Apex TSS S3 Blend 12 Ga 4 Shot – Superb 3 Inch 1-5/16 oz 4/7.5 Waterfowl 25 Round Box

Description

Apex TSS S3 Blend 12 Ga 4 Shot is a premium 12 gauge waterfowl duplex load. Each 3 inch shell carries 1-5/16 oz of shot: number 4 S3 plated steel blended with a quarter ounce of number 7.5 tungsten super shot. The idea is simple. The steel provides the bulk of the pattern and the tiny, dense tungsten pellets fill the gaps.

• Who Makes Apex TSS S3 Blend 12 Ga 4 Shot
• Specifications and Performance
• Field Notes

Who Makes Apex TSS S3 Blend 12 Ga 4 Shot

Apex Ammunition is an American company that made its name with TSS turkey loads before moving into waterfowl. Its waterfowl range now covers straight S3 steel, straight TSS and blends like this one. The box is marked handcrafted in the USA.

Tungsten super shot is roughly 18 grams per cubic centimetre, far denser than lead and more than twice as dense as steel. That means a small number 7.5 TSS pellet carries energy comparable to a much larger steel pellet, and because the pellets are small you get a lot of them. In Apex TSS S3 Blend 12 Ga 4 Shot those extra pellets fill out the pattern core.

The S3 steel is plated, which keeps it smooth and uniform. Apex loads both shot types behind the same one piece wad it developed for its TSS loads, and says the blend is designed to reduce cripples by putting more pellets on target.

Specifications and Performance

Apex lists this blend at 1,400 fps for its 12 gauge 3 inch 1-5/16 oz waterfowl models. Our original listing quoted 1,450 fps, so we have gone with the manufacturer figure here. Either way, it is a fast, full-payload 3 inch load with noticeable recoil.

Apex recommends the 4/7.5 combination for sea ducks, puddle ducks and diver ducks, and suggests the BB/7.5 or 2/7.5 versions for geese and cranes. If you hunt mainly geese, choose one of those instead. This load suits decoying ducks and pass shooting within sensible ranges.

• Product: Apex TSS S3 Blend 12 Ga 4 Shot
• Gauge: 12 gauge
• Shell length: 3 inch
• Payload: 1-5/16 oz total
• Shot: number 4 S3 plated steel with 1/4 oz number 7.5 TSS
• Velocity: 1,400 fps (Apex published figure)
• Wad: Apex one piece TSS-style wad
• Quantity: 25 rounds per box, 250 per case
• UPC: 850010408255

Field Notes

Federal law requires non-toxic shot for all waterfowl hunting, and both S3 steel and tungsten meet that rule. Even so, check your state and any refuge rules before you hunt, as some areas restrict specific shot types or sizes.

Tungsten is very hard. Use choke tubes that the maker rates for tungsten or TSS loads, and avoid very tight chokes not rated for steel or tungsten. Older fixed-choke barrels may not be safe with these shells, so check with the gun maker if you are unsure. Your gun must be chambered for 3 inch 12 gauge shells.

Pattern Apex TSS S3 Blend 12 Ga 4 Shot on paper at 30 and 40 yards before opening day. A duplex load patterns differently from straight steel, and a modified or improved modified tube rated for steel is a good starting point. A few minutes of patterning tells you more than any label.

Duplex loads with tungsten cost more than plain steel. Many hunters keep a box like this in the blind for tough days or late season birds and use cheaper steel for practice and early season. Store shells cool and dry.

Compare the Apex S3 Steel 20 Ga 3in 1oz 3 Shot for a lighter steel option, browse our full ammunition selection, and see Apex Ammunition for the full blend range.