First Impressions of Apex Ammunition Turkey Ninja TSS 12 Gauge 2 1/2 oz 3 1/2” 8.5 Shot Shotgun Ammunition NINJA35 18% Off
Spring turkey season. It’s a symphony of early mornings, crisp air, and the heart-pounding thrill of the hunt, and the Apex Ammunition Turkey Ninja TSS 12 Gauge 2 1/2 oz 3 1/2” 8.5 Shot Shotgun Ammunition NINJA35 18% Off promises to elevate that experience to a whole new level. The Apex Ammunition name carries a lot of weight, known for pushing the boundaries of shotgun ammunition performance, particularly with their Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) offerings.
I was looking for an edge. Turkey hunting in pressured areas demands ammunition that delivers tight patterns and lethal energy at extended ranges. The promise of a new shot size (8.5) specifically designed for turkey hunting, coupled with the renowned TSS payload, was too enticing to ignore.
Upon receiving the box, the first thing that struck me was the packaging. It’s simple, functional, and clearly communicates the payload and shot size. The shells themselves look meticulously crafted, with a clean crimp and a professional finish, instilling confidence in their quality right out of the box. Compared to standard lead turkey loads, or even some of the earlier TSS offerings from other manufacturers, these just look different – serious and purpose-built.
I was definitely excited. The combination of Apex Ammunition’s reputation and the innovative shot size left me eager to see how these rounds would perform in the field. This ammunition seemed to solve the problem of balancing pattern density and pellet energy at longer distances, a constant challenge for turkey hunters.
Real-World Testing: Putting Apex Ammunition Turkey Ninja TSS 12 Gauge 2 1/2 oz 3 1/2” 8.5 Shot Shotgun Ammunition NINJA35 18% Off to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Apex Ammunition Turkey Ninja TSS 12 Gauge 2 1/2 oz 3 1/2” 8.5 Shot Shotgun Ammunition NINJA35 18% Off was at my local shooting range, patterning the shells through my trusty 12-gauge Benelli Super Black Eagle 3, using a variety of aftermarket chokes designed for TSS. I wanted to see the patterns at 40 and 50 yards – typical engagement distances for pressured birds in my area.
The shells performed flawlessly, cycling smoothly and producing devastatingly tight patterns. Even in a slight crosswind, the 8.5 shot held its density remarkably well. There was a noticeable difference in recoil compared to standard lead loads; however, it was manageable, especially given the payload.
No real surprises presented themselves during the initial testing. The patterns were consistent and centered, aligning with my point of aim. It did take a couple of adjustments to my choke selection to find the absolute best pattern for my gun.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and multiple trips to the range, the Apex Ammunition Turkey Ninja TSS has proven to be exceptionally reliable. I’ve put roughly 50 rounds through my shotgun with zero malfunctions of any kind.
I haven’t observed any signs of wear or degradation to the shells themselves during storage. They have been stored in a cool, dry environment, as recommended. Maintaining the gun itself after shooting TSS is crucial. Cleaning the barrel thoroughly after each use is necessary to prevent any potential build-up from the tungsten material.
Compared to my previous turkey loads (a mix of lead and older TSS offerings), the Apex Ninja TSS consistently delivers tighter, more uniform patterns at all ranges. This gives me significantly more confidence in making ethical shots at wary toms. The difference is night and day.
Breaking Down the Features of Apex Ammunition Turkey Ninja TSS 12 Gauge 2 1/2 oz 3 1/2” 8.5 Shot Shotgun Ammunition NINJA35 18% Off
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Apex Ammunition. Apex Ammunition is known for its high-quality, specialized shotgun ammunition, particularly its TSS loads.
- Gauge: 12. This ammunition is designed for standard 12-gauge shotguns.
- Number of Rounds: 5. Each box contains five shells.
- Shot Size: 8.5. This is a unique shot size specifically tailored for turkey hunting, balancing pattern density and energy retention.
- Shell Length: 3 1/2 inches. These shells require a shotgun chambered for 3 1/2-inch shells.
- Muzzle Velocity: 1175 ft/s. This velocity strikes a good balance between recoil and downrange performance.
- Application: Hunting, Turkey. This ammunition is specifically designed for turkey hunting.
- Included Accessories: None. The box includes only the ammunition itself.
- Shotgun Shot Weight: 2 1/2 oz. This is a heavy payload, maximizing pattern density and energy.
- Shot Material: Tungsten. Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) is denser than lead, allowing for smaller shot sizes with equivalent or superior energy.
- Primer Style: Centerfire. This is a standard primer style for shotgun ammunition.
- Shotgun Pellet Count: 931. The high pellet count increases the likelihood of multiple hits on the target.
- Cartridge Case Material: Plastic. Standard plastic hull for shotgun shells.
- Lead Free: Yes. This ammunition is environmentally friendly and compliant with lead-free hunting regulations.
- Color: Tungsten. The shells are likely colored to differentiate them from standard lead loads.
These specifications matter because they directly translate to performance in the field. The high pellet count and tungsten construction result in tighter patterns and greater downrange energy. The 8.5 shot size is the key, offering the best of both worlds – pattern density and individual pellet lethality.
Performance & Functionality
The Apex Ammunition Turkey Ninja TSS 12 Gauge 2 1/2 oz 3 1/2” 8.5 Shot Shotgun Ammunition NINJA35 18% Off excels at its primary job: delivering devastatingly effective patterns on turkeys at extended ranges. This translates to more ethical kills and less chance of wounding a bird.
The biggest strength of this ammunition is its consistent pattern density out to 50 yards and beyond. Its weakness, like all TSS loads, is the higher cost per shell compared to lead alternatives. However, the performance justifies the price for serious turkey hunters.
This ammunition far exceeds my expectations. It’s a game-changer for hunters who demand the best possible performance from their shotgun. This allows hunters to ethically harvest turkeys at distances previously considered beyond effective range.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is excellent. The shells are consistently loaded and crimped, ensuring reliable feeding and ignition. The 2 1/2 oz payload makes for a noticeable recoil, but it is a necessary trade-off for the increased performance.
The design is simple and functional. There’s no learning curve involved; it’s just load and shoot. The quality components and consistent construction inspire confidence.
Durability & Maintenance
The shells themselves are designed for single use. Stored properly, they should last for years without degradation. As mentioned earlier, diligent cleaning of your shotgun after shooting TSS is essential for long-term maintenance.
Cleaning is straightforward, requiring only standard shotgun cleaning equipment and solvents. The crucial point is to be thorough in removing any tungsten residue from the bore. Regular cleaning ensures consistent performance and prevents potential corrosion.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Apex Ammunition Turkey Ninja TSS itself doesn’t require any accessories, but optimizing your shotgun with the right choke is critical to unlocking its full potential. Aftermarket chokes designed specifically for TSS are highly recommended.
This ammunition is compatible with any 12-gauge shotgun chambered for 3 1/2-inch shells. Many hunters also add red dot sights or other optics to their shotguns for improved accuracy at longer ranges, further enhancing the effectiveness of the Apex Ninja TSS. A quality choke and optic pairing will take your turkey hunting to the next level.
Pros and Cons of Apex Ammunition Turkey Ninja TSS 12 Gauge 2 1/2 oz 3 1/2” 8.5 Shot Shotgun Ammunition NINJA35 18% Off
Pros
- Devastatingly tight and consistent patterns at extended ranges.
- High pellet count ensures multiple hits on the target.
- Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) provides superior downrange energy.
- Lead-free and environmentally friendly.
- Consistent quality and reliable performance.
Cons
- Higher cost per shell compared to lead alternatives.
- Increased recoil due to the heavy payload.
- Requires thorough cleaning of the shotgun after use.
Who Should Buy Apex Ammunition Turkey Ninja TSS 12 Gauge 2 1/2 oz 3 1/2” 8.5 Shot Shotgun Ammunition NINJA35 18% Off?
This ammunition is perfect for serious turkey hunters who demand the best possible performance and are willing to pay a premium for it. It’s also ideal for hunters in areas with lead-free ammunition restrictions.
Hunters on a tight budget or those who primarily hunt turkeys at very close ranges may not find the added cost justified. Those extremely sensitive to recoil may want to consider lighter TSS loads or alternatives.
A quality aftermarket choke designed for TSS and a reliable optic are must-have modifications to maximize the performance of the Apex Ninja TSS. Patterning the shells with different chokes is crucial to finding the optimal combination for your specific shotgun. Understanding your shotgun’s capabilities with this ammunition is key to ethical and successful hunts.
Conclusion on Apex Ammunition Turkey Ninja TSS 12 Gauge 2 1/2 oz 3 1/2” 8.5 Shot Shotgun Ammunition NINJA35 18% Off
The Apex Ammunition Turkey Ninja TSS 12 Gauge 2 1/2 oz 3 1/2” 8.5 Shot Shotgun Ammunition NINJA35 18% Off is a premium turkey hunting load that delivers exceptional performance. Its tight patterns, high pellet count, and superior downrange energy make it a top choice for serious turkey hunters.
While the price is higher than traditional lead loads, the performance justifies the cost for those who demand the best. It is a game-changer, providing a significant advantage in challenging hunting situations.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Apex Ninja TSS to any turkey hunter looking to elevate their game. It’s an investment in ethical and successful hunts, providing the confidence needed to make those crucial shots when the opportunity arises. Take the plunge and experience the Apex difference for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.