the ammunition’s range, pattern density, and penetration power. The smaller size 9 TSS shot allows for a higher pellet count within the 1 3/8 oz payload, resulting in extremely dense patterns at extended ranges.
Performance & Functionality
The Fiocchi Golden Turkey TSS ammunition performs exceptionally well in its intended role: ethically and effectively harvesting turkeys. Its accuracy is outstanding, consistently delivering tight, lethal patterns out to 40 yards and beyond, in my experience. The reliability is also excellent. I experienced no failures to feed, fire, or eject during my extensive testing.
The strengths of this ammunition lie in its pattern density, penetration power, and manageable recoil. The only potential weakness could be the price point compared to traditional lead loads, but the performance justifies the cost for serious turkey hunters. It exceeds expectations by providing the lethality of a 12-gauge in a more comfortable and manageable 20-gauge package.
Design & Ergonomics
The Fiocchi Golden Turkey TSS is designed for optimal performance and user experience. The crimson-colored plastic hull is robust and weather-resistant. Its smooth exterior aids in reliable feeding and extraction. The ammunition feels well-balanced and comfortable to handle, further adding to its user-friendly nature.
There is no real learning curve associated with using this ammunition. Simply load it into your 20-gauge shotgun and hunt with confidence.
Durability & Maintenance
The Fiocchi Golden Turkey TSS ammunition is designed for long-term storage and reliable performance in the field. With proper storage (cool, dry environment), these shells should last for many years. Cleaning and maintaining your firearm after using this ammunition is no different than with any other shotgun shell.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Fiocchi Golden Turkey TSS ammunition doesn’t require any specific accessories for optimal performance. However, pairing it with a quality aftermarket choke tube designed for TSS shot can further enhance pattern density. Options include chokes from Carlson’s, Indian Creek, and Jeb’s. This ammunition is compatible with any 20-gauge shotgun chambered for 3-inch shells.
Pros and Cons of **Fiocchi Golden Turkey TSS 20 Gauge 1 3/8 oz 3in 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition
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Pros
- Extremely dense and consistent patterns, providing excellent effective range.
- Reduced recoil compared to 12-gauge loads, making it more comfortable for extended hunts.
- Superior penetration power of TSS shot ensures ethical and clean kills.
- High-quality construction and reliable performance in various weather conditions.
- Increased pellet count due to the smaller size 9 shot, maximizing pattern density.
Cons
- Higher cost compared to traditional lead or copper-plated lead turkey loads.
- May require a specialized choke tube for optimal pattern performance in some shotguns.
Who Should Buy **Fiocchi Golden Turkey TSS 20 Gauge 1 3/8 oz 3in 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition
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The Fiocchi Golden Turkey TSS ammunition is perfect for serious turkey hunters who prioritize performance and ethical harvests. It is particularly well-suited for hunters who use 20-gauge shotguns and desire the lethality of a 12-gauge without the punishing recoil. This ammunition is also an excellent choice for youth hunters or individuals with shoulder injuries who need a more manageable shooting experience.
Hunters on a tight budget who are primarily hunting at close range might skip this product. Similarly, those who are satisfied with the performance of traditional lead loads may not see the need to upgrade. A must-have accessory is a quality turkey choke designed for TSS shot to maximize pattern density.
Conclusion on **Fiocchi Golden Turkey TSS 20 Gauge 1 3/8 oz 3in 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition
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The Fiocchi Golden Turkey TSS 20 Gauge 1 3/8 oz 3in 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition is a game-changer for turkey hunters seeking maximum performance from a 20-gauge platform. Its dense patterns, deep penetration, and manageable recoil make it a top-tier choice for ethical and successful hunts.
The price is certainly higher than traditional loads, but the superior performance justifies the cost for serious turkey hunters. I would wholeheartedly recommend this ammunition to anyone looking to elevate their turkey hunting game with a 20-gauge shotgun. Don’t settle for less – equip yourself with the Fiocchi Golden Turkey TSS and experience the difference firsthand! Get out there and bag that trophy tom!