First Impressions of Federal Premium Turkey Heavyweight TSS 410 Gauge 13/16oz 3” Shotgun Ammunition PTSS419F 7 $4.50 Off
The Federal Premium Turkey Heavyweight TSS 410 Gauge 13/16oz 3” Shotgun Ammunition promises to bring serious turkey-dropping power to the traditionally anemic .410 platform. Federal claims this load delivers unparalleled pellet counts and energy downrange thanks to its use of Tungsten Super Shot (TSS). As a seasoned hunter always looking for an edge, I was eager to see if this ammo could truly transform the .410 into a viable turkey gun for all skill levels, especially for youth and smaller-framed shooters.
My quest for the perfect turkey load started years ago, as I wanted to find a lighter, more manageable option for my son. He was recoil-sensitive, and the traditional 12-gauge options were simply too much for him. I had hoped the .410 would be the answer, but was always underwhelmed with its terminal performance on large, mature Toms.
Unboxing the Federal Premium Turkey Heavyweight TSS 410 Gauge 13/16oz 3” Shotgun Ammunition, the first thing I noticed was the packaging; it felt premium. The shells themselves looked meticulously assembled, a far cry from some of the budget .410 loads I’ve used in the past. The deep purple hull color stood out, instantly signaling these were no ordinary shells.
Compared to standard lead .410 turkey loads, like Winchester Super-X, or even other Tungsten options like the Hevi-Shot Magnum Blend, the Federal offering immediately stands out due to its advertised TSS composition and higher density. The price is significantly higher, which immediately raised my expectations for on-target performance. I ultimately chose this ammunition based on the promise of exceptional pattern density and energy, hoping to finally achieve ethical and effective .410 turkey hunts.
My initial reaction was one of cautious optimism; the specs looked incredible on paper, but I’ve been burned before by overhyped ammo. The price point definitely made me wonder if the performance would justify the cost. I knew that extensive range testing was crucial to determine if this was a game-changer or just another expensive disappointment.
Real-World Testing: Putting Federal Premium Turkey Heavyweight TSS 410 Gauge 13/16oz 3” Shotgun Ammunition PTSS419F 7 $4.50 Off to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Federal Premium Turkey Heavyweight TSS 410 Gauge 13/16oz 3” Shotgun Ammunition at my local shooting range, focusing on pattern density and penetration at various distances. The weather was partly cloudy with a slight breeze, conditions typical of springtime turkey season. I used a Mossberg 500 .410 with a full choke, a common setup for turkey hunting.
The initial shots revealed a noticeably tighter pattern compared to the lead loads I was accustomed to. The recoil was surprisingly manageable, even lighter than some of the heavier lead offerings. However, after the first few shots, I did notice a slightly different smell, likely a result of the TSS composition.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Federal Premium Turkey Heavyweight TSS 410 Gauge 13/16oz 3” Shotgun Ammunition continued to impress. There were no malfunctions or failures to fire. The ammunition consistently delivered tight, dense patterns.
The shells exhibited no signs of significant wear and tear. The purple hulls held up well, even after being ejected repeatedly. Cleaning the shotgun after use was straightforward, with no excessive fouling. Compared to past experiences with standard .410 loads, this Federal ammunition significantly outperformed them in terms of pattern density, penetration, and overall reliability, giving me much more confidence.
Breaking Down the Features of Federal Premium Turkey Heavyweight TSS 410 Gauge 13/16oz 3” Shotgun Ammunition PTSS419F 7 $4.50 Off
Specifications
The Federal Premium Turkey Heavyweight TSS 410 Gauge 13/16oz 3” Shotgun Ammunition boasts several key specifications. These include a .410 gauge, a 3-inch shell length, and a 13/16 oz shot weight. The shot size is #7 TSS (Tungsten Super Shot), and each box contains 5 rounds.
The ammunition has a muzzle velocity of 1100 ft/s and is specifically designed for turkey hunting. The Tungsten shot material has a density of 18 gm/cc. This high density allows for greater energy retention and deeper penetration at longer ranges.
Performance & Functionality
The Federal Premium Turkey Heavyweight TSS 410 Gauge 13/16oz 3” Shotgun Ammunition excels in delivering dense and consistent patterns at distances previously considered beyond the effective range of a .410. Its accuracy is impressive. The patterns are tight enough to ensure multiple lethal hits on a turkey’s vital areas.
The main strength lies in its ability to extend the effective range of the .410 for turkey hunting. The higher pellet count and density provide greater knockdown power. One area for potential improvement could be offering different choke recommendations for various shotgun models to further optimize patterns. This ammunition definitely exceeded my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Federal Premium Turkey Heavyweight TSS 410 Gauge 13/16oz 3” Shotgun Ammunition is excellent. The shells are meticulously assembled, and the deep purple hull adds a touch of class. The weight of each shell feels balanced.
The shells load smoothly into the shotgun. There is no noticeable learning curve associated with using this ammunition. The design prioritizes consistent performance and reliability.
Durability & Maintenance
The Federal Premium Turkey Heavyweight TSS 410 Gauge 13/16oz 3” Shotgun Ammunition is expected to maintain its performance and integrity over a reasonable storage period. The high-quality components should resist degradation under normal conditions.
Maintenance involves simply cleaning the shotgun after use. The ammunition itself requires no special care. Proper storage in a cool, dry place is recommended.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Federal Premium Turkey Heavyweight TSS 410 Gauge 13/16oz 3” Shotgun Ammunition doesn’t come with accessories, but its performance can be significantly enhanced by using a quality turkey choke. Chokes like those from Carlson’s or Patternmaster can further tighten patterns.
The ammunition is compatible with most .410 shotguns chambered for 3-inch shells. Users can also experiment with different optics to improve aiming accuracy, especially at longer ranges. Proper sight alignment is crucial to capitalize on the ammunition’s potential.
Pros and Cons of Federal Premium Turkey Heavyweight TSS 410 Gauge 13/16oz 3” Shotgun Ammunition PTSS419F 7 $4.50 Off
Pros
- Exceptional Pattern Density: The TSS shot delivers remarkably tight and consistent patterns at extended ranges, significantly improving hit probability.
- Increased Effective Range: Extends the effective range of the .410 for turkey hunting, making it a viable option for youth and recoil-sensitive hunters.
- Manageable Recoil: Despite the potent payload, the recoil remains manageable, allowing for quicker follow-up shots.
- High-Quality Components: The meticulous assembly and premium materials ensure reliable performance and consistent results.
- Ethical Harvests: Enables ethical and humane harvests by delivering sufficient energy and penetration for quick kills.
Cons
- High Price: The cost per shell is significantly higher compared to standard lead or other alternative shot options.
- Limited Availability: May be difficult to find in stock at local retailers due to its popularity and specialized nature.
Who Should Buy Federal Premium Turkey Heavyweight TSS 410 Gauge 13/16oz 3” Shotgun Ammunition PTSS419F 7 $4.50 Off?
The Federal Premium Turkey Heavyweight TSS 410 Gauge 13/16oz 3” Shotgun Ammunition is perfect for turkey hunters using a .410 shotgun, especially youth, women, or anyone sensitive to recoil. It is ideal for those seeking to maximize the .410’s potential and achieve ethical kills at extended ranges. It can also prove valuable for hunters in areas with restrictions on lead shot.
Hunters primarily targeting turkeys at very close ranges (inside 20 yards) or those on a very tight budget may want to explore cheaper lead alternatives. Those who are already comfortable with the performance of larger gauge shotguns might not see a significant benefit. A quality aftermarket choke specifically designed for turkey hunting would make a great addition with this ammunition.
Conclusion on Federal Premium Turkey Heavyweight TSS 410 Gauge 13/16oz 3” Shotgun Ammunition PTSS419F 7 $4.50 Off
The Federal Premium Turkey Heavyweight TSS 410 Gauge 13/16oz 3” Shotgun Ammunition is a game-changer for .410 turkey hunting. It transforms the platform into a genuinely viable option for ethical and effective harvests, greatly extending its practical range. While the price is a significant consideration, the performance justifies the cost for those prioritizing pattern density and terminal energy in a lightweight, low-recoil package.
I wholeheartedly recommend this ammunition to anyone looking to maximize the potential of their .410 for turkey hunting. The investment will pay off with increased confidence and success in the field. Don’t just take my word for it – try it yourself this season and experience the difference!