In what situations does TSS outperform traditional shot?

Close Quarters Hunting

In sub-gauge shotguns, TSS (Tungsten Super Shot) excels in close quarters hunting due to its dense, heavy pellets that provide tighter patterns at short ranges. These dense patterns are critical for effective hits on moving game at distances under 20 yards.

For example, a 20-gauge shotgun loaded with 1 1/4 oz of 9-pellet TSS shot can produce a 15-inch diameter pattern at 20 yards, making it suitable for hunting small to medium game like upland birds and rabbits. In contrast, a traditional 20-gauge 1 1/4 oz load of 6-pellet lead shot would produce a 20-inch diameter pattern at the same distance.

Thick Cover Hunting

TSS also outperforms traditional shot in thick cover hunting where the shotgun needs to penetrate dense vegetation and still deliver an effective hit. The heavy, dense pellets of TSS are better suited to penetrate thick cover than traditional shot, which tends to spread out more and lose energy quickly.

For instance, hunting waterfowl in heavy vegetation, a 12-gauge shotgun loaded with 1 1/4 oz of 9-pellet TSS shot can deliver a 24-inch diameter pattern at 40 yards, making it more effective at longer ranges in thick cover than traditional 12-gauge loads.