First Impressions of Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Greenleaf 12 Gauge 2-1/4 Ounce 3 inch Shotgun Ammunition GL12 12% Off
The Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Greenleaf 12 Gauge 2-1/4 Ounce 3 inch Shotgun Ammunition GL12 12% Off promises to be a game-changer in the turkey hunting world. Apex Ammunition has built a reputation for high-quality, hand-loaded shotgun ammunition, and the Greenleaf TSS (Tungsten Super Shot) line is specifically designed to deliver devastating patterns at extended ranges. This particular load, featuring a duplex of No. 9 and No. 10 TSS shot, boasts a staggering 1,096 pellets in a single 3-inch 12-gauge shell.
My search for the ultimate turkey load led me to this product. I needed a shell that would provide consistent, dense patterns beyond 40 yards, effectively extending my ethical hunting range and improving my chances of bagging that elusive longbeard.
The packaging is simple and functional. Opening the box, the deep red color of the shells is striking, a visual promise of the power they hold. The shells feel solid and well-constructed, each one meticulously loaded.
Compared to other turkey loads I’ve used, such as Winchester Long Beard XR and Federal Premium Grand Slam, the Apex shells immediately stand out due to their significantly higher pellet count and the promised benefits of TSS. While the Winchester and Federal offerings are good, they lack the sheer density and downrange energy that TSS promises.
My initial impression is one of excited anticipation. These shells look serious, and the specifications suggest they will perform accordingly.
Real-World Testing: Putting Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Greenleaf 12 Gauge 2-1/4 Ounce 3 inch Shotgun Ammunition GL12 12% Off to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Greenleaf at my local shooting range, using a Benelli Super Black Eagle II with a .665″ choke. The weather was mild, around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, with a slight breeze.
The pattern at 40 yards was incredibly tight and dense, easily covering the vitals of a turkey target with a high concentration of pellets. The recoil was noticeable but manageable, certainly no worse than other high-performance turkey loads.
After the first shot, I examined the wad. It looked intact, suggesting that the one-piece tungsten-grade wad system was effectively protecting the barrel.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of range testing and a full turkey season using the Apex shells, their performance has remained consistently impressive. There were no misfires or failures to eject.
The shells show no signs of degradation or performance loss, even after being stored in my hunting vest for extended periods. The plastic hulls held up well in various weather conditions, from damp spring mornings to dry, sunny afternoons.
Cleaning the barrel after shooting the Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Greenleaf shells was no different than cleaning after using lead or copper-plated shot. I experienced no excessive fouling or residue. They definitely outperform any other turkey loads I’ve used in terms of pattern density and downrange energy.
Breaking Down the Features of Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Greenleaf 12 Gauge 2-1/4 Ounce 3 inch Shotgun Ammunition GL12 12% Off
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Apex Ammunition
- Gauge: 12
- Number of Rounds: 5
- Shot Size: 9, 10 (Duplex Load)
- Shell Length: 3 inches
- Muzzle Velocity: 1190 ft/s
- Application: Turkey Hunting
- Shotgun Shot Weight: 2 1/4 oz
- Shot Material: Tungsten Super Shot (TSS)
- Primer Style: Centerfire
- Shotgun Pellet Count: 1096
- Cartridge Case Material: Plastic
- Lead Free: Yes
- Color: Red
These specifications are significant because they contribute directly to the shell’s effectiveness on turkeys. The duplex load of No. 9 and No. 10 TSS shot provides a high pellet count for dense patterns, while the Tungsten material (density of 18.1 g/cc) ensures maximum energy transfer on impact, even at longer ranges.
Performance & Functionality
The Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Greenleaf excels at its primary function: ethically and effectively harvesting turkeys at extended ranges. The tight patterns and devastating energy of the TSS shot significantly increase the hunter’s margin for error.
The primary strengths are the incredible pattern density and the downrange energy retention. The shell consistently delivers lethal patterns out to 50 yards and beyond, far exceeding the effective range of traditional lead or copper-plated loads. There are no major weaknesses, aside from the higher cost compared to other turkey loads.
The performance exceeded my expectations. I’ve never experienced such consistent and devastating results with any other turkey ammunition.
Design & Ergonomics
The red plastic hull is durable and weather-resistant. The shells are easy to load and unload.
The design is simple and functional, focusing on maximizing performance rather than aesthetics. The only ergonomic factor to consider is the recoil, which is manageable but noticeable.
There’s no real learning curve. The shells perform as expected with a proper choke and shotgun combination.
Durability & Maintenance
The shells themselves are designed for single use, but they appear to be well-constructed and durable. Proper storage in a cool, dry place should ensure their performance for years to come.
Maintenance is limited to cleaning the shotgun after use, which is a standard procedure. I expect these shells to maintain their performance over several hunting seasons.
Accessories and Customization Options
The shells themselves don’t require any accessories. The most important customization is choosing the correct choke for your shotgun. A tight turkey choke, generally in the .655″ to .670″ range, is essential to achieve the desired pattern density.
These shells are compatible with any 12-gauge shotgun chambered for 3-inch shells and designed for modern shotshells. I’ve found that pairing them with a quality red dot sight or scope can further enhance accuracy at longer ranges.
Pros and Cons of Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Greenleaf 12 Gauge 2-1/4 Ounce 3 inch Shotgun Ammunition GL12 12% Off
Pros
- Incredible Pattern Density: Delivers extremely tight and consistent patterns at extended ranges, greatly increasing the odds of a successful and ethical harvest.
- Devastating Downrange Energy: The high density of TSS ensures maximum energy transfer upon impact, even at 50+ yards.
- Ethical Hunting at Longer Ranges: Allows hunters to confidently and ethically take shots at distances that would be impossible with traditional lead or copper-plated loads.
- High Pellet Count: With 1,096 pellets in a single shell, the chances of hitting the vital areas of a turkey are significantly increased.
- Clean Burning: Produces relatively little fouling, making cleaning easier.
Cons
- High Cost: Significantly more expensive than traditional lead or copper-plated turkey loads.
- Recoil: Noticeable recoil, which may be a concern for smaller-framed shooters or those sensitive to recoil.
Who Should Buy Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Greenleaf 12 Gauge 2-1/4 Ounce 3 inch Shotgun Ammunition GL12 12% Off?
Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Greenleaf 12 Gauge 2-1/4 Ounce 3 inch Shotgun Ammunition GL12 12% Off is perfect for serious turkey hunters who demand the best possible performance and are willing to invest in high-quality ammunition. It’s ideal for hunters who hunt in areas where longer shots are common or necessary due to terrain or hunting pressure.
Hunters on a tight budget who primarily hunt at close ranges (under 30 yards) may want to skip this product.
A tight turkey choke is a must-have accessory. A quality red dot sight or scope can further enhance accuracy and effectiveness.
Conclusion on Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Greenleaf 12 Gauge 2-1/4 Ounce 3 inch Shotgun Ammunition GL12 12% Off
The Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Greenleaf 12 Gauge 2-1/4 Ounce 3 inch Shotgun Ammunition GL12 12% Off is, without a doubt, the most effective turkey load I’ve ever used. The performance is simply unmatched.
While the price is higher than traditional turkey loads, the increased range, pattern density, and downrange energy make it a worthwhile investment for serious turkey hunters. The value proposition is clear: increased confidence, ethical harvests, and a greater chance of success.
I wholeheartedly recommend this ammunition to any turkey hunter who wants to take their game to the next level. If you’re serious about bagging that longbeard, give Apex TSS a try – you won’t be disappointed. Go out and experience the Apex advantage this turkey season!