Ready to Know the Truth About the **Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Smalltown Hunting Blend 20 Gauge 1 5/8 oz 3” 7.5/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition STH-20 18% Off**?
For years, I’ve relied on specialized ammunition to achieve consistent results in demanding field conditions. The hunt for the perfect turkey load is a never-ending quest, and I was intrigued by the concept behind Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Smalltown Hunting Blend 20 Gauge 1 5/8 oz 3” 7.5/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition STH-20 18% Off. My previous experiences with duplex loads have been mixed, often leading to either frustrating pattern inconsistencies or a lack of terminal energy at extended ranges. This specific blend, combining two shot sizes, promised to bridge that gap.
I was looking for a 20-gauge option that offered the dense, forgiving patterns needed for those close-encounter spring gobblers, while still providing the penetration required for a clean, ethical harvest at slightly longer distances. The promise of hand-built quality and human eye review from Apex was a significant draw. I’d considered other Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) loads, but the duplex nature of this particular blend piqued my professional curiosity.
Upon arrival, the packaging was robust, as expected from a premium ammunition manufacturer. The shells themselves felt solid, with uniformly crimped hulls and clean primer seating. My initial impression was one of careful craftsmanship, a reassuring sign for any shooter demanding reliability from their equipment. There was a palpable sense of anticipation, a feeling that this load might just be the answer to a long-standing hunting challenge.
First Use Experience
My initial testing took place at my local outdoor range, a familiar haunt for testing all manner of gear. I brought out my favorite 20-gauge scattergun, a trusted companion for many seasons, ensuring a consistent platform for evaluating the ammunition. The goal was to pattern this load at various distances, from 20 yards out to a more challenging 50 yards, to understand its effective range and pattern density.
The weather was fair, with a slight breeze, offering a realistic scenario for field conditions. I fired several rounds from a rest to ensure repeatable results, paying close attention to the ejection and cycling of the shells through the action. The Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Smalltown Hunting Blend cycled flawlessly, with no hangups or extraction issues.
My first surprise came when examining the pattern targets. Up close, the pattern was incredibly dense, almost unnervingly so, with the smaller 9-shot pellets filling the voids left by the larger 7.5-shot. At 50 yards, the pattern remained remarkably uniform, with a respectable number of pellets consistently hitting the vital zone. There were no obvious flyers or patchy areas, which is often a concern with duplex loads.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the course of a few hunting seasons and numerous practice sessions, this Apex load has proven its mettle. It has become my go-to for spring turkey hunting, reliably putting down birds at ranges that would give many other loads pause. I’ve experienced zero failures to feed or fire, and the consistency shot-to-shot has been outstanding.
The durability of the shells themselves has also impressed me. I’ve had a few instances where I had to leave shells in the field overnight, exposed to dew and damp ground. Upon retrieval, they were still in pristine condition, with no hull degradation or primer corrosion. This speaks volumes about the quality of materials and assembly.
Compared to other TSS loads I’ve used, both single-shot and duplex, this blend offers a superior balance. While some pure TSS loads can be almost too dense at very close ranges, making follow-up shots difficult, the Smalltown Hunting Blend strikes that crucial balance. It’s not quite as punishing on clays as some dedicated skeet loads, but for its intended purpose, it’s exceptional.
Breaking Down the Features of **Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Smalltown Hunting Blend 20 Gauge 1 5/8 oz 3” 7.5/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition STH-20 18% Off**
Specifications
The Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Smalltown Hunting Blend 20 Gauge 1 5/8 oz 3” 7.5/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition STH-20 18% Off is engineered for optimal turkey hunting performance. Each 3-inch shell contains a substantial 1 5/8 oz payload, which is a generous amount of shot for a 20-gauge offering. The core of this payload is a duplex blend of 7.5 and 9 shot.
The use of Tungsten shot material is paramount here; it boasts a density significantly higher than lead, meaning smaller pellets retain more energy and penetrate deeper. This is crucial for ethical harvests at longer ranges. The stated muzzle velocity of 1175 ft/s indicates a moderate speed, which helps maintain pattern integrity without excessive recoil.
The plastic cartridge case material is standard but robust, and the centerfire primer style ensures reliable ignition. Each box contains 5 rounds, a quantity that allows for practice and hunting, though some may prefer larger packs for extended range sessions. The shot pellet count, stated as approximately 492 total pellets across both sizes, translates to an exceptionally dense pattern.
Performance & Functionality
The primary job of this ammunition is to deliver a devastating pattern of pellets on target, and the Smalltown Hunting Blend excels at this. Its main strength lies in its ability to produce both incredible pattern density and lethal energy penetration, even at extended ranges. This duplex design is the key to its success, offering the best of both worlds.
The 7.5 shot provides the necessary mass and penetration to reliably anchor large gobblers, even through thick feathers and bone. The 9 shot, while smaller, contributes significantly to pattern density, ensuring that even missed vital zones by the larger pellets are covered. This dual-shot approach minimizes the risk of wounding game.
While it performs exceptionally well for its intended application, it’s important to manage expectations. This is not ammunition designed for casual clay shooting; the cost and specialized nature of TSS make it prohibitive for such uses. Its true value shines when faced with a mature tom at 40 or 50 yards, where its performance can be genuinely life-saving for the hunt.
Design & Ergonomics
From a design perspective, the Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Smalltown Hunting Blend is focused on function over form, though the execution is undeniably high-quality. The black colored hull is discreet and blends well in a hunting environment. The crimp is exceptionally clean and uniform, a testament to the hand-built nature of these loads.
Ergonomically, there’s not much to discuss for ammunition itself, beyond its reliable cycling through a shotgun. However, the results of its design are felt in the shooter’s confidence. Knowing you have a load that performs consistently and powerfully allows for a more relaxed and focused shooting experience.
The inclusion of lead-free shot is also a significant design consideration, making it compliant with regulations in many areas and a more environmentally conscious choice. This aspect is increasingly important for many hunters and conservationists. The overall feel of the shell is one of premium quality and meticulous attention to detail.
Durability & Maintenance
Ammunition, by its nature, is designed for a single use, but its durability in storage and handling is still a critical factor. The Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Smalltown Hunting Blend has shown excellent resilience. The hulls remain stiff and free of nicks or dents, even when carried in a shell pouch for extended periods.
Maintenance is straightforward: keep them dry and store them properly. Unlike some bulk-loaded ammunition, these hand-assembled rounds seem less susceptible to moisture damage if accidentally exposed briefly. There are no parts to clean or maintain on the shell itself; its performance is dictated by its initial construction.
Potential failure points are incredibly rare due to the rigorous quality control Apex employs. The most common “failure” would be user error, such as improper firearm maintenance or inaccurate shooting, rather than a fault of the ammunition itself. The plastic shell construction offers good resistance to basic wear and tear.
Accessories and Customization Options
This particular product, the Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Smalltown Hunting Blend 20 Gauge 1 5/8 oz 3” 7.5/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition STH-20 18% Off, comes with None included accessories. It is designed to be used as-is, straight from the box, in a compatible 20-gauge shotgun.
However, the performance of this ammunition is heavily influenced by the shotgun it’s fired from and, crucially, the choke tube used. While not a direct accessory to the ammunition itself, selecting the correct choke is vital for optimizing the pattern density and performance of these TSS loads. Many hunters opt for specialized turkey chokes, often with tighter constrictions, to achieve the densest patterns at longer distances.
Apex Ammunition itself offers a range of TSS loads in various shot combinations and gauges, allowing for a degree of “customization” by choosing the specific load that best suits your firearm and hunting style. But for this specific blend, the focus is on its inherent design and effectiveness.
Pros and Cons of **Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Smalltown Hunting Blend 20 Gauge 1 5/8 oz 3” 7.5/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition STH-20 18% Off**
Pros
- Exceptional pattern density at both close and extended ranges due to the duplex blend of 7.5 and 9 shot.
- Superior penetration thanks to the Tungsten shot material, ensuring ethical harvests.
- High-quality, hand-built construction with meticulous human eye review for shot-to-shot consistency.
- Reliable cycling and ignition in 20-gauge shotguns, minimizing malfunctions in the field.
- Lead-free composition, meeting modern hunting regulations and environmental standards.
- The 1 5/8 oz payload provides ample shot count for dense patterns.
Cons
- Higher cost per round compared to lead-based ammunition or less specialized loads.
- Limited availability in larger pack sizes, requiring multiple purchases for extensive practice or long hunting trips.
- Primarily designed for turkey hunting; less cost-effective for general bird hunting or clay sports.
- Requires an appropriate choke tube to maximize its patterning potential, adding an indirect cost for optimal performance.
Who Should Buy **Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Smalltown Hunting Blend 20 Gauge 1 5/8 oz 3” 7.5/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition STH-20 18% Off**?
This ammunition is an excellent choice for serious turkey hunters who prioritize ethical kills and want to maximize their effective range with a 20-gauge firearm. It’s ideal for those who understand the value of investing in premium ammunition for critical shots, especially when hunting mature, wary toms. Hunters operating in areas with specific shot regulations, such as those requiring lead-free options, will also find this load perfectly suited.
Conversely, casual bird hunters or those who primarily shoot clays might find the cost prohibitive and the specialization unnecessary. If you primarily hunt smaller game or don’t often encounter shots beyond 30 yards, less expensive ammunition might be a more practical choice. Those with shotguns not compatible with tight chokes might also not see the full benefit of this specialized load.
For those considering this load, I highly recommend pairing it with a quality turkey choke. Specialized chokes, often designed to throw tight, uniform patterns with TSS loads, are essential for unlocking the full potential of this ammunition. A good pair of shooting glasses and ear protection are always recommended, but especially when pushing the boundaries of effective range.
Conclusion on **Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Smalltown Hunting Blend 20 Gauge 1 5/8 oz 3” 7.5/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition STH-20 18% Off**
The Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Smalltown Hunting Blend 20 Gauge 1 5/8 oz 3” 7.5/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition STH-20 18% Off is, without question, a top-tier performer for its intended purpose. It masterfully blends the dense pattern capabilities of smaller shot with the penetration of larger shot, all within the confines of a highly effective 20-gauge load. The hand-built quality and consistent performance make the higher price point justifiable for serious hunters.
The value proposition here is clear: it’s an investment in ethical harvests and the confidence to take challenging shots. While it’s not a budget-friendly option for plinking or general use, for the dedicated turkey hunter seeking to maximize their effectiveness, it’s an exceptional choice. I wholeheartedly recommend this ammunition to any serious 20-gauge turkey hunter looking for reliability, range, and devastating performance when it matters most.