Apex S3 Steel 20 Ga 3in 1oz 3 Shot – Superb Waterfowl 25 Round Box

Description

Apex S3 Steel 20 Ga 3in 1oz 3 Shot is a 20 gauge waterfowl shell for hunters who want better patterns from steel without paying tungsten prices. It loads 1 oz of number 3 plated steel shot in a 3 inch hull at 1,250 fps, and it comes in a 25 round box.

• Who Makes Apex S3 Steel 20 Ga 3in 1oz 3 Shot
• Specifications and Performance
• Field Notes

Who Makes Apex S3 Steel 20 Ga 3in 1oz 3 Shot

Apex Ammunition is an American shotshell maker best known for its Tungsten Super Shot, or TSS, turkey and waterfowl loads. The S3 Steel line, short for Steel Super Shot, takes what Apex learned from those premium loads and applies it to more affordable steel.

The key part is the wad. Apex S3 Steel 20 Ga 3in 1oz 3 Shot uses the same internal one piece wad system Apex designed for its TSS shells, which protects the shot column and helps hold the pattern together further downrange. The shot itself is plated steel, which is smoother and more uniform than bare steel and patterns more consistently.

Apex marks the box as handcrafted in the USA. The item number for this load is S320-3, where 20 is the gauge and 3 is the shot size, so check the label when you buy more to make sure you are getting the same load.

Specifications and Performance

The published figures are simple: 20 gauge, 3 inch shell, 1 oz of number 3 steel, 1,250 fps. That is a sensible middle ground for 20 gauge duck loads. Number 3 steel has more pellets than number 2 for a denser pattern on ducks over decoys, while carrying more energy per pellet than number 4 for longer passing shots.

Steel is lighter than lead, so it slows down faster. A good rule of thumb is to keep shots inside about 40 yards with steel waterfowl ammo in a 20 gauge, and pattern your gun with this load before the season to see where it really prints.

• Product: Apex S3 Steel 20 Ga 3in 1oz 3 Shot
• Manufacturer item number: S320-3
• Gauge: 20 gauge
• Shell length: 3 inch
• Payload: 1 oz
• Shot: number 3 plated steel (S3 Steel)
• Velocity: 1,250 fps (published)
• Wad: one piece wad based on the Apex TSS design
• Quantity: 25 rounds per box, 250 per case
• UPC: 850010408378

Field Notes

Federal rules require non-toxic shot for all waterfowl hunting in the United States, and plated steel shot meets that requirement. Some states also require non-toxic shot on certain public lands for upland game, so check local rules if you plan to use these shells for anything other than ducks.

Your shotgun must be chambered for 3 inch 20 gauge shells. Check the barrel marking before loading. Steel shot does not compress like lead, so avoid very tight full or extra full chokes unless the maker rates them for steel. Older fixed-choke guns, particularly some vintage full choke barrels, may not be safe with steel at all.

For most hunters an improved cylinder or modified choke rated for steel is the best starting point with Apex S3 Steel 20 Ga 3in 1oz 3 Shot. Shoot a few patterns at 30 and 40 yards on paper and adjust from there. You will learn more from a dozen patterns than from any label.

If you hunt geese regularly, a 12 gauge or a tungsten load will give you more margin. For ducks with a lighter 20 gauge, Apex S3 Steel 20 Ga 3in 1oz 3 Shot is a strong, honest choice. Store shells cool and dry and they will keep for years.

Browse our full ammunition selection for other waterfowl loads, and see Apex Ammunition for the full S3 Steel range.