Turkey TSS Pricing

[analog_peninsula]

Does anyone know why the mixed size TSS is so much cheaper than the fixed size? The 5,6,7 ammo is about 60% the price of the 100% 7 or 9 shot, which doesn't make much sense to me given the TSS content is the same by weight. The only thing that seems reasonable is that the mixed size payload is composed of lot odds and ends. Am I missing something?

 

[Green Chile]

I don't know the answer but I will say the TSS 7 or 9 (depending on the state regs) has changed the game in a serious way. I have taken turkey cleanly with TSS in over 20 states, even at longer ranges when they hang up. It's serious turkey medicine and well worth the expense when you think about traveling to another state for a couple of days. I've used TSS exclusively for at least 5 years and it's an absolute hammer...and I'm talking about 20 gauge, 28 gauge and 410. I did use TSS in a 10 gauge for a couple of years and took the heads off every time. That's the ultimate turkey hammer.

 

[TnKen]

You might look close. Some of brands of mixed loads are not all TSS. I suspect if you are looking at a turkey load with #5 & #6 shot in the mix, it is lead.

Buy 3rd Degree with HEAVYWEIGHT TSS 12 Gauge Ammo | 5, 6 and 7 Shot, 2 oz, 3-1/2in / 89mm, 1250 FPS | Federal

Shopping for the 3rd Degree with HEAVYWEIGHT TSS, 12 Gauge, 5, 6 and 7 Shot, 3-1/2 in, 2 oz, 1250 fps - Learn more about the latest 3rd Degree with HEAVYWEIGHT TSS and other hunting or shooting gear at Federal Ammunition.

www.federalpremium.com

 

[Mekaniks]

I am not sure why mixed size is less expensive, but regardless I wouldn't expect any TSS to get cheaper in the near future…

 

[BeeMaa]

Many of the mixed shot sizes will only have one of them as TSS.

For instance...This Federal load. And they are not saying if the percentage is by weight (most likely because it's less expensive for them) or volume. It's also going to give inconsistent patterns...ask me how I know. I've been down that road and not going back.

• 20 percent No. 6 FLITESTOPPER pellets for forgiving close-range patterns
• 40 percent copper-plated No. 5 lead for lethal performance at mid-range
• 40 percent HEAVYWEIGHT TSS (18 g/cc) for extra-dense, high-energy patterns at 40-plus yards

I only use this and it's absolutely deadly out to 70 yards.

I'm not sure they sell the 3.5" shells anymore, but I have a lifetime supply provided we aren't invaded by wild turkey.

Here's a pattern from my shotgun.

For as hard as we work to get these birds, the extra money is worth it IMO.

 

[Green Chile]

I've got a lightweight Weatherby 20 gauge and red dot that has stunning TSS patterns. 50+ yards is easy with that gun but I greatly prefer them to be much closer. TSS is a game changer.

 

[BeeMaa]

A few more things about TSS.

I have yet to recover a pellet from a bird in the breast or leg meat. All have passed through because of the higher density and retained energy. Plus the smaller shot size (than lead, steel or a matrix blended pellet) make them more aerodynamic so they are moving faster at impact.

The number of pellets is important. Before TSS, many were using #4 copper coated lead with 2 oz loads that yields 264 individual pellets. TSS #7 shot at 2 oz is 370 pellets, and if you lower it to #9 shot it's 724! That's a lot more chances of hitting the vitals and flopping the bird.

This is also the reason many who are using TSS have gone to 20, 28 and .410 for their turkey guns. They get more payload, more range and more pellets vs everything else...and are still knocking them down HARD.

FYI - I used one of these turkey loads on a goose at 30 yards and this was the result. Devastating to say the least.

 

[BeeMaa]

Here's a TSS thread I started about 4 years ago with a lot of good information.

https://www.africahunting.com/threads/tss-ammo-is-it-worth-it.66788/

 

[Wyfox]

TSS will be non existent very soon, tungsten is at $400 per kg right now.

 

[BeeMaa]

The TSS turkey ammo I bought in 2022 was $30 for a box of 5. It's currently selling for $55 + shipping which isn't all that crazy considering the rate of inflation along with the shortage in tungsten shot.

Is it inexpensive, certainly not. But considering the time, energy and money sunk into other kit that goes into a turkey hunt...I believe it's worth it. Of course each individual will need to make their own decision on that.

 

[Green Chile]

Even at $10-11 per shot, TSS is still a game changer. Thankfully, I have enough to last me a lifetime but don't let the cost dissuade you from looking at it. I've never needed more than 1 TSS shell per turkey. That's by FAR the cheapest part of turkey hunting. I wouldn't use it for wing shooting but turkeys are big game and worth $10 to take one cleanly, even if you only get 1 shot at long distance...especially true in that case.

 

[BeeMaa]

Even at $10-11 per shot, TSS is still a game changer. Thankfully, I have enough to last me a lifetime but don't let the cost dissuade you from looking at it. I've never needed more than 1 TSS shell per turkey. That's by FAR the cheapest part of turkey hunting. I wouldn't use it for wing shooting but turkeys are big game and worth $10 to take one cleanly, even if you only get 1 shot at long distance...especially true in that case.

Factor in the fact that many travel for a turkey hunt and the stakes go up exponentially.

It's not just getting out on the weekend, it could be traveling to New Mexico for Merriam's, Rio Grand or Gould's.

 

[Green Chile]

Yes, I didn't expand but that's exactly what I was thinking. I was crazy for turkey for a few years and would work hard all week then travel and get 1 or 2 states done on a weekend. Whether they were long drives or flights to the end of the country, the cheapest part was the TSS shell that took each bird. If you do it right, you only need 1 shell so that box of 10 lasts a whole season of traveling or maybe ten seasons at home!

 

[Flbt]

Very expensive tss to increase your range.

Humm in states where legal 223 64 sp increase your range or not you can still weight for the bird to get 25 yds away. $1.55 or less a round

 

[deewayne2003]

Yes, I didn't expand but that's exactly what I was thinking. I was crazy for turkey for a few years and would work hard all week then travel and get 1 or 2 states done on a weekend. Whether they were long drives or flights to the end of the country, the cheapest part was the TSS shell that took each bird. If you do it right, you only need 1 shell so that box of 10 lasts a whole season of traveling or maybe ten seasons at home!

Agreed, I’m no hard core turkey slayer but it’s a hunt I appreciate for the pursuit as much as the kill.

I know guys that wouldn’t pay $100 to shoot a 100lbs bull elephant or 200” whitetail; but they would pay $50-100 per TSS if that was the price.

Problem is that if the metal value is that much higher than the shell, people will start buying up the remaining stock to sell the shot at scrap value.

If it gets high enough I predict you’ll have jackass with YouTube channels about cutting open shot shells and melting the TSS shot in coins and such.

My advice is,if you use TSS, better get while getting is good!