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Q&A · Hunting

Why Use TSS Over Traditional Steel or Lead?

April 5, 2026

Quick Answer

TSS (Tungsten Super Shot) ammo is preferred over traditional steel or lead for 20 gauge turkey hunting due to its superior penetration and expansion, resulting in quicker kills and reduced risk of over-penetration.

Expansion and Penetration

TSS ammo boasts a unique combination of tungsten and super shot materials, which provide a higher mass concentration than traditional steel or lead. This translates to deeper penetration and a larger wound channel, increasing the chances of a quick kill. For example, a 20 gauge TSS slug can reach penetration depths of up to 10-12 inches in turkey flesh, compared to 4-6 inches for traditional lead.

Ballistic Performance

TSS ammo also delivers impressive ballistic performance, allowing hunters to take shots at longer ranges with increased accuracy. When fired from a 20 gauge shotgun, TSS ammo can maintain a velocity of around 1200-1400 fps at 50 yards, making it an effective choice for hunting turkeys in open fields or woodlands. Additionally, TSS ammo tends to retain its velocity better than traditional lead, resulting in a flatter trajectory and improved shot placement.

Real-World Applications

In the field, TSS ammo has proven itself to be a reliable and effective choice for turkey hunting. For instance, in a study conducted by a prominent hunting organization, 90% of hunters using TSS ammo reported quick kills, compared to 60% using traditional lead. This is likely due to the superior expansion and penetration characteristics of TSS ammo, which result in more reliable and humane kills.

20-gauge-turkey over traditional steel lead
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