Every so often a new product hits the shooting industry that sets everything on its ear. The introduction of Tungsten Super Shot, or TSS, was one of these. Although tungsten shot has been loaded for decades, TSS differs as it contains 95% or more pure tungsten. Previously, tungsten was mixed with other alloys iron, copper, tin or a combination of those alloys which produced a lesser density.  

What does this mean to a hunter? TSS has a density of 18 grams per cubic centimeter (g/cc). The standard from which everything was measured and compared to was lead, which comes in at approximately 11.3 g/cc.  This difference equates to penetration on target. A #9 TSS pellet does not slow down as quickly as a larger size 4 lead pellet. Therefore, when the smaller pellet gets to the target with its advantage in density the penetration is nearly identical to the bigger pellet in testing performed on ballistic gelatin. 

Tungsten Super Shot (TSS): Fact or Fiction?

TSS has caused many hunters to reconsider their choice of shotgun. Sub gauges are now often favored over a 12 gauge. These smaller gauges pack a punch. The Winchester Longbeard TSS offers a payload of 13/16-ounce in a .410 #9 shot. The shell contains 294 pellets compared to my favorite 12 gauge load of lead #5, 1¾-ounce. A slight advantage to the 12-gauge payload with 302 pellets. However, the tiny TSS pellet out penetrates the #5s at 40 yards.

This is why sub gauge is all the rage for turkey. Foster Bartholow, co-host of Prestige Outdoors, which airs on YouTube, has demonstrated his preference for sub gauge with numerous videos successfully smacking down turkeys with a .410. 

Smaller Pellets = Better Patterns

Bartholow admits, “In the last four years I have used the .410 exclusively on turkey.” Using the .410 with friends and clients, the little .410 has accounted for more than 100 turkeys downed with TSS ammo. Barthlow believes the smaller pellet produces better patterns than a larger pellet. However, he admits, it can be over choked. It’s important to use a more open choke when shooting TSS.

You are never going to have a bad experience with TSS until you go to checkout. Bartholow admits it is a bit pricey; however, he explains, “Shells are the cheapest part of the hunt. If you are going on a hunt, you have food, fuel, wear and tear on your vehicle, several hundred dollars or more in shotguns, decoys, your hunting clothes and boots. You have a lot of money tied up into a hunting trip. I want to have the upper hand anytime I walk into the woods, and I get that with the TSS.”

TSS like steel shot is very hard on vintage guns. This can create a problem with long scoring deep scratches along the length of the bore. Although modern loads utilize a well-constructed wad designed for TSS, a more mailable shot like bismuth should be used on a vintage shotgun.

The Players

Federal Heavyweight TSS

Federal’s Heavyweight TSS is available in 12-gauge, 3 and 3½ inch, as well as 20 gauge in 2 ¾ and 3 inch, and the 28 gauge in both 2¾ and 3 inch, as well as .410 bore in 3 inch. For more information, please visit www.federalpremium.com.

Remington Premier TSS

Remington’s Premiere TSS is offered in 12-gauge, 3 inch, as well as 20-gauge, 3 inch and .410 bore. 

For more information, please visit www.remington.com.

Browning TSS Tungsten Turkey

Browning TSS Tungsten Turkey offers hunters loadings in 12 gauge in both 3 and 3½ inch, as well as 20 gauge in 3 inch. The Browning loadings are offered in single-shot size as well as duplex shot sizes. For more information, please visit www.browningammo.com.

Winchester Longbeard TSS

Winchester hits the TSS arena with Longbeard TSS with offerings in 12 gauge in both 3 and 3½ inch, 20 gauge in 3 inch, 28 gauge in both 2¾ and 3 inch, and .410. For more information, please visit www.winchester.com.

HEVI-Shot

Innovative HEVI-Shot has been producing tungsten loaded shells for years. They produce tungsten as well as tungsten blends loaded into their shells. They also offer in 12 gauge a reduced recoil 2¾-inch offering as well as 3½” and 3 inch. For more information, please visit www.hevishot.com.

Apex Ammunition

Apex Ammunition produces ammo in all gauges, even 10 and 16 gauge. The payloads almost defying physics in the 28 gauge 2¾ inch with 1 3/8 ounces of TSS or the .410 loaded with 27/32 ounce of TSS. That’s 305 pellets in one, little shell. For more information, please visit www.apexmunition.com.

Fox Trot Ammo

Fox Trot Ammo has blown the lid off TSS shells handloaded for maximum results. They offer a 28 gauge with a whopping 1½ ounces of TSS in a variety of shot options including 8,9, 9½ or combination duplex loads. The 383 Stroker .410 loads put 7/8 ounce in a tiny shell. The results are mind blowing. For hunters interested in bigger shot sizes, Fox Trot Ammo offers loaded shells in 2, 3 and 4 TSS. Their Coyote Hog Buck Drone Fever is available in 12 and 20 gauges and .410. For more information, please visit www.foxtrotammo.com.

Verdict Ammunition

Verdict Ammunition offers loads in all gauges with powerhouse turkey loads, including the 28 gauge 2¾-inch,1½-ounce loads and the 7/8 ounce load in .410. Verdict offers TSS in all gauges, including the 10 and 16 gauge. For more information, please visit www.verdictammunition.com.

No matter if you shoot a 10 gauge or a .410 or something in between, Tungsten Super Shot has stepped up the turkey hunting game. Pick up a box or two and see for yourself.