First Impressions of Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Greenleaf 20 Gauge 1-5/8 Ounce 3 inch Shotgun Ammunition GL20 13% Off
The Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Greenleaf 20 Gauge 1-5/8 Ounce 3 inch Shotgun Ammunition GL20 13% Off promises to be a game-changer in the turkey hunting world, and I was eager to put that promise to the test. Apex Ammunition is known for its commitment to quality and innovation, particularly in the realm of Tungsten Super Shot (TSS), and this offering seemed to encapsulate that reputation. The combination of No. 9 and No. 10 TSS shot in a 20-gauge platform, specifically designed for turkey hunting, piqued my interest.
My quest for the ultimate turkey load has been a long one. I needed something that could deliver consistent, tight patterns at longer ranges while remaining manageable in my lightweight 20-gauge. This ammunition seemed to be the answer to achieving that elusive balance.
Unboxing the Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Greenleaf, I was immediately struck by the visual quality. The vibrant yellow shells looked meticulously assembled, instilling confidence in their construction. The 3-inch shells felt substantial in my hand, giving the impression of a potent payload packed inside.
I’ve used various turkey loads over the years, including Winchester Long Beard XR and Federal Premium TSS. While those options provided decent performance, they sometimes lacked the consistent pattern density I craved at distances beyond 40 yards. The Apex Ammunition offering stood out because of its specifically blended shot sizes of #9 and #10, designed to maximize pellet count and pattern density.
My initial impression was one of excitement mixed with cautious optimism. I had high hopes that the Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Greenleaf 20 Gauge would live up to its claims and revolutionize my turkey hunting game, but the proof would be in the patterning board and, ultimately, the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Greenleaf 20 Gauge 1-5/8 Ounce 3 inch Shotgun Ammunition GL20 13% Off to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Greenleaf was at my local shooting range, specifically to pattern my 20-gauge shotgun. The weather was typical for early spring in the Midwest: damp and slightly chilly, with a light breeze. I set up targets at 30, 40, and 50 yards to assess the pattern density and consistency.
The Apex Ammunition shells loaded smoothly into my shotgun. Upon firing the first round, I immediately noticed a significant difference in recoil compared to standard lead loads. The recoil was noticeably sharper but still manageable, especially given the impressive payload of TSS.
After checking the targets, I was immediately impressed. The patterns at 30 and 40 yards were incredibly dense, with a consistent spread of pellets within a 10-inch circle. Even at 50 yards, the pattern held together remarkably well, with enough pellet strikes to ethically take a turkey. There were no noticeable holes or inconsistencies in the pattern.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of dedicated use, both at the range and during actual turkey hunts, the Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Greenleaf has consistently proven its worth. I have fired approximately 20 rounds of this ammunition, and it has performed flawlessly every single time. There have been no misfires, failures to eject, or any other reliability issues.
The durability of the ammunition is excellent, showing no signs of degradation even after being stored in my hunting vest for extended periods. Cleaning my shotgun after using the Apex Ammunition is straightforward; I noticed no excessive fouling or residue left in the barrel.
Compared to my previous experiences with other turkey loads, the Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Greenleaf significantly outperforms them in terms of pattern density and effective range. This ammunition provides me with the confidence to take longer shots, knowing that I have a high probability of a clean, ethical kill. It has definitely exceeded my expectations and become my go-to turkey load.
Breaking Down the Features of Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Greenleaf 20 Gauge 1-5/8 Ounce 3 inch Shotgun Ammunition GL20 13% Off
Specifications
The Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Greenleaf 20 Gauge 1-5/8 Ounce 3 inch Shotgun Ammunition GL20 13% Off boasts impressive specifications designed to maximize performance in the turkey woods. It is a 20-gauge shell with a 3-inch shell length. This allows for a larger payload and increased power.
Each shell contains 1 5/8 oz of Tungsten Super Shot (TSS). The pellets are a duplex load of #9 and #10 shot sizes. The pellet count is an impressive 774 pellets per shell.
The shot material is Tungsten, known for its exceptional density of 18.1 grams per cubic centimeter. This high density translates to superior energy retention and penetration at longer ranges. The ammunition utilizes a centerfire primer style for consistent and reliable ignition.
The cartridge case is made of plastic, ensuring smooth feeding and ejection in most shotguns. It is lead-free, making it environmentally friendly and compliant with regulations in areas where lead shot is restricted. The shell color is yellow, providing easy identification in your gear. The velocity is 1175 FPS.
These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the ammunition’s performance. The high density of TSS ensures that even the smaller #9 and #10 pellets retain enough energy to penetrate effectively at longer distances. The large pellet count increases the probability of multiple hits on the turkey’s head and neck, leading to a quicker, more humane kill.
Performance & Functionality
The Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Greenleaf performs exceptionally well in its intended role: ethically harvesting turkeys at extended ranges. The tight, consistent patterns ensure that a sufficient number of pellets reach the target, even at distances beyond 40 yards. This dramatically increases the hunter’s confidence and effective range.
The strengths of this ammunition lie in its superior pattern density and downrange energy. The duplex load of #9 and #10 TSS shot fills in the gaps in the pattern, leaving virtually no room for a turkey to escape unharmed. A potential weakness could be the slightly higher recoil compared to standard lead loads, which may be a concern for smaller-framed shooters.
The ammunition has met and exceeded my expectations in almost every aspect. The consistency and lethality of the patterns are truly remarkable, making it a top-tier choice for serious turkey hunters.
Design & Ergonomics
The Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Greenleaf features a straightforward and functional design. The yellow plastic shell is well-constructed and easy to handle, even with gloved hands. The shell’s weight feels balanced, contributing to smooth and reliable cycling in my shotgun.
The design is user-friendly, requiring no special adjustments or modifications to your shotgun. Simply load the shells and you are ready to hunt.
Durability & Maintenance
The shells are robustly constructed and appear to be highly resistant to environmental factors. I have stored them in various conditions, from dry boxes to humid hunting vests, without noticing any signs of degradation or performance loss.
Maintenance is minimal, primarily involving cleaning your shotgun after use to remove any powder residue. The ammunition itself requires no specific maintenance procedures.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Greenleaf does not require any specific accessories for optimal performance. However, pairing it with a quality turkey choke designed for TSS shot can further enhance pattern density and effective range.
The ammunition is compatible with most 20-gauge shotguns designed to handle 3-inch shells. While there are no direct customization options for the ammunition itself, hunters can experiment with different chokes and optics to fine-tune their setup for specific hunting scenarios.
Pros and Cons of Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Greenleaf 20 Gauge 1-5/8 Ounce 3 inch Shotgun Ammunition GL20 13% Off
Pros
- Exceptional Pattern Density: The duplex load of #9 and #10 TSS shot creates incredibly dense and consistent patterns, even at extended ranges.
- Superior Downrange Energy: The high density of TSS ensures that pellets retain sufficient energy for ethical kills at longer distances.
- Increased Effective Range: This ammunition significantly extends the hunter’s effective range, providing confidence in taking longer shots.
- Reliable Performance: The Apex Ammunition shells consistently perform flawlessly, with no misfires or failures to eject.
- Lead-Free and Environmentally Friendly: The lead-free composition makes it suitable for use in areas with lead restrictions.
Cons
- Higher Recoil: The recoil is noticeably sharper compared to standard lead loads, which may be a concern for some shooters.
- Premium Price: The Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Greenleaf is more expensive than traditional turkey loads.
Who Should Buy Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Greenleaf 20 Gauge 1-5/8 Ounce 3 inch Shotgun Ammunition GL20 13% Off?
The Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Greenleaf 20 Gauge is perfect for serious turkey hunters who demand the highest level of performance and are willing to invest in premium ammunition. It is especially well-suited for hunters who frequently encounter long-range shots or who hunt in areas with pressured birds that tend to hang up at a distance.
Hunters who are recoil-sensitive or who primarily hunt at close ranges may find this ammunition to be overkill. Cheaper lead loads may be sufficient for their needs.
A must-have accessory to maximize the potential of the Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Greenleaf is a quality aftermarket turkey choke designed for TSS shot. This will further tighten patterns and extend the effective range of the ammunition.
Conclusion on Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Greenleaf 20 Gauge 1-5/8 Ounce 3 inch Shotgun Ammunition GL20 13% Off
The Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Greenleaf 20 Gauge 1-5/8 Ounce 3 inch Shotgun Ammunition GL20 13% Off is, without a doubt, a top-tier choice for serious turkey hunters. The unparalleled pattern density, superior downrange energy, and extended effective range make it a game-changer in the turkey woods.
While the price is certainly higher than traditional turkey loads, the performance justifies the investment for those who demand the best. The increased confidence and ethical killing power that this ammunition provides are well worth the extra cost.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Greenleaf 20 Gauge to any serious turkey hunter looking to elevate their game. If you want to maximize your chances of success and ethically harvest turkeys at extended ranges, this ammunition is the answer. Give it a try – you won’t be disappointed!