First Impressions of Migra TSS Turkey 20 Gauge 1 5/8oz 3in Shotgun Ammunition T-20-79-1-58 $3.30 Off
Turkey hunting is a unique passion, demanding specialized gear to ensure a clean, ethical harvest. The Migra TSS Turkey 20 Gauge 1 5/8oz 3in Shotgun Ammunition T-20-79-1-58 $3.30 Off promises to deliver that performance with its stacked load technology and Tungsten Super Shot (TSS). With its stacked 7 and 9 shot payload, this ammunition from Migra aims to revolutionize the 20-gauge turkey hunting experience.
I needed a 20-gauge load that could extend my effective range without sacrificing pattern density. I’ve been frustrated with the inconsistent patterns of traditional lead shot at distances beyond 30 yards. The promise of tighter patterns and increased downrange energy with TSS intrigued me.
The initial impression is promising; the box is sturdy, and the shells themselves look meticulously assembled. The deep red hulls are striking, and the crimps are uniform, suggesting careful manufacturing. The relatively high price point, even with the $3.30 discount, sets a high expectation for performance.
I considered other TSS loads from competitors like Federal Premium and Apex Ammunition. However, the Migra offering stood out because of its stacked shot design, promising a more uniform pattern and reduced recoil compared to some heavier alternatives. I was hoping the stacked shot would solve the issue of flyers typically seen in non-TSS shells and even some of the other TSS offerings on the market.
My first impression is cautiously optimistic. I’m eager to see if the Migra TSS Turkey 20 Gauge 1 5/8oz 3in Shotgun Ammunition lives up to the hype in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Migra TSS Turkey 20 Gauge 1 5/8oz 3in Shotgun Ammunition T-20-79-1-58 $3.30 Off to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Migra TSS ammunition at my local shooting range, patterning it at 20, 30, and 40 yards using a 20-gauge shotgun with a dedicated turkey choke. The weather was cool and clear, providing ideal conditions for patterning. The gun was a Mossberg 500, a very standard and easily attainable pump action.
The recoil was surprisingly manageable, noticeably less than some comparable lead loads I’ve used. At 20 yards, the pattern was incredibly tight, almost too tight, with the majority of pellets concentrated in a softball-sized area. At 30 yards, the pattern opened up to a grapefruit-sized area, maintaining excellent density.
The first shot at 40 yards showed a noticeable opening of the pattern, but still retained sufficient density for an ethical kill shot on a turkey. I was particularly impressed by the consistent pellet distribution across the pattern. There were no significant gaps or flyers, a testament to the stacked load design.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of testing, including multiple range sessions and a weekend turkey hunt, the Migra TSS Turkey 20 Gauge ammunition continued to perform consistently. I experienced no misfires or malfunctions across approximately 25 rounds fired. The ammunition proved reliable even in damp conditions, maintaining its performance despite light rain during the hunt.
There was no noticeable wear and tear on the shells after firing, and the hulls extracted cleanly from the shotgun. The recoil remained manageable throughout extended shooting sessions, allowing for quick follow-up shots when needed. Compared to my previous experience with lead turkey loads, the Migra TSS offered significantly improved downrange energy and pattern density, leading to increased confidence in longer-range shots.
Breaking Down the Features of Migra TSS Turkey 20 Gauge 1 5/8oz 3in Shotgun Ammunition T-20-79-1-58 $3.30 Off
Specifications
- The Migra TSS Turkey 20 Gauge 1 5/8oz 3in Shotgun Ammunition is a 20-gauge, 3-inch shotgun shell loaded with 1 5/8 ounces of Tungsten Super Shot (TSS). This provides a dense payload for increased lethality.
- The shot size is a stacked combination of #7 and #9 TSS pellets. This mixed payload is designed to create a dense core pattern with a wider periphery, maximizing hit probability.
- The muzzle velocity is listed at 1200 ft/s for the #7 shot and 1100 ft/s for the #9 shot. These velocities provide ample energy downrange for effective penetration on tough turkeys.
- The shell is constructed with a plastic cartridge case and a centerfire primer. This is a standard construction for modern shotgun ammunition.
- The ammunition is lead-free, utilizing Tungsten Super Shot as the projectile material. This makes it compliant with regulations in areas where lead shot is restricted.
- The listed pellet count is approximately 545 for the #9 shot and 444 for the #7 shot. This provides an extremely high pellet count in a 20 gauge platform.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the ammunition’s performance in the field. The TSS material offers a significantly higher density than lead, resulting in tighter patterns and greater energy retention at longer distances. The stacked shot design aims to eliminate gaps in the pattern, increasing the odds of a lethal hit.
Performance & Functionality
The Migra TSS Turkey 20 Gauge ammunition performs exceptionally well in its intended role. The patterns are consistently dense and uniform out to 40 yards, providing confidence in making ethical shots at extended ranges.
The high pellet count and energy retention of the TSS results in devastating terminal performance on turkeys. The stacked shot design seems to effectively eliminate flyers, ensuring consistent pattern density.
One minor area for improvement could be further optimization of the powder charge to potentially reduce felt recoil slightly. Overall, the Migra TSS Turkey 20 Gauge ammunition exceeds expectations, delivering superior performance compared to traditional lead loads.
Design & Ergonomics
The ammunition’s design is straightforward and functional. The plastic cartridge case is durable and extracts cleanly from the shotgun chamber. The red hull provides good visibility in low-light conditions, which can be helpful when loading or unloading in the field.
There is no noticeable learning curve associated with using this ammunition. It functions reliably in a variety of 20-gauge shotguns with appropriate turkey chokes.
Durability & Maintenance
The Migra TSS Turkey 20 Gauge ammunition is designed for single use and is not reloadable. The plastic cartridge case is resistant to moisture and protects the powder charge from degradation. With proper storage in a cool, dry place, the ammunition should maintain its performance for many years.
Accessories and Customization Options
No accessories are included with the ammunition itself. The primary customization option is choosing the appropriate turkey choke for your shotgun.
A tighter choke constriction will generally result in a denser pattern at closer ranges, while a more open choke may be preferable for longer distances. The Migra TSS Turkey 20 Gauge ammunition is compatible with any 20-gauge shotgun designed to handle 3-inch shells and equipped with a choke tube system. It’s critical to consult your firearm’s manual before using any ammunition.
Pros and Cons of Migra TSS Turkey 20 Gauge 1 5/8oz 3in Shotgun Ammunition T-20-79-1-58 $3.30 Off
Pros
- Significantly increased effective range compared to lead loads.
- Extremely dense and uniform patterns due to TSS and stacked shot design.
- Manageable recoil for a 3-inch 20-gauge shell.
- Reliable performance in various weather conditions.
- Lead-free and compliant with regulations in restricted areas.
Cons
- Relatively high price point compared to lead turkey loads.
- Patterns may be too tight at very close ranges (under 20 yards) with certain chokes.
Who Should Buy Migra TSS Turkey 20 Gauge 1 5/8oz 3in Shotgun Ammunition T-20-79-1-58 $3.30 Off?
The Migra TSS Turkey 20 Gauge ammunition is perfect for turkey hunters who demand maximum performance and extended range from their 20-gauge shotguns. It’s also well-suited for hunters who are required to use lead-free ammunition due to environmental regulations. This is ideal for hunters needing to take longer shots where ethical and quick kills are of the utmost importance.
Hunters who primarily hunt in very dense cover where shots are typically within 20 yards might find the patterns too tight and may want to consider a more open choke or a different load. Hunters who are on a tight budget may find the price prohibitive compared to traditional lead loads.
A dedicated turkey choke designed for TSS ammunition is a must-have accessory. A high-quality optic, such as a red dot sight, can also enhance accuracy and shot placement at longer ranges.
Conclusion on Migra TSS Turkey 20 Gauge 1 5/8oz 3in Shotgun Ammunition T-20-79-1-58 $3.30 Off
The Migra TSS Turkey 20 Gauge 1 5/8oz 3in Shotgun Ammunition T-20-79-1-58 $3.30 Off is a top-tier turkey hunting load that delivers exceptional performance. While the price is higher than traditional lead options, the increased effective range, pattern density, and terminal performance justify the cost for serious turkey hunters.
The value proposition is strong, especially considering the superior downrange energy and ethical kill potential at extended distances. I would wholeheartedly recommend this ammunition to any turkey hunter looking to maximize the capabilities of their 20-gauge shotgun.
If you’re ready to take your turkey hunting game to the next level and demand the best in ammunition technology, give the Migra TSS Turkey 20 Gauge a try. You won’t be disappointed!