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Q&A · Hunting

What are most common issues encountered with TSS loads?

April 5, 2026

Quick Answer

TSS (Tungsten Super Shot) loads often experience issues with inconsistent pellet distribution, leading to reduced accuracy and effectiveness, particularly at longer ranges.

Inconsistent Pellet Distribution

Inconsistent pellet distribution is a common issue with TSS loads, resulting in reduced accuracy and effectiveness at longer ranges. This can be attributed to the high density of the pellets, which can cause them to clump together during loading or during the flight of the shot. To minimize this issue, it’s essential to use a consistent loading process and to ensure that the shot is properly seated in the shell.

Over-Patterning

TSS loads can also experience over-patterning, particularly at longer ranges. This can result in a wider spread of the pattern, making it more challenging to hit the target. To mitigate this issue, hunters can use a choke tube that is specifically designed for TSS loads, as well as a shot size that is optimized for the range at which the shot is being taken.

Soot Buildup

Another common issue with TSS loads is soot buildup in the gun barrel. This can occur due to the high density of the pellets, which can cause them to burn more completely and produce a higher amount of soot. To prevent soot buildup, hunters can use a gun with a stainless steel or ceramic-coated barrel, as well as a gun cleaning kit that is specifically designed for TSS loads. Additionally, hunters can clean their gun after each use to prevent the buildup of soot and debris.

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