Description
The Apex S3 Steel delivers the kind of performance that makes real-world difference in the marsh. Built around a one-piece wad system borrowed from Apex's Tungsten Super Shot line, these shells pattern tighter than typical steel loads while maintaining the hard-hitting energy you need for clean, ethical harvests across all waterfowl species.
What Makes Apex S3 Steel Stand Out
The premium plated steel shot used in these loads sets them apart from standard offerings. Plating adds durability to each pellet, which means they stay rounder as they travel downrange rather than deforming into irregular shapes that lose velocity and penetration. Combined with the specialized wad design, you get uniform pellet distribution that builds denser patterns downrange where it counts most.
The #4 Shot Advantage for Versatility
Number 4 steel is the sweet spot for most waterfowl situations. You get more pellets per ounce compared to larger shot sizes, which means better pattern density and margin for error on distant birds. These loads specifically pack 1-1/4 ounces of #4 into the 3-inch hull, giving you that extra payload compared to standard 2-3/4 inch shells while staying well within the design parameters of any 12-gauge waterfowl gun.
Consistent Factory Performance
Loaded to 1450 FPS, these shells deliver reliable velocity for calculating leads and shot placement. The consistent ballistics mean your patterning work at the range will translate directly to performance in the field. That consistency also means your follow-up shots pattern the same way as your first, which matters when birds flare and you need that third shot to count.
Key Specifications
- Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Shell Length: 3 inches
- Shot Type: Premium Plated Steel
- Shot Size: #4
- Shot Weight: 1-1/4 ounces
- Muzzle Velocity: 1450 FPS
- Rounds Per Box: 25
- Manufacturer: Apex Ammunition
- Model: S3 Steel Waterfowl
- Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): S312-4
- UPC: 859781007971
What’s Included
- 25 rounds of Apex S3 Steel 12-gauge 3-inch shotgun shells
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Apex S3 Steel and standard steel shot loads?
Apex S3 Steel uses premium plated pellets combined with a specialized one-piece wad system originally developed for their tungsten loads. This combination produces tighter, more consistent patterns and better pellet integrity downrange compared to conventional steel ammunition. The plating on the shot helps pellets stay round and maintain their ballistic coefficient as they travel.
Will Apex S3 Steel #4 work for both ducks and geese?
Number 4 steel is versatile enough to handle most waterfowl hunting situations. You'll find it works great on ducks across all ranges and on geese when shot placement is good. That said, larger shot sizes like #2 are sometimes preferred for geese at distance, while smaller sizes like #6 shine on teal. The #4 sits right in the middle as an all-purpose waterfowl load.
Can I shoot Apex S3 Steel in any 12-gauge shotgun?
As long as your gun is chambered for 3-inch shells, these will work fine. The 1450 FPS velocity is standard for waterfowl loads and won't cause reliability issues in properly functioning shotguns. However, always check your firearm's manual to confirm it handles 3-inch ammunition, and make sure you're using a proper choke tube designed for steel shot.
How do I know what choke to use with these shells?
You'll want a choke specifically designed for steel shot, as steel is harder than lead and requires different constriction. Many shooters find that modified or full chokes work well with Apex S3 Steel for waterfowl. The best approach is to pattern a few loads at the range with chokes available to your gun to see what delivers the pattern density you like at your typical hunting distances.





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