First Impressions of Apex Ammunition Waterfowl TSS/S3 Steel Blend 20 Gauge 1 1/8 oz 3” 4/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition WS20-4 26% Off
The Apex Ammunition Waterfowl TSS/S3 Steel Blend 20 Gauge 1 1/8 oz 3” 4/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition WS20-4 26% Off promises a potent combination of Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) and steel for waterfowl hunting. This ammunition aims to deliver superior pattern density and knockdown power, effectively eliminating crippled birds, a waterfowl hunter’s biggest frustration. As a seasoned hunter with over a decade of experience in the field, I’m always seeking ammunition that offers consistent performance and ethical kills, and Apex Ammunition has certainly piqued my interest.
My pursuit of the perfect waterfowl load has always been driven by the desire for clean, ethical harvests. The inconsistent performance of traditional steel shot, especially in windy conditions or at longer ranges, often led to wounded birds. This prompted me to explore alternatives that offered a denser pattern and greater energy transfer, leading me to the Apex Ammunition blend of TSS and steel.
Unboxing the Apex Ammunition, the first thing I noticed was the quality of the packaging; the shells were neatly arranged and protected. The overall appearance of the ammunition was clean and professional, suggesting a high level of attention to detail in the manufacturing process. It immediately felt like a premium product designed for serious waterfowl hunters.
Compared to standard steel loads from Federal or Winchester, the Apex Ammunition commands a higher price point. However, the promise of TSS, with its significantly higher density than steel, seemed to justify the investment. I had also considered bismuth loads from Kent, but the TSS/Steel blend offered a compelling balance of performance and cost compared to a full TSS load.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; the blend of TSS and steel seemed like a well-engineered solution for ethical waterfowl hunting. The price point was higher than standard steel, but the potential for cleaner kills and reduced crippling made it a worthwhile consideration. I was eager to put these shells to the test in real-world hunting scenarios and determine if they lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Apex Ammunition Waterfowl TSS/S3 Steel Blend 20 Gauge 1 1/8 oz 3” 4/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition WS20-4 26% Off to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Apex Ammunition was on a late-season duck hunt in the flooded timber of Arkansas. The conditions were challenging, with a brisk wind and temperatures hovering just above freezing. I patterned the Apex Ammunition through my modified choke at 30 yards, and the resulting pattern was impressively dense and even, showing a marked improvement over my usual steel loads.
The Apex Ammunition performed admirably in the cold and windy conditions. The TSS component seemed to cut through the wind more effectively than steel, maintaining a tighter pattern at longer ranges. I didn’t experience any malfunctions or cycling issues in my Benelli M2 20 gauge.
The recoil was noticeable but manageable, certainly more than standard steel loads, but less than a full TSS load. It took a few shots to adjust to the slightly different recoil impulse, but I quickly became comfortable with it. The difference was akin to shooting a heavier field load versus a light target load.
After the first hunt, I was impressed with the performance of the Apex Ammunition. I was able to cleanly harvest several ducks at ranges that would have been questionable with standard steel. There were no crippled birds, which validated the promise of improved knockdown power and ethical kills.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of hunting with the Apex Ammunition, I’ve developed a solid understanding of its strengths and limitations. The ammunition consistently delivers dense, even patterns and impressive knockdown power on waterfowl. The improvement in lethality compared to standard steel is undeniable.
After extended use in muddy conditions, there was no corrosion or degradation on the shell casings. I haven’t noticed any significant wear and tear on the Apex Ammunition, even after being stored in my duck hunting bag for weeks.
Cleaning my shotgun after using the Apex Ammunition was no different than cleaning after using standard steel loads. There were no excessive fouling or unusual residue. Regular maintenance with a quality bore cleaner and lubricant kept my shotgun in top condition.
Compared to my previous experiences with steel and bismuth loads, the Apex Ammunition consistently outperforms them in terms of pattern density and knockdown power. While the price is higher, the improved performance and ethical harvests make it a worthwhile investment. It closes the gap between the performance of 12 gauge and 20 gauge, making my lighter gun more effective.
Breaking Down the Features of Apex Ammunition Waterfowl TSS/S3 Steel Blend 20 Gauge 1 1/8 oz 3” 4/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition WS20-4 26% Off
Specifications
The Apex Ammunition Waterfowl TSS/S3 Steel Blend 20 Gauge 1 1/8 oz 3” 4/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition features a blend of Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) and S3 Steel. This duplex load combines the superior density of TSS with the affordability of steel. It comes in a 3-inch shell length, suitable for most 20 gauge shotguns chambered for 3-inch shells.
- Gauge: 20
- Shell Length: 3 inches
- Shot Weight: 1 1/8 oz
- Shot Size: 4 (Steel) / 9 (TSS)
- Muzzle Velocity: 1250-1300 ft/s
- Shot Material: TSS and S3 Steel
- Rounds Per Box: 25
The use of TSS is significant because it boasts a density far greater than lead or steel. This results in more energy retention downrange and a tighter, more consistent pattern. The S3 Steel component helps to maintain a reasonable price point while still delivering reliable performance. The blend of #4 steel and #9 TSS offers a versatile combination for ducks and geese.
Performance & Functionality
The Apex Ammunition excels in its primary role: delivering ethical and effective kills on waterfowl. The combination of TSS and steel provides a significant increase in pattern density and knockdown power compared to standard steel loads.
The pattern density is exceptional at typical waterfowl hunting ranges (20-40 yards). The TSS component ensures that even at longer distances, there are enough pellets in the pattern to deliver a lethal blow. The only potential weakness is the higher price point, which may deter some hunters from using it for every hunt.
The Apex Ammunition definitely exceeds expectations. The performance on late-season mallards and geese was particularly impressive, with clean kills even in windy conditions. The reduction in crippled birds alone justifies the investment.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Apex Ammunition is excellent. The shells are consistently loaded and crimped, ensuring reliable feeding and ejection. The plastic casing is durable and resists swelling or deformation, even in wet conditions.
The Apex Ammunition shells are user-friendly; they load and eject smoothly from my shotgun without any issues. There is no noticeable difference in handling compared to other 20 gauge shells.
Durability & Maintenance
The Apex Ammunition shells appear to be very durable and are well-suited for use in harsh hunting conditions. I expect them to last for several seasons if stored properly in a cool, dry place.
There is minimal maintenance required for the Apex Ammunition itself. However, it is essential to clean your shotgun after each use to prevent any corrosion or fouling buildup.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Apex Ammunition does not require any specific accessories. The primary customization option is selecting the appropriate choke for your shotgun to optimize the pattern at your desired hunting range.
The Apex Ammunition is compatible with any 20 gauge shotgun chambered for 3-inch shells. It can also be used with aftermarket chokes from brands like Carlson’s or Patternmaster to fine-tune the pattern.
Pros and Cons of Apex Ammunition Waterfowl TSS/S3 Steel Blend 20 Gauge 1 1/8 oz 3” 4/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition WS20-4 26% Off
Pros
- Superior pattern density compared to standard steel loads.
- Exceptional knockdown power, resulting in fewer crippled birds.
- TSS component maintains energy and pattern integrity at longer ranges.
- Suitable for both ducks and geese.
- Clean burning and reliable performance.
Cons
- Higher price point compared to standard steel loads.
- Recoil is more noticeable than standard steel.
Who Should Buy Apex Ammunition Waterfowl TSS/S3 Steel Blend 20 Gauge 1 1/8 oz 3” 4/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition WS20-4 26% Off?
The Apex Ammunition Waterfowl TSS/S3 Steel Blend is perfect for serious waterfowl hunters who prioritize ethical kills and are willing to invest in premium ammunition. It’s also ideal for hunters using 20 gauge shotguns who want to maximize their effective range and knockdown power.
Hunters who primarily hunt over decoys at close range may not see a significant benefit from the increased performance of the Apex Ammunition. Hunters on a very tight budget may find the price prohibitive.
A quality aftermarket choke specifically designed for steel or TSS shot is a must-have to optimize the pattern of the Apex Ammunition. A comfortable recoil pad can also help mitigate the increased recoil.
Conclusion on Apex Ammunition Waterfowl TSS/S3 Steel Blend 20 Gauge 1 1/8 oz 3” 4/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition WS20-4 26% Off
The Apex Ammunition Waterfowl TSS/S3 Steel Blend 20 Gauge 1 1/8 oz 3” 4/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition WS20-4 26% Off delivers on its promise of superior performance and ethical kills. The combination of TSS and steel results in denser patterns, increased knockdown power, and reduced crippling, making it a worthwhile investment for serious waterfowl hunters.
The higher price is justified by the improved performance and ethical considerations. The reduction in crippled birds alone makes it a valuable tool for responsible hunters.
I would highly recommend the Apex Ammunition to any waterfowl hunter looking to improve their success rate and ensure clean, ethical harvests. If you are serious about waterfowl hunting, then upgrade to Apex Ammunition and experience the difference for yourself!