First Impressions of **Apex Ammunition Waterfowl TSS/S3 Steel Blend 12 Gauge 1 5/16 oz 3” BB/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition
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The Apex Ammunition Waterfowl TSS/S3 Steel Blend 12 Gauge 1 5/16 oz 3” BB/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition WS3-BB 26% Off promises a deadly combination of steel and tungsten for waterfowl hunters seeking maximum knockdown power and pattern density. This “duplex” load, featuring a blend of S3 steel and Tungsten Super Shot (TSS), aims to virtually eliminate cripples and ensure ethical, clean kills. With the promise of improved performance over standard steel loads and a significant discount, I was eager to see if this ammunition lived up to the hype.
For years, I’ve struggled with finding a waterfowl load that consistently delivered both tight patterns and sufficient energy at longer ranges. Steel shot, while environmentally friendly, often left me wanting more in terms of terminal performance. The appeal of Apex Ammunition’s blend was its potential to combine the affordability of steel with the enhanced lethality of TSS.
Upon receiving the shells, I was immediately impressed by the quality of the packaging and the overall appearance of the ammunition. The hulls were clean and well-crimped, inspiring confidence in their reliability. The weight of each shell felt substantial, hinting at the dense payload within. This felt like a premium product, despite the discounted price.
Compared to my usual Winchester Blind Side steel loads, the Apex Ammunition offering immediately felt like a step up. While the Winchester shells are known for their unique wad design, the promise of TSS in the Apex load was the deciding factor. I also considered Hevi-Metal, another blended load, but the reputation of Apex Ammunition’s TSS for superior density and performance ultimately swayed me. My initial reaction was one of excitement and anticipation; I was eager to get to the range and see how these shells performed on paper.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Apex Ammunition Waterfowl TSS/S3 Steel Blend 12 Gauge 1 5/16 oz 3” BB/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition
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First Use Experience
My first test of the Apex Ammunition took place at my local shooting range, using a pattern board set up at 40 yards. I wanted to evaluate the pattern density and distribution of the shot at a typical waterfowl hunting distance. The weather was clear and calm, providing ideal conditions for testing.
The recoil was noticeably more significant than with standard steel loads, a testament to the heavier payload and higher velocity. However, the pattern was immediately impressive, with a dense core and even distribution of shot across the target. There were virtually no gaps or holes in the pattern, suggesting excellent coverage.
The shells fed and ejected flawlessly from my Benelli Super Black Eagle II. I didn’t experience any malfunctions or issues during the initial testing. The only surprise was the increased recoil, which required a firm grip and solid stance.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple trips to the range and a few early-season goose hunts, the Apex Ammunition continued to perform consistently. I noticed no significant degradation in performance or reliability over time. The shells remained in excellent condition, even after being stored in my hunting bag for extended periods.
The ammunition proved to be durable, withstanding the rigors of field use without any signs of damage or deformation. I found cleaning my shotgun after using these shells to be no different than with other steel loads. The residue was minimal and easily removed with standard cleaning solvents.
Compared to my previous experiences with steel shot, the Apex Ammunition significantly outperformed in terms of both pattern density and terminal performance. Geese that would have previously required multiple shots were now dropping cleanly with a single well-placed shot. The blend of steel and TSS truly made a difference in the field.
Breaking Down the Features of **Apex Ammunition Waterfowl TSS/S3 Steel Blend 12 Gauge 1 5/16 oz 3” BB/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition
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Specifications
- Manufacturer: Apex Ammunition. They are known for their high-quality, hand-loaded ammunition.
- Gauge: 12 Gauge. This is the most common gauge for waterfowl hunting.
- Number of Rounds: 25. A standard box size for shotgun ammunition.
- Shot Size: BB, 9. This blend combines larger BB steel shot with smaller #9 TSS shot.
- Shell Length: 3 inches. A common length for 12-gauge waterfowl loads, offering a balance of capacity and recoil.
- Muzzle Velocity: 1450 ft/s. A high velocity that helps deliver more energy downrange.
- Application: Hunting, Waterfowl. Specifically designed for waterfowl hunting.
- Included Accessories: None. The product includes only the ammunition itself.
- Shotgun Shot Weight: 1 5/16 oz. A hefty payload for increased pattern density.
- Shot Material: Steel/TSS Blend. Combines affordable steel with high-density tungsten.
- Primer Style: Centerfire. Reliable ignition for consistent performance.
- Cartridge Case Material: Plastic. Common and durable material for shotgun shells.
- Lead Free: Yes. Complies with regulations for waterfowl hunting.
These specifications are critical for waterfowl hunting because they directly impact pattern density, range, and terminal performance. The TSS/Steel blend is a key feature, offering a significant advantage over traditional steel loads due to the increased density and lethality of TSS. The high muzzle velocity ensures sufficient energy at longer ranges.
Performance & Functionality
The Apex Ammunition Waterfowl TSS/S3 Steel Blend performs exceptionally well, delivering tight, consistent patterns and devastating knockdown power on waterfowl. The blend of steel and TSS provides the best of both worlds: affordability and lethality.
The major strength is the ability to consistently drop birds at longer ranges with fewer cripples. The higher density of TSS ensures greater energy retention downrange. The increased recoil, while noticeable, is a manageable trade-off for the improved performance.
This ammunition exceeded my expectations, providing a noticeable improvement over standard steel loads in terms of both pattern density and terminal effect. It has become my go-to load for goose hunting and performs admirably on ducks as well.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Apex Ammunition shells is simple and functional. The hulls are made of high-quality plastic and are consistently loaded. The shells are easy to handle and load into the shotgun.
There is no learning curve associated with using this ammunition. It performs like any other shotgun shell, but with significantly improved results downrange.
Durability & Maintenance
The Apex Ammunition shells are durable and hold up well to the elements. I have stored them in various conditions, from dry gun safes to damp hunting bags, and they have consistently performed without issue.
These shells require no specific maintenance. After firing, simply clean your shotgun as you normally would.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Apex Ammunition shells are compatible with any 12-gauge shotgun chambered for 3-inch shells. No specific accessories are required.
Choke selection can further enhance the performance of this ammunition. I found that a modified or improved modified choke provided the best balance of pattern density and range in my Benelli. Experimenting with different chokes is recommended to find the optimal setup for your specific shotgun and hunting conditions.
Pros and Cons of **Apex Ammunition Waterfowl TSS/S3 Steel Blend 12 Gauge 1 5/16 oz 3” BB/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition
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Pros
- Increased Knockdown Power: The TSS/Steel blend delivers significantly more energy on target, resulting in cleaner kills and fewer cripples.
- Improved Pattern Density: The high density of TSS creates tighter, more consistent patterns, especially at longer ranges.
- Ethical Hunting: Reduces the need for follow-up shots, leading to more ethical and humane harvests.
- Versatile Performance: Effective on both ducks and geese in a variety of hunting conditions.
- High-Quality Construction: Ensures reliable feeding and ejection in semi-automatic shotguns.
Cons
- Increased Recoil: The heavier payload and higher velocity result in more felt recoil compared to standard steel loads.
- Higher Cost: While currently discounted, TSS-blended ammunition is generally more expensive than traditional steel loads.
Who Should Buy **Apex Ammunition Waterfowl TSS/S3 Steel Blend 12 Gauge 1 5/16 oz 3” BB/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition
WS3-BB 26% Off**?
This ammunition is perfect for serious waterfowl hunters who demand the best possible performance and are willing to invest in a premium product. It is particularly well-suited for goose hunters and those who frequently hunt in areas with longer shot distances.
Hunters who are sensitive to recoil or who primarily hunt at very close ranges may not fully benefit from the advantages of the Apex Ammunition. Those on a tight budget might also find the higher cost prohibitive, even with the discount.
A quality choke tube designed for steel shot is a must-have accessory to maximize the performance of this ammunition. Experimentation with different chokes is recommended to find the optimal setup for your specific shotgun and hunting conditions.
Conclusion on **Apex Ammunition Waterfowl TSS/S3 Steel Blend 12 Gauge 1 5/16 oz 3” BB/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition
WS3-BB 26% Off**
The Apex Ammunition Waterfowl TSS/S3 Steel Blend 12 Gauge 1 5/16 oz 3” BB/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition WS3-BB 26% Off is a top-tier waterfowl load that delivers exceptional performance in terms of pattern density, knockdown power, and overall reliability. The blend of steel and TSS provides a significant advantage over traditional steel loads, making it an excellent choice for serious waterfowl hunters.
The price is justified by the improved performance and the reduction in crippled birds, leading to more ethical and successful hunts. The current discount makes it an even more attractive value proposition.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Apex Ammunition to any waterfowl hunter looking to improve their success rate and ensure cleaner, more ethical kills. If you’re tired of chasing cripples and want to experience the difference that premium ammunition can make, give Apex Ammunition a try. Your freezer (and conscience) will thank you. Take advantage of the 26% Off discount while it lasts and experience the difference for yourself!