First Impressions of Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS 28 Gauge 1 3/8 oz 2 3/4” 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition PT28-9 22% Off
The Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS 28 Gauge 1 3/8 oz 2 3/4” 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition PT28-9 22% Off promises to revolutionize the way we approach turkey hunting with sub-gauge shotguns. Apex Ammunition claims that their Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) loads deliver devastating patterns at ranges that rival even 12-gauge lead loads. As someone who has chased gobblers for over a decade, and experimented with various loads and gauges, I was extremely interested to see if this ammunition lived up to the hype.
My quest for the perfect turkey load has been ongoing, particularly for smaller gauges that offer reduced recoil and weight. I’ve become increasingly interested in the 28 gauge platform for turkey hunting in recent years. The challenge has always been finding a load that delivers sufficient energy and pattern density at longer ranges, which is why I was particularly drawn to the TSS technology.
Upon receiving the Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS 28 Gauge 1 3/8 oz 2 3/4” 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition PT28-9 22% Off, the first thing I noticed was the meticulous packaging. Each shell was seated perfectly in the box, a testament to the care that Apex Ammunition puts into their product. The shells themselves appeared to be of high quality, with a clean crimp and consistent dimensions.
Compared to other 28-gauge turkey loads I’ve used in the past, such as traditional lead or bismuth offerings, the Apex Ammunition TSS loads immediately felt different. The denser TSS shot promised a higher pellet count and greater downrange energy. I have primarily used Winchester and Federal lead loads in the past, but their performance at ranges beyond 30 yards left something to be desired.
My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The price point is certainly higher than traditional turkey loads, reflecting the cost of TSS. However, if the performance claims are true, the investment would be well worth it for ethical and effective harvesting of turkeys at extended ranges.
Real-World Testing: Putting Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS 28 Gauge 1 3/8 oz 2 3/4” 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition PT28-9 22% Off to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS 28 Gauge 1 3/8 oz 2 3/4” 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition PT28-9 22% Off was at my local shooting range, under controlled conditions. I patterned the loads at 20, 30, and 40 yards using a 28-gauge shotgun with a full choke. The weather was mild and dry, providing ideal conditions for evaluating pattern density and consistency.
The initial shots were impressive; the pattern was significantly tighter and more uniform than any lead load I had previously tested in the 28 gauge. At 30 yards, the pattern was dense enough to ensure a clean kill on a turkey, with plenty of pellets in the vital area. There were no noticeable holes or inconsistencies in the pattern.
The recoil was surprisingly manageable, even with the heavier 1 3/8 oz payload. This made follow-up shots quicker and easier, a crucial factor in turkey hunting situations. There were no malfunctions or issues with cycling the ammunition.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, and multiple range sessions, the Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS 28 Gauge 1 3/8 oz 2 3/4” 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition PT28-9 22% Off has consistently delivered outstanding performance. I’ve taken it on several turkey hunts in varying conditions, including damp mornings and windy afternoons. The ammunition has proven to be reliable and unaffected by environmental factors.
The shells have held up well in my hunting vest, with no signs of deformation or damage. I’ve found that the TSS shot retains its shape and integrity, even after being subjected to recoil and handling. Maintenance is simple – I haven’t noticed any excessive fouling or residue.
Compared to my previous experiences with lead loads, the Apex Ammunition TSS rounds offer a significant improvement in effective range and pattern density. I feel much more confident taking shots at distances beyond 30 yards, knowing that I have a load that can deliver a lethal blow. The increased confidence has made me a more ethical and successful turkey hunter.
Breaking Down the Features of Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS 28 Gauge 1 3/8 oz 2 3/4” 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition PT28-9 22% Off
Specifications
The Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS 28 Gauge 1 3/8 oz 2 3/4” 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition PT28-9 22% Off boasts several key specifications that contribute to its impressive performance.
- Gauge: 28
- Number of Rounds: 5
- Shot Size: 9
- Shell Length: 2 3/4 inches
- Muzzle Velocity: 1150 ft/s
- Application: Hunting, Turkey
- Shotgun Shot Weight: 1 3/8 oz
- Shot Material: Tungsten
- Primer Style: Centerfire
- Cartridge Case Material: Plastic
- Lead Free: Yes
- Color: Tungsten
The 28-gauge offers a sweet spot between recoil and power, making it an excellent choice for hunters of all sizes and experience levels. The smaller bore size requires denser shot to maintain pattern density. The 9 shot size, combined with the Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) material, provides the high pellet count and downrange energy needed for ethical turkey hunting.
The 2 3/4-inch shell length is standard for 28-gauge shotguns, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of firearms. A Muzzle velocity of 1150 ft/s strikes a balance between velocity and pattern integrity, delivering sufficient energy without sacrificing pattern density. The 1 3/8 oz shot weight is a substantial payload for a 28-gauge, contributing to the increased pattern density and downrange energy.
The use of Tungsten as the shot material is a critical factor in the performance of this ammunition. Tungsten is significantly denser than lead, allowing for smaller pellets that retain more energy and penetrate deeper. The centerfire primer style ensures reliable ignition in all weather conditions.
The plastic cartridge case material is durable and weather-resistant, protecting the powder and shot from moisture and damage. The fact that it is lead-free makes it environmentally friendly and compliant with regulations in areas where lead ammunition is restricted. The tungsten color clearly distinguishes it from other ammunition types, preventing accidental mix-ups.
Performance & Functionality
The Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS 28 Gauge 1 3/8 oz 2 3/4” 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition PT28-9 22% Off excels in its primary function: delivering a dense, consistent, and lethal pattern on turkeys at extended ranges. The accuracy is excellent, with a tight grouping of pellets in the vital area of a turkey target at distances up to 40 yards. Reliability is flawless, with no failures to feed, fire, or eject.
The primary strength of this ammunition is its ability to transform the 28-gauge into a serious turkey hunting tool. The TSS shot provides significantly greater downrange energy and penetration compared to traditional lead loads. A potential weakness is the higher cost per round, which may deter some hunters from using it extensively.
Overall, the Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS 28 Gauge 1 3/8 oz 2 3/4” 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition PT28-9 22% Off exceeds expectations, delivering unparalleled performance in a 28-gauge turkey load. The patterns are consistently tight and lethal, providing a significant advantage over traditional ammunition.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS 28 Gauge 1 3/8 oz 2 3/4” 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition PT28-9 22% Off is simple and functional, with a focus on performance and reliability. The build quality is excellent, with consistent dimensions and a clean crimp. The shells are easy to load and handle, with no sharp edges or imperfections.
The weight of the shells is comparable to other 28-gauge loads, with the added benefit of increased downrange energy due to the denser TSS shot. The recoil is manageable, making it comfortable to shoot even in lightweight shotguns. There is virtually no learning curve; the ammunition performs as expected from the first shot.
Durability & Maintenance
The Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS 28 Gauge 1 3/8 oz 2 3/4” 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition PT28-9 22% Off is designed to last, with high-quality components and durable construction. The plastic hulls are resistant to cracking and deformation, even after repeated handling and exposure to the elements. Maintenance is minimal; cleaning the shotgun after use is the only required upkeep.
I expect this ammunition to last for many years if stored properly in a cool, dry place. The high-quality components and meticulous manufacturing process ensure that it will perform reliably when needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS 28 Gauge 1 3/8 oz 2 3/4” 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition PT28-9 22% Off does not come with any specific accessories, as it is a self-contained ammunition product. However, it is compatible with a wide range of 28-gauge shotguns and choke tubes. Experimenting with different choke tubes can further optimize pattern density and range.
The ammunition can be used with various optics, such as red dot sights or scopes, to enhance accuracy. It is also compatible with aftermarket recoil pads, which can further reduce felt recoil. The Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS 28 Gauge 1 3/8 oz 2 3/4” 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition PT28-9 22% Off works seamlessly with any standard 28-gauge shotgun.
Pros and Cons of Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS 28 Gauge 1 3/8 oz 2 3/4” 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition PT28-9 22% Off
Pros
- Unmatched pattern density: The TSS shot delivers significantly tighter patterns than traditional lead loads, especially at longer ranges.
- Increased downrange energy: Tungsten’s high density ensures that pellets retain more energy, resulting in deeper penetration and more ethical kills.
- Reduced recoil: The 28-gauge platform, combined with manageable velocity, offers reduced recoil compared to larger gauges.
- Ethical hunting: The superior performance allows for confident shots at extended ranges, ensuring cleaner and more ethical harvests.
- Environmentally friendly: The lead-free composition is compliant with regulations in lead-restricted areas.
Cons
- Higher cost: TSS ammunition is more expensive than traditional lead loads.
- Limited availability: TSS ammunition may not be as readily available as other types of shotgun ammunition.
Who Should Buy Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS 28 Gauge 1 3/8 oz 2 3/4” 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition PT28-9 22% Off?
The Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS 28 Gauge 1 3/8 oz 2 3/4” 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition PT28-9 22% Off is perfect for turkey hunters who prioritize performance, ethical harvests, and manageable recoil. It is especially well-suited for hunters who use 28-gauge shotguns and want to maximize their effective range. Experienced hunters and those new to the sport will find this ammunition a valuable asset.
Hunters who are primarily concerned with cost and are comfortable with shorter-range shots may find traditional lead loads more suitable. This product might not be ideal for high-volume shooting or practice, due to the increased cost per round.
A tight choke is a must-have to realize the full potential of this ammunition. Additionally, patterning the load in your specific shotgun is crucial to determine the optimal range and choke combination. A quality optic can improve accuracy and confidence in the field.
Conclusion on Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS 28 Gauge 1 3/8 oz 2 3/4” 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition PT28-9 22% Off
The Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS 28 Gauge 1 3/8 oz 2 3/4” 9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition PT28-9 22% Off is a game-changer for turkey hunters who embrace the 28-gauge platform. Its unmatched pattern density and increased downrange energy make it a top-tier choice for ethical and effective harvests.
The price is undoubtedly higher than traditional lead loads, but the performance justifies the investment for serious turkey hunters. I personally recommend this ammunition without reservation. If you are looking to elevate your 28-gauge turkey hunting game, look no further than Apex Ammunition TSS. Invest in a box today and experience the difference for yourself.