First Impressions of Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Smalltown Hunting Blend 12 Gauge 2 1/4 oz 3” 7.5/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition STH-3 19% Off
Turkey hunting is a passion that demands precision and reliability, and the ammunition you choose can make or break your hunt. That’s why I was immediately intrigued by the Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Smalltown Hunting Blend 12 Gauge 2 1/4 oz 3” 7.5/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition STH-3 19% Off. The promise of a hand-built duplex load, combining the power of 7.5 shot with the density of 9 shot, seemed like the perfect recipe for a successful turkey season.
My quest for the ideal turkey load began several years ago, marked by frustrating experiences with inconsistent patterns and crippling misses. I needed a round that could deliver consistent, dense patterns at varying distances, capable of ethically harvesting a tom whether he strutted in close or hung up at the edge of my effective range. The Apex Ammunition blend seemed to address those very concerns.
Upon receiving the Apex ammunition, the first thing I noticed was the meticulous packaging. Each shell looked flawless, a testament to the hand-built and eye-reviewed quality control process. Compared to cheaper, mass-produced loads, these exuded a sense of premium quality and attention to detail.
I had been considering other premium turkey loads like Federal Premium TSS and Winchester Long Beard XR, but the unique blend of shot sizes in the Apex offering swayed my decision. The duplex load concept promised the best of both worlds, and I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype. My initial impression was one of cautious optimism; the price was certainly higher than standard loads, but the potential payoff in performance seemed well worth the investment.
Real-World Testing: Putting Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Smalltown Hunting Blend 12 Gauge 2 1/4 oz 3” 7.5/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition STH-3 19% Off to the Test
First Use Experience
My first opportunity to test the Apex Ammunition came at my local shooting range, under relatively controlled conditions. I patterned the load through my 12-gauge Benelli Super Black Eagle II, using a variety of turkey chokes at 40 yards. The results were immediately impressive.
The patterns were incredibly tight and dense, far exceeding the performance of the lead loads I had used in the past. There were no noticeable holes or gaps in the pattern, and the distribution of shot appeared to be remarkably uniform. Recoil was significant, as expected with a 2 1/4 oz load, but manageable, especially with the Benelli’s recoil reduction system.
Extended Use & Reliability
After the initial range testing, I put the Apex Ammunition through its paces during the spring turkey season. Over several weeks of hunting in varying weather conditions, from damp mornings to dry afternoons, the ammunition performed flawlessly. I harvested two mature toms with the Apex load.
The first tom was taken at 35 yards, and the pattern was devastating, resulting in an immediate and ethical kill. The second tom was slightly further out, at around 45 yards, and the Apex ammunition still delivered a tight and lethal pattern. Throughout the season, I experienced no misfires or malfunctions, further reinforcing my confidence in the Apex Ammunition‘s reliability. The shells themselves held up well to being carried in my vest, showing no signs of damage or deformation. It outperforms any turkey load that I have ever used.
Breaking Down the Features of Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Smalltown Hunting Blend 12 Gauge 2 1/4 oz 3” 7.5/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition STH-3 19% Off
Specifications
The Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Smalltown Hunting Blend 12 Gauge 2 1/4 oz 3” 7.5/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition boasts some impressive specifications:
- Gauge: 12. This is a common and versatile gauge for turkey hunting, offering a good balance of power and pattern density.
- Number of Rounds: 5. Standard packaging for many premium turkey loads.
- Shot Size: 7.5, 9. The duplex load combines larger and smaller shot sizes for optimal performance.
- Shell Length: 3 in. A common shell length, providing ample space for the payload.
- Muzzle Velocity: 1190 ft/s. A good velocity for maximizing downrange energy and pattern consistency.
- Application: Hunting, Turkey. Specifically designed and optimized for turkey hunting.
- Shotgun Shot Weight: 2 1/4 oz. A heavy payload ensures ample shot density for lethal hits.
- Shot Material: Tungsten. Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) is incredibly dense, resulting in superior downrange energy and tighter patterns compared to lead or steel.
- Primer Style: Centerfire. Reliable ignition for consistent performance.
- Shotgun Pellet Count: 698. A high pellet count increases the chances of multiple lethal hits.
- Cartridge Case Material: Plastic. Standard for modern shotgun shells.
- Lead Free: Yes. Environmentally friendly and compliant with regulations in areas where lead shot is restricted.
- Color: Black.
These specifications translate to a high-performance turkey load that delivers exceptional downrange energy, tight patterns, and reliable ignition. The Tungsten Super Shot is a game-changer, allowing for smaller shot sizes to be used while maintaining superior penetration and energy.
Performance & Functionality
The Apex Ammunition performs exceptionally well in the field, delivering consistent and lethal patterns at a variety of ranges. The duplex load design, combining 7.5 and 9 shot, provides a balanced approach. The larger 7.5 shot delivers knockdown power, while the smaller 9 shot increases pattern density, ensuring a lethal hit even on smaller head and neck targets.
The primary strength of this ammunition is its ability to deliver incredibly tight and dense patterns, extending the effective range of my shotgun. The high pellet count and downrange energy of the TSS shot make it a lethal option for turkeys out to 50 yards or more. The only potential weakness is the relatively high recoil, which may be a concern for smaller or recoil-sensitive shooters.
The ammunition exceeded my expectations in terms of pattern density and downrange energy, making it a top-tier performer in the turkey hunting world.
Design & Ergonomics
The Apex Ammunition is well-designed and manufactured, with consistent dimensions and a smooth exterior. The shells load and eject smoothly from my shotgun, with no noticeable issues with cycling or feeding.
The black color of the shells is a practical choice for hunting, as it minimizes visibility and glare. The ammunition is comfortable to handle, with no sharp edges or rough surfaces.
Durability & Maintenance
The Apex Ammunition shells are constructed from high-quality materials and are designed to withstand the rigors of hunting. They are resistant to moisture and impact, ensuring reliable performance in a variety of conditions.
The TSS shot is also highly durable and resistant to deformation, maintaining its shape and integrity even after firing. The shells require no special maintenance or care.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Smalltown Hunting Blend is primarily a self-contained performance upgrade, meaning there aren’t many external accessories or customization options directly associated with the ammunition itself. The key is matching the load with the correct choke for your specific shotgun.
Many aftermarket choke manufacturers offer turkey chokes specifically designed for TSS shot, such as those from Carlson’s Choke Tubes or Jebs Chokes. These chokes are engineered to optimize pattern density and consistency with TSS loads. Experimenting with different chokes is highly recommended to find the best combination for your shotgun and hunting conditions.
Pros and Cons of Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Smalltown Hunting Blend 12 Gauge 2 1/4 oz 3” 7.5/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition STH-3 19% Off
Pros
- Incredibly tight and dense patterns, extending effective range.
- Duplex load design combines knockdown power and pattern density.
- Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) provides superior downrange energy and penetration.
- Hand-built and eye-reviewed for consistent quality.
- Reliable ignition and smooth cycling.
Cons
- Higher price point compared to lead or steel loads.
- Significant recoil, may not be suitable for all shooters.
Who Should Buy Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Smalltown Hunting Blend 12 Gauge 2 1/4 oz 3” 7.5/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition STH-3 19% Off?
The Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Smalltown Hunting Blend is perfect for serious turkey hunters who demand the highest levels of performance and are willing to invest in premium ammunition. It’s also a great choice for hunters who hunt in areas with restrictions on lead shot.
Hunters who are recoil-sensitive or on a very tight budget might want to consider other options. While the Apex load delivers exceptional performance, it comes at a premium price and with a noticeable increase in recoil.
A must-have accessory is a quality turkey choke specifically designed for TSS shot. Experimenting with different chokes is essential for optimizing pattern density and consistency.
Conclusion on Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Smalltown Hunting Blend 12 Gauge 2 1/4 oz 3” 7.5/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition STH-3 19% Off
The Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Smalltown Hunting Blend 12 Gauge 2 1/4 oz 3” 7.5/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition is a top-tier turkey load that delivers exceptional performance and reliability. While the price is higher than standard loads, the investment is justified by the increased pattern density, downrange energy, and overall lethality.
If you’re serious about turkey hunting and want the best possible chance of success, I highly recommend giving the Apex Ammunition a try. It’s a game-changer that will extend your effective range and increase your confidence in the field.
Don’t just take my word for it – experience the Apex difference for yourself and see what a difference premium ammunition can make. Invest in your hunt and bag that trophy tom with confidence!