After the Test: My Review 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
After more than a decade spent wrestling with gear across every conceivable environment – from the sterile hum of a lab to the grit of a workshop, and out into the unforgiving wild – I’ve developed a keen sense for what works and what doesn’t. When the need arose for a specialized ammunition that promised enhanced performance for a very specific hunting pursuit, I turned my attention to the Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Smalltown Hunting Blend 12 Gauge 2 1/4 oz 3” 7.5/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition STH-3. This duplex load, combining two shot sizes, immediately caught my eye for its declared ability to bridge the gap between close-quarters density and extended-range reach.
The catalyst for seeking out this particular load was a recent expansion into turkey hunting, a discipline demanding precision and terminal energy at ranges that can often push the limits of standard ammunition. I’d heard whispers of Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) capabilities and wanted to test a load specifically formulated to leverage its unique properties. While many other loads exist, few offer this particular duplex combination aimed at the discerning turkey hunter. My initial impression upon receiving the ammunition was one of focused intent; the packaging was robust, and the shells themselves felt dense and substantial.
My exploration into this specialized ammunition began with a healthy dose of professional skepticism, tempered by an experienced user’s curiosity. It wasn’t just about the specs on paper; it was about how this blend would translate into tangible results when the moment of truth arrived.
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 initial testing grounds for this specialized ammunition were the familiar, often dusty, confines of a private hunting lease known for its challenging turkey terrain. I specifically chose this location because it offers a variety of engagement distances, from thick brush that necessitates close-in patterns to open fields where a longer shot might be required. I tested these loads from my tried-and-true 12-gauge shotgun, ensuring my firearm was properly patterned with similar loads beforehand to establish a baseline.
The performance under these conditions was immediately noticeable. At ranges around 20 yards, the pattern was exceptionally dense, almost unnervingly so. The combination of shot sizes seemed to create a nearly uniform distribution of pellets, offering a significant margin for error even with a slight miss in lead. Moving out to 40 and even 50 yards, the consistency of the pattern held remarkably well, demonstrating the penetration capabilities of the TSS shot.
Ease of use was, as expected, non-existent in terms of manipulation; it’s simply loading shells into a shotgun. However, understanding the implications of using such a load required a mental shift. The dense patterns at closer ranges meant a higher probability of complete obliteration if not careful, and the extended effective range demanded disciplined shot selection. No significant issues or surprises arose during this initial phase, only a growing confidence in the ammunition’s potential.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the course of a full spring turkey season, I put this Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Smalltown Hunting Blend 12 Gauge 2 1/4 oz 3” 7.5/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition STH-3 19% Off through its paces on multiple hunts. Durability was never a concern; the plastic shells remained intact through repeated handling, chambering, and ejection, even after a particularly damp morning hunt where conditions bordered on misty. There were no signs of corrosion on the primers or crimps, even when shells were left in a vest pocket for extended periods.
Maintenance for shotgun ammunition is generally minimal, but it’s worth noting that these loads performed consistently without any feed or ejection malfunctions in my tested firearm. Compared to some budget loads I’ve used in the past, which can sometimes exhibit inconsistent crimps or primer seating, these Apex rounds felt remarkably uniform. This consistency is crucial for the specialized role they fill, and it held up over dozens of rounds fired during practice and actual hunting scenarios.
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
STH-3 19% Off is a 12-gauge, 3-inch shell, boasting a substantial 2 1/4 oz shot weight. This significant payload is composed of a duplex blend, with #7.5 and #9 shot sizes meticulously combined. The stated muzzle velocity is 1190 ft/s, which for TSS shot, translates to exceptional retained energy downrange.
The use of Tungsten as the shot material is paramount; it’s approximately 1.5 times denser than lead, meaning smaller pellets possess the same mass and energy as larger lead pellets. This density allows for more pellets in the payload, thus creating denser patterns. The duplex combination of #7.5 and #9 shot is designed to leverage this; the larger #7.5 pellets provide the kinetic energy for deep penetration, while the smaller #9 shot fills in the pattern, creating a more uniform and forgiving distribution of hits, especially at closer ranges. The 5-round count per box is standard for premium hunting ammunition, reflecting the meticulous hand-assembly and quality control employed by Apex Ammunition.
Performance & Functionality
In practical application, the performance of this ammunition is nothing short of impressive. The primary job of any turkey load is to deliver a dense, lethal pattern to the vital zone of a gobbler, and this blend excels. The performance and functionality are directly tied to its duplex design and the inherent properties of tungsten.
The key strength here is the pattern density at various ranges. Whether engaged at a close-quarters ambush or a more measured mid-range encounter, the spread of shot was exceptionally tight and consistent. This translates directly to a higher probability of a quick, humane harvest. The smaller #9 shot creates a cloud of lethal projectiles that effectively stitches together the larger #7.5 shot, ensuring no turkey escapes due to a sparse pattern.
A potential area that requires user discipline, rather than a product weakness, is the extreme lethality at closer ranges. With such a dense pattern, over-shooting a bird at 15 yards can result in more pellet impact than necessary. This isn’t a flaw in the ammunition, but a testament to its power that demands responsible engagement. Overall, this ammunition exceeds expectations for its intended purpose, delivering on the promise of superior performance in the challenging field of turkey hunting.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of 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 is focused on maximum terminal efficiency. The plastic cartridge case is standard but robust, ensuring reliable feeding and extraction from a 12-gauge shotgun. The centerfire primer style is also industry-standard, providing consistent ignition.
What truly stands out is the internal composition: the meticulous ratio of Tungsten Super Shot pellets, hand-built and human-eye reviewed by Apex Ammunition. This commitment to quality control is evident in the shot-to-shot consistency. While there are no complex ergonomic features to a shotgun shell itself, the perceived sturdiness and uniform feel of each round suggest a product built with precision. The black color of the shell is purely aesthetic but contributes to a professional appearance.
Durability & Maintenance
In terms of durability for ammunition, the primary concern is its ability to withstand storage and handling without degradation. These Apex loads, being lead-free and using high-quality materials, exhibit excellent shelf life and resilience. I experienced no degradation in performance, even after storing them for extended periods in various conditions.
Maintenance for shotgun shells is virtually non-existent; they are designed for single use. However, the durability and maintenance aspect speaks to the quality of manufacturing. The consistent crimps and sealed hulls prevent moisture ingress, a critical factor in preserving primer efficacy and powder integrity. There were no instances of loose shot or shell casing splits, even with repeated chambering and firing, indicating robust construction.
Accessories and Customization Options
This particular product, being shotgun ammunition, does not come with accessories or offer direct customization options in the way a firearm or electronic device might. The shotgun shot weight and shot size are fixed specifications of the load itself. However, the lead free composition is a notable feature that aligns with evolving hunting regulations and ethical considerations.
The primary “customization” for ammunition like this lies in selecting the right load for the specific firearm and intended quarry. For example, pairing this Apex Ammunition Turkey TSS Smalltown Hunting Blend with a shotgun and choke combination optimized for dense, long-range patterns will maximize its potential. Some hunters might opt for specific choke tubes to further refine the pattern, but the ammunition itself is a complete, self-contained performance package.
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
- Exceptional pattern density at both close and extended ranges due to the duplex TSS shot.
- Superior terminal energy and penetration thanks to the high density of tungsten pellets.
- Consistent shot-to-shot performance due to hand-built quality control by Apex Ammunition.
- Lead-free composition, aligning with modern hunting standards and environmental considerations.
- Remarkable consistency in crimps and overall shell construction.
Cons
- Premium price point reflects the advanced materials and manufacturing processes.
- Can be excessively lethal at very close ranges if not managed with disciplined shot placement.
- Five rounds per box is standard for high-end loads, but can feel restrictive for extensive practice sessions.
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**?
This specialized ammunition is squarely aimed at the dedicated turkey hunter who demands the utmost in performance and ethical harvesting. If you frequently find yourself hunting in varied terrain that presents both close-quarters opportunities and the need for extended reach, this load is an outstanding choice. It’s ideal for those who practice responsible hunting and aim for quick, clean kills by maximizing their shot opportunities.
Conversely, hunters primarily pursuing game at very short ranges where extreme pellet density might lead to over-penetration or excessive damage might consider a different load, or simply exercise extreme caution. Additionally, those on a very tight budget for ammunition might find this price point prohibitive for casual plinking or extensive practice. For maximum effectiveness, pairing this with a turkey-specific shotgun and a quality choke tube is highly recommended, as it will further refine the already impressive patterns.
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
STH-3 19% Off represents the pinnacle of specialized turkey hunting ammunition. Its performance is exceptional, delivering dense, hard-hitting patterns that inspire confidence at distances that would challenge lesser loads. The build quality and consistency from Apex Ammunition are evident in every round, ensuring reliability when it matters most.
While the price point is undeniably premium, reflecting the cutting-edge tungsten materials and meticulous manufacturing, the value proposition for the serious turkey hunter is clear. If your goal is to maximize your success rate and ensure ethical harvests in a challenging pursuit, the investment is justified by the superior performance offered. I would wholeheartedly recommend this load to any dedicated turkey hunter who understands its capabilities and is willing to invest in achieving top-tier results in the field.