Grit & Gear: Testing the **Apex Ammunition Waterfowl TSS/S3 Steel Blend 20 Gauge 1 1/8 oz 3” 4/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition
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For years, I’ve relied on dependable ammunition to make critical shots in the field, and finding the right blend of performance and value is always a driving factor. This season, the quest for superior waterfowl lethality led me to explore the Apex Ammunition Waterfowl TSS/S3 Steel Blend 20 Gauge 1 1/8 oz 3” 4/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition
WS20-4 26% Off. My previous season’s experiences with certain lesser loads left me wanting more terminal energy at extended ranges, particularly when dealing with tougher birds or challenging wind conditions. This specific blend, featuring the cutting-edge Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) paired with traditional S3 Steel, promised to bridge that gap, offering a significant knockdown power boost in a versatile 20-gauge platform. Upon initial inspection, the shells felt solid, with consistent crimps and a pleasing heft that hinted at their payload. I’d briefly considered some pure steel loads for their cost-effectiveness, but the known limitations at range made them a non-starter for my needs. My first impression of this Apex offering was one of cautious optimism and keen anticipation for what it could do.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Apex Ammunition Waterfowl TSS/S3 Steel Blend 20 Gauge 1 1/8 oz 3” 4/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition
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First Use Experience
My initial testing of this blend occurred during a crisp November waterfowl hunt on a local lake, where a variety of ducks, including mallards and teal, were present. I ran the 20-gauge loads through my trusted pump-action shotgun, an old reliable that has seen thousands of rounds. The shells cycled through the action flawlessly, with no feeding or ejection issues whatsoever, which is a baseline expectation but always good to confirm.
During the hunt, I took shots ranging from 25 to 45 yards, and the performance was immediately noticeable. The pattern density from this blend was impressive, delivering more pellets on target than I’d typically expect from a similar steel load. The lethal energy transfer was evident, with clean kills on birds that might have otherwise required a follow-up shot with lesser ammunition.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the course of several more hunts and dedicated patterning sessions at the range, the Apex Ammunition Waterfowl TSS/S3 Steel Blend 20 Gauge 1 1/8 oz 3” 4/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition
WS20-4 26% Off continued to impress. I found the patterns remained remarkably consistent, both on paper and in the field, even as I pushed the effective range of my 20-gauge. There were no signs of degradation in performance or any cosmetic damage to the shells, despite being carried in a field bag exposed to moderate dew and occasional light rain.
Compared to some of the pure steel loads I’ve used in the past, this Apex blend offers a clear advantage in downrange energy and pattern integrity. While those budget-friendly steel options might seem attractive upfront, the true cost of cripples or lost birds is far greater. The maintenance required for these shells is non-existent, as is typical for factory-loaded ammunition, making them a hassle-free addition to any waterfowl hunter’s arsenal.
Breaking Down the Features of **Apex Ammunition Waterfowl TSS/S3 Steel Blend 20 Gauge 1 1/8 oz 3” 4/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition
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Specifications
This specific load from Apex Ammunition is a 20 Gauge, 3-inch shell weighing in at 1 1/8 oz of shot. It features a unique 4/9 Shot configuration, meaning it combines #4 shot with #9 shot. The blend is comprised of Apex’s proprietary S3 Steel and their renowned Tungsten Super Shot (TSS).
The inclusion of TSS in a duplex load, specifically 1/4 oz of it according to the product description, is a key differentiator. TSS is significantly denser than steel, providing unparalleled penetration and energy retention. This denser component is strategically blended with the more numerous, smaller #9 steel shot and larger #4 steel shot, creating a formidable combination.
The stated muzzle velocities are listed as 1250 ft/s and 1300 ft/s, indicating a hot, yet manageable load for a 20-gauge. This velocity is crucial for ensuring the pellets reach their target with sufficient energy to ethically harvest waterfowl. The lead-free nature of the shot also makes it compliant with regulations in many hunting areas.
Performance & Functionality
The primary job of this ammunition is to deliver clean, ethical kills on waterfowl, and this Apex blend excels at that. The combination of pellet sizes and materials creates a devastating pattern at typical waterfowl engagement distances. The larger #4 steel shot provides good penetration, while the #9 steel offers pattern density, and the critical 1/4 oz of TSS ensures maximum impact on vital organs and bone at extended ranges.
A significant strength of this blend is its ability to virtually eliminate cripples, as stated in the product description. This is due to the superior energy transfer and penetration of the TSS component, which ensures vital hits even with less-than-perfect shot placement. A minor drawback, if one can even call it that, is that the effective range for the steel portion of the load might still be slightly less than pure TSS loads, but the blend strikes an excellent balance for its price and application. It meets and exceeds expectations for a 20-gauge waterfowl load, offering performance that rivals some higher-gauge options.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Apex Ammunition Waterfowl TSS/S3 Steel Blend 20 Gauge 1 1/8 oz 3” 4/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition
WS20-4 26% Off is fundamentally about payload delivery. The plastic hull is standard and reliable, and the crimp is consistently well-formed, ensuring proper feeding and functioning in semi-automatic and pump-action shotguns. The shot material blend is the star of the show, offering a practical and effective solution for waterfowl hunters.
The ergonomics of the shell itself are, of course, dictated by the firearm it’s used in. However, the consistent weight and balance of the 1 1/8 oz payload contribute to a predictable shooting experience. The distinct pellet size and material blend are the practical design elements that translate directly into superior field performance.
Durability & Maintenance
As ammunition, the durability and maintenance of these shells are straightforward. Once loaded into the shotgun, their performance is immediate and singular. The components are sealed to resist environmental factors, and with proper storage in a cool, dry place, these shells will maintain their integrity for years.
There are no specific maintenance tasks required for ammunition beyond ensuring it’s stored correctly. The primary concern is the integrity of the crimp and the seals, both of which appear to be of high quality from Apex Ammunition. I have not encountered any issues with shell deterioration or primer sensitivity during my testing.
Accessories and Customization Options
This particular product is ammunition; therefore, it does not come with accessories in the traditional sense, nor does it offer customization options for the shell itself. Its purpose is to be used as-is with compatible shotguns. The primary “complementary” items would be a reliable waterfowl shotgun and appropriate waterfowl hunting gear.
However, the intended use implies a need for choke tubes that optimize patterns for the specific pellet blend. While not a direct accessory, understanding how different chokes (like a modified or improved cylinder) interact with the 4/9 shot blend is crucial for maximizing its potential. Apex Ammunition itself may offer other specialized waterfowl loads, but this particular offering is a self-contained solution.
Pros and Cons of **Apex Ammunition Waterfowl TSS/S3 Steel Blend 20 Gauge 1 1/8 oz 3” 4/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition
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Pros
- Superior Lethality: The blend of TSS and steel provides exceptional knockdown power and penetration, especially at longer ranges.
- Excellent Pattern Density: The combination of pellet sizes and materials results in remarkably consistent and dense patterns.
- Reduced Cripples: The high energy retention of TSS significantly increases the likelihood of clean kills, minimizing wounded birds.
- Versatile 20-Gauge Performance: Offers performance rivaling larger gauges, making it ideal for those preferring a lighter firearm.
- Lead-Free Compliance: Meets modern environmental regulations for waterfowl hunting.
Cons
- Higher Cost: Compared to pure steel loads, this blend is more expensive, reflecting the premium TSS component.
- Requires Shotgun Compatibility: As with all ammunition, it must be used in a shotgun chambered for 20-gauge, 3-inch shells.
Who Should Buy **Apex Ammunition Waterfowl TSS/S3 Steel Blend 20 Gauge 1 1/8 oz 3” 4/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition
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This ammunition is best suited for serious waterfowl hunters who utilize a 20-gauge shotgun and demand the utmost in terminal performance. It’s ideal for those who frequently hunt in challenging conditions, hunt larger ducks or geese, or simply want to minimize cripples and ensure ethical harvests. If you’re someone who values reliability and effectiveness over raw cost per round, this blend is an excellent choice.
Those who should probably skip this load are individuals primarily focused on volume shooting at very close ranges where cheaper steel loads suffice, or those who are on an extremely strict budget. If you primarily hunt small game or very small waterfowl at close distances, the advanced capabilities of this blend may be overkill. For maximum effectiveness, I’d recommend pairing this with a good quality choke tube, likely a modified or improved cylinder, to optimize the patterns from the 4/9 shot configuration.
Conclusion on **Apex Ammunition Waterfowl TSS/S3 Steel Blend 20 Gauge 1 1/8 oz 3” 4/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition
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The Apex Ammunition Waterfowl TSS/S3 Steel Blend 20 Gauge 1 1/8 oz 3” 4/9 Shot Shotgun Ammunition
WS20-4 26% Off is, without a doubt, a premium waterfowl load that delivers on its promises. The blend of TSS with steel shot provides a noticeable increase in downrange energy and pattern density, translating directly into more effective and ethical kills. While the price point is higher than standard steel ammunition, the performance gains, particularly the reduction in cripples and the ability to confidently take longer shots, make it a worthwhile investment for dedicated waterfowl hunters. I would absolutely recommend this ammunition to anyone looking to maximize the potential of their 20-gauge for waterfowl. It represents a significant step up in performance, offering a reliable and potent option for those who demand the best from their gear in the field.