Description
If you've been hunting turkeys with anything less than TSS, you're already at a disadvantage. The Apex Turkey TSS 3.5-inch round sits at the top of the 12-gauge lineup for good reason. This is a shell built for hunters who understand that the extra investment buys confidence when that gobbler appears.
The 2.5-ounce payload of #9 tungsten delivers 905 individual pellets per shell. That number matters. Unlike traditional lead loads that rely on bigger pellets to penetrate, tungsten's density lets you pack dramatically more shot into the same shell while maintaining lethal performance. Each of those small pellets carries energy comparable to much heavier lead shot, which means a denser pattern and more hits in the vital zone.
Pattern Density and Range
What separates this load from everything else on the market is consistency. The shell patterns tight and holds together out to distances most hunters won't even attempt. Real-world users report placing 400-plus pellets in a 10-inch circle at 40 yards with standard turkey chokes, and the round remains effective well beyond that distance. The 18.1 g/cc tungsten alloy is harder and more uniform than alternative shot materials, which means less flyers and tighter grouping shot after shot.
Made in America
Each round is handcrafted in the USA with careful attention to consistency. The muzzle velocity of 1175 fps ensures reliable performance across different shotgun platforms and choke combinations. Apex loads these shells with the same precision applied to their entire turkey lineup, which is why experienced hunters often reload with the empties or stick exclusively to the brand once they've experienced the results.
This is premium ammunition for a reason. You're paying for pellet density, pattern control, and the ability to take ethical shots that other loads simply can't deliver.
Key Specifications
- Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Shell Length: 3.5 inch
- Payload Weight: 2.5 ounces
- Shot Type: Tungsten Super Shot (TSS)
- Shot Size: #9
- Pellet Count: 905 pellets per shell
- Muzzle Velocity: 1175 feet per second
- Tungsten Density: 18.1 g/cc
- Rounds Per Box: 5 shells
- Manufacturer: Apex Ammunition
- Manufacturer Part Number: PT3.5-9
- UPC: 859781007186
- Country of Origin: USA
What’s Included
- 5 rounds of Apex Turkey TSS ammunition
Frequently Asked Questions
What choke should I use with these shells?
Most turkey hunters run an improved cylinder (.665-.670) to full (.690) choke with #9 shot. Avoid going overly tight, as users report the pattern can blow out if over-choked. A .665 Indian Creek choke is a popular pairing that delivers tight, dense patterns without sacrificing coverage.
How does #9 TSS compare to larger shot sizes?
Because tungsten is so dense, a #9 pellet carries energy comparable to much larger lead pellets. The smaller size lets you load more pellets into the same shell, resulting in 900+ hits per round instead of the 300-400 you'd get from traditional loads. This means tighter patterns and more margin for error on small targets like turkey heads.
What's the effective range on these rounds?
Real-world hunting experience shows these rounds remain effective well beyond 50 yards, though most ethical turkey hunters stay within 40-50 yards. The TSS maintains velocity and energy better than traditional shot types, so birds that hang up at distance become legitimate targets instead of pass-throughs.
Are these shells compatible with all 12-gauge shotguns?
These 3.5-inch shells will cycle in any 12-gauge shotgun chambered for 3.5-inch ammunition. The roll-crimp design and consistent construction are engineered for reliable feeding, though always verify your shotgun's specifications before purchase.





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