↬ The effective range of TSS shot for turkey hunting can be attributed to the choke and pellet size that is being used. These two factors determine how far you can stretch TSS shot to cleanly harvest your next strutting tom.
The max effective range of TSS is over 100 yards. While this may seem extreme, the density of a TSS pellet (18 g/cc) allows it to retain energy at unheard of ranges for turkey hunting. More practical hunting scenarios with #8 TSS shows it’s capable of cleanly harvesting a turkey to 50 yards.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at the technical aspects of TSS shot and what makes it so effective for turkey hunting. This includes the recommended effective ranges, TSS pellet sizes, pellet count per ounce, and ballistic outputs by pellet size.
TSS Effective Range Chart
The chart below shows the effective range in yards for popular TSS pellets sizes for turkey hunting based on adequate pellet penetration. The most popular size shot for turkeys is #7, #8, and #9.
| TSS Shot Size | Effective Range (yards) |
|---|---|
| 9 | 40 |
| 8 | 50 |
| 7 | 60 |
| 6 | 80 |
| 5 | 90 |
| 4 | 120 |
| 2 | 160 |
TSS Pellet Size Chart
The chart below shows the TSS pellet sizes and their diameter in inches and millimeters. TSS pellets are consistently uniform in size but can vary depending on supplier.
| TSS Pellet Size | Inches | Millimeter |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | .08 | 2.03 |
| 8 | .09 | 2.29 |
| 7 | .10 | 2.54 |
| 6 | .11 | 2.79 |
| 5 | .12 | 3.05 |
| 4 | .13 | 3.30 |
| 2 | .15 | 3.81 |
TSS Pellet Count Per Ounce
The chart below lists the number of TSS pellets that can be found per ounce of weight. Simply multiply the 1-ounce total by the payload weight of the shotshell to determine the total number of pellets in a load. For example, a 1 1/4 ounce load of #8 TSS as approximately 317 pellets (1.25 X 254).
| TSS Pellet Size | Pellet Count (per oz.) |
|---|---|
| 9 | 362 |
| 8 | 254 |
| 7 | 185 |
| 6 | 139 |
| 5 | 106 |
| 4 | 83 |
| 2 | 54 |
TSS Pellet Ballistics on Turkeys
Below are ballistics estimates for popular TSS pellet sizes. Penetration of 2.50” is standard for body hits while only 1.50” is needed to penetrate a turkey’s head at range.
- TSS #2 (54 pellets/oz) @1300 fps = 2.50” of ballistics Gel Penetration to 150 yds
- TSS #6 (139 pellets/oz) @ 1300 fps = 2.50” of ballistics Gel Penetration to 74 yds
- TSS #7.5 (219 pellets/oz) @ 1300 fps = 2.50” of ballistics Gel Penetration to 52 yds
- TSS #9 (362 pellets/oz) @ 1300 fps = 2.50″ of ballistics Gel Penetration at 43 yards
When compared to steel, lead, and heavyweight pellets, TSS is leaps ahead. And evaluating ballistic outputs of TSS to other materials, the general rule of thumb is to select a lead pellet that is 2-3 sizes smaller and a steel pellet that is 5-6 sizes smaller.
Please see this chart for more TSS equivalent shot types.
Choke Tubes That Deliver Tight Patterns with TSS
TSS patterns tightly with open chokes such as improved cylinder and modified, so when paired with an even tighter turkey choke the results are just simply outstanding. The two chokes below are proven to deliver dense TSS patterns that can punch through just about any turkey head at extreme ranges.
1) Carlson’s TSS Turkey Choke Tube
TSS is a dense new tungsten pellet available for turkey hunting and it happens to pattern really tightly with Carlson’s TSS chokes. This TSS choke can deliver 90% or more of TSS pellets in a 10-inch circle at 40 yards. TSS pellets have a density of 18 g/cc which is almost pure tungsten. For comparison, the density of lead is only 11 g/cc. The Carlson’s TSS choke is .640” diameter which closely matches up with ‘turkey’ choke sizes.
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2) Primos TSS Choke Tube
The Primos TSS Choke’s sole purpose is to deliver tight patterns at long ranges with ultra-dense Tungsten Super Shot. It features an extended taper and fluted ports to increase patterns by up to 20% and reduce felt recoil making follow up shots easier.
The Primos TSS choke is constructed out of premium stainless steel with a “Black-T” protective coating for added corrosion resistance and durability. It’s available for Remington, Mossberg, Browning, Beretta, and Benelli shotguns. 12-gauge chokes measure a tight 0.650″ in diameter.
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Most Popular TSS Pellet Sizes for Turkeys
The most popular TSS pellet sizes used for turkey hunting are #7 and #8 shot. These two pellet sizes offer adequate pellet density while at the same time offering effectiveness beyond 50 yards.
#7 TSS shot contains 185 pellets per ounce and is lethal on turkeys up to 60 yards. A 1 ½ ounce load of #7 shot contains 277 pellets which is far greater than similar lead or heavyweight loads.
#8 TSS shot contains 254 pellets per ounce and is lethal on turkeys at up to 50 yards. #9 shot is also widely used, but the effective range of this small shot is limited to under 40 yards.
SUMMARY
TSS #7 and #8 pellets are the ideal shot sizes for turkey hunting that can deliver dense and effective patterns beyond 50 yards.
Is 10 Shot TSS Worth Messing With?
The general trend with Tungsten Super Shot is to push the limits, and 10 shot is doing just that. The incredible increase in pattern density that can be achieved with 10 shot TSS is unmatched. This makes it increasingly popular with turkey hunters looking for the ultimate turkey load.
However, the problem is that TSS 10 shot is a niche size that has limited applications. Its max range is close to 30 yards which means turkeys need to be really close before pulling the trigger. That may not be a problem for some, but the need to pass up longer shots should be factored in when deciding if it’s really worth it.
Finally, 10 shot TSS is extremely small, and the pellets can be difficult to see and remove from the bird if they go into the breast meat. These pellets are almost tungsten powder at this point and it may take more extensive meat preparation time to make sure all pellets have been removed.
Please see the tech guide here for more on TSS 10 vs 11 shot comparison.
About TSS Shot
TSS stands for Tungsten Super Shot and is the acronym used in the hunting industry today to describe the shot. TSS has a nearly pure tungsten content of 18 g/cc (pure tungsten has a density of 19.25 g/cc). It was first released as a reloading package in 2010, however it has since been phased out, with several larger ammo manufacturers now offering their own specialty TSS loads. Individuals in the reloading community began obtaining TSS from Chinese vendors and selling loose shot in bulk quantities.
Because of its devastating ballistic effects, TSS ammo has gained in popularity, and what was once entirely limited to the reloading community has extended to include ammo manufacturers like Federal, Remington, and Browning, who have all come on board to sell factory loaded TSS ammo for turkey and waterfowl hunting.
Bottom Line: TSS is Effective at Extreme Ranges
TSS is a new shotgun pellet type made of dense tungsten shot. The effective range of TSS is over 100 yards with certain pellet sizes. The most popular TSS pellet sizes for turkey hunting are #7 and #8 shot, which are effective between 50 and 60 yards.
TSS pellet size and compatible choke tubes are important factors to consider when judging the max effective range. Tight chokes such as Carlson’s TSS choke paired with #8 TSS is a viable turkey load at up to 50 yards.
10 and 11 shot TSS is gaining popularity for close shots on strutting toms, but this specialized pellet has several draw backs. As always, pick a pellet size and choke tube that will work well at the ranges you’ll be hunting the most. Pattern your shotgun to find ammo and choke combos that perform the best.
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