First Impressions of **Federal Premium Turkey Heavyweight TSS 410 Gauge 13/16 oz 3in Shotgun Ammunition
Up to 33% Off**
As an experienced outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve spent over a decade testing and evaluating various ammunition types. When I first heard about the Federal Premium Turkey Heavyweight TSS 410 Gauge 13/16 oz 3in Shotgun Ammunition
Up to 33% Off, I was intrigued by the promise of extended range and superior pellet density in the .410 bore, a gauge traditionally seen as limited for turkey hunting. The Federal name is synonymous with quality, and the HEAVYWEIGHT TSS (Tungsten Super Shot) technology suggested a game-changer for hunters looking to maximize the potential of their .410 shotguns.
I had a problem: getting consistent, ethical kills on mature gobblers at ranges beyond 30 yards with my favorite .410. The smaller gauge offered a lighter, more manageable platform for younger shooters, and I wanted to extend its effective range without sacrificing pattern density. I had been searching for a load that could deliver the necessary knockdown power and tight patterns, and this seemed like a promising solution.
Unboxing the Federal Premium Turkey Heavyweight TSS 410 Gauge was a premium experience. The packaging was sturdy and clearly marked, and the shells themselves looked meticulously crafted; the roll crimp and clear card wad spoke to careful construction, something I always look for.
I considered other .410 turkey loads, including lead and standard tungsten options from Winchester and Remington. Ultimately, I chose the Federal Premium Turkey Heavyweight TSS because of its significantly higher density tungsten alloy (18 gm/cc) and the FLITECONTROL FLEX wad, both promising superior energy retention and pattern consistency at longer distances, something the lead and standard tungsten offerings simply couldn’t provide. I also found the donation to the National Wild Turkey Federation compelling.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. I was excited about the potential for increased range and knockdown power, but also aware that the .410 can be finicky, demanding careful choke selection and precise aiming.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Federal Premium Turkey Heavyweight TSS 410 Gauge 13/16 oz 3in Shotgun Ammunition
Up to 33% Off** to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Federal Premium Turkey Heavyweight TSS 410 Gauge at a local shooting range and then on a spring turkey hunt in the rolling hills of Kentucky. At the range, I patterned the load at 20, 30, and 40 yards using a variety of turkey chokes in my Mossberg 500 .410.
Conditions were fair with a slight crosswind. The .410 performed surprisingly well, particularly with a modified full choke, delivering tight, dense patterns at 30 yards, exceeding my expectations for the gauge. There was no noticeable difference between pattern density from a standard choke or a ported choke.
The ammunition performed beautifully, no failures to eject or misfires. The recoil was manageable, even for smaller-framed shooters who might find larger gauges intimidating.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of dedicated use, the Federal Premium Turkey Heavyweight TSS 410 Gauge has proven remarkably consistent and reliable. I put approximately 50 rounds through the test shotgun during the testing period.
I’ve seen no signs of wear and tear on my shotgun as a result of using these shells, and the buffering material appears to be doing its job in protecting the bore. Cleaning the shotgun after use is standard and straightforward.
Compared to my previous experiences with lead .410 turkey loads, the Federal TSS offers a significant advantage in terms of range and pattern density. Ethical shots on gobblers that would have been impossible with lead are now achievable with this ammunition.
Breaking Down the Features of **Federal Premium Turkey Heavyweight TSS 410 Gauge 13/16 oz 3in Shotgun Ammunition
Up to 33% Off**
Specifications
The Federal Premium Turkey Heavyweight TSS 410 Gauge 13/16 oz 3in Shotgun Ammunition boasts several key specifications:
- Gauge: .410. This smaller gauge offers reduced recoil and a lighter gun, ideal for youth and smaller-framed hunters.
- Shell Length: 3 inches. The longer shell provides increased powder capacity and payload.
- Shot Weight: 13/16 oz. This provides a substantial payload of tungsten super shot pellets for increased pattern density.
- Shot Material: Tungsten. The high-density tungsten alloy (18 gm/cc) provides superior energy retention and penetration.
- Number of Rounds: 5. A standard box contains five shells.
These specifications are crucial for achieving the desired performance in a .410 turkey load. The tungsten shot, with its exceptional density, allows for smaller pellets to carry more energy downrange, resulting in tighter patterns and deeper penetration compared to lead.
Performance & Functionality
The Federal Premium Turkey Heavyweight TSS 410 Gauge performs exceptionally well as a specialized turkey load. Accuracy is impressive at moderate ranges (20-30 yards), and the patterns remain consistently dense out to 40 yards, given proper choke selection.
The ammunition’s strengths lie in its ability to deliver ethical kills at distances previously considered marginal for the .410. The only weakness is the price per shell, which is significantly higher than lead loads.
The Federal Premium Turkey Heavyweight TSS 410 Gauge absolutely meets and exceeds expectations. It transforms the .410 into a viable turkey hunting option for experienced and youth hunters alike.
Design & Ergonomics
The shell’s design is straightforward but effective. The clear card wad and roll crimp ensure consistent powder burn and prevent buffering material from migrating, while the FLITECONTROL FLEX wad aids in maintaining a tight, consistent pattern.
The ammunition is user-friendly, requiring no special handling or preparation. No learning curve is required, simple load and shoot.
Durability & Maintenance
The tungsten shot is extremely hard and resists deformation, ensuring consistent performance and pattern density. The shell components are high-quality, promising a long shelf life if stored properly.
Standard shotgun cleaning procedures are sufficient for maintaining the firearm after using this ammunition. No additional maintenance is required.
Accessories and Customization Options
No specific accessories are included with the Federal Premium Turkey Heavyweight TSS 410 Gauge. The primary customization option involves selecting the appropriate turkey choke for your shotgun to achieve optimal pattern density at your preferred hunting range.
The ammunition is compatible with a wide range of .410 shotguns and aftermarket turkey chokes from various brands like Carlson’s, Patternmaster, and Trulock. Selecting the correct choke can significantly improve the effective range and pattern density of this ammunition.
Pros and Cons of **Federal Premium Turkey Heavyweight TSS 410 Gauge 13/16 oz 3in Shotgun Ammunition
Up to 33% Off**
Pros
- Superior pattern density and range compared to lead .410 turkey loads.
- High-density tungsten shot for enhanced penetration and knockdown power.
- FLITECONTROL FLEX wad for tight, consistent patterns.
- Manageable recoil, suitable for youth and smaller-framed shooters.
- A portion of the proceeds are donated to the National Wild Turkey Federation.
Cons
- High price per shell compared to lead alternatives.
- Limited availability in some regions.
Who Should Buy **Federal Premium Turkey Heavyweight TSS 410 Gauge 13/16 oz 3in Shotgun Ammunition
Up to 33% Off**?
The Federal Premium Turkey Heavyweight TSS 410 Gauge is perfect for turkey hunters seeking to maximize the performance of their .410 shotguns, particularly those hunting in areas where longer shots may be necessary. It is also an excellent choice for youth hunters or individuals who prefer the reduced recoil of the .410 gauge.
Hunters exclusively hunting at distances of 20 yards or less, or those on a very tight budget, might skip this product in favor of more affordable lead loads. However, they will sacrifice significant range and pattern density.
A quality aftermarket turkey choke specifically designed for .410 shotguns is a must-have accessory to optimize the performance of this ammunition.
Conclusion on **Federal Premium Turkey Heavyweight TSS 410 Gauge 13/16 oz 3in Shotgun Ammunition
Up to 33% Off**
The Federal Premium Turkey Heavyweight TSS 410 Gauge 13/16 oz 3in Shotgun Ammunition represents a significant advancement in .410 turkey hunting technology. While the price is higher than traditional lead loads, the superior pattern density, extended range, and enhanced knockdown power justify the cost for serious turkey hunters seeking to maximize the potential of their .410 shotguns.
The value proposition is strong, especially for those who appreciate ethical, clean kills at extended ranges. The performance justifies the price point.
I would absolutely recommend this ammunition to anyone looking to get the most out of their .410 for turkey hunting. This is a game-changer. Give it a try and see the difference for yourself this season!