TSS loads for turkey and choke choices

Huntindave McCann

Huntindave McCann

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I have traditionally used 12 gauge #5 lead turkey loads and am very pleased with the results. However, I am considering trying a box of TSS loads this year.
Yes I will shoot a couple or more shells at a target, before heading out to hunt.

My question is, should I expect to change the choke constriction to accommodate the TSS pellets?
 
Huntindave McCann said:
I have traditionally used 12 gauge #5 lead turkey loads and am very pleased with the results. However, I am considering trying a box of TSS loads this year.
Yes I will shoot a couple or more shells at a target, before heading out to hunt.

My question is, should I expect to change the choke constriction to accommodate the TSS pellets?
Click to expand...

It depends what your goal is. If you get 2 3/4 inch #9s in TSS with just a standard full choke, I'd expect that you can easily best your current pattern with lead (even if you are using a superfull turkey choke) and probably extend your range some. Obviously there is a huge market in aftermarket chokes for TSS. The top makers (someone like Indian Creek) will happily answer a phone call to talk chokes if you want something specific.

5 lead pellets are carrying their energy to about 50 yards, 60 is pushing it. There would be almost twice as many 9s in a 2 3/4 TSS as lead 5's in a 3". The pattern density would be way better with TSS and it is said to hit like lead of 5 sizes down (so hits like a 4), but I think that is conservative.
 
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tod osier said:
It depends what your goal is.
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I did not ask about patterns or range. Changing from a lead load to a steel load, has always eliminated one or more choke constrictions. Typically the chokes with a tighter constriction were not to be used with steel. Every set of chokes for the guns I own, has chokes marked "not for steel". I was always told this was because of the difference in the pellet material. Logically, there is also a difference in pellet material when switching from lead to TSS.

so again; should I expect to change the choke constriction to accommodate the TSS pellets?
 
Huntindave McCann said:
I did not ask about patterns or range. Changing from a lead load to a steel load, has always eliminated one or more choke constrictions. Typically the chokes with a tighter constriction were not to be used with steel. Every set of chokes for the guns I own, has chokes marked "not for steel". I was always told this was because of the difference in the pellet material. Logically, there is also a difference in pellet material when switching from lead to TSS.

so again; should I expect to change the choke constriction to accommodate the TSS pellets?
Click to expand...

No if using a choke compatible with TSS. Yes if using a choke that isn't compatible.
 
tod osier said:
No if using a choke compatible with TSS. Yes if using a choke that isn't compatible.
Click to expand...
OK,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, how does one determine if a given choke is compatible? The chokes I have say nothing on them in reference to tungsten.

Moving beyond compatible. Then one gets into patterns.
Excerpt from Outdoor life ; But to get the most out of a TSS load, you need to shoot it through an optimized choke. Interestingly, some TSS loads will pattern well with tight .640 or .650 constriction (12-gauge). Other TSS loads will like a .665 or even a .675 constriction.

"Optimized" seems to be a rather vague term.
 
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Huntindave McCann said:
OK,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, how does one determine if a given choke is compatible?
Excerpt from Outdoor life ; But to get the most out of a TSS load, you need to shoot it through an optimized choke. Interestingly, some TSS loads will pattern well with tight .640 or .650 constriction (12-gauge). Other TSS loads will like a .665 or even a .675 constriction.

"Optimized" seems to be a rather vague term.
Click to expand...

I believe that it is harder than steel.

That is why I gave you the detailed info I did, because it matters what you want to do with it. Do you want to "get the most out of it"? Getting the most means pushing your range to the extreme - in the context of "optimized" that is what it means. I was assuming you wanted good performance, not the "most" or "optimized". Clean kills to 70+ are an option if you spend the time and money to optimize your components.

You can shoot TSS out of a standard full choke and the pattern will likely be better on paper than what you can do with your current combo. That is bread and butter turkey killing - shooting birds to 40 with authority. If that is what you want, that is probably what you have in your 5 lead.

The issue with the steel restrictions on choke tubes has to do with the hardness and the fact that it is large (or can be large) - I know you know this. Trying to push too many large incompressible steel balls through the choke is seen as a liability. TSS because it is soo small does not have such a concern (because it is hard erosion is still a concern), but I'm not recommending you shoot it through a tight choke without knowing the choke manufacturers opinion. You can call the manufacturer and ask.

The shot manufacturers like Apex will tell you what choke to buy as well.
 
tod osier said:
That is why I gave you the detailed info I did, because it matters what you want to do with it.
Click to expand...
The goal is to get the TSS safely out the end of the gun barrel. Some sources say you must use a choke rated for steel, other sources say differently. Thus my original question.
 
Huntindave McCann said:
The goal is to get the TSS safely out the end of the gun barrel. Some sources say you must use a choke rated for steel, other sources say differently. Thus my original question.
Click to expand...

Your original question was about "constriction", not safely getting it out the barrel. Perhaps you can envision that had you asked the question you were thinking that you would have received a different answer.
 
tod osier said:
Your original question was about "constriction", not safely getting it out the barrel. Perhaps you can envision that had you asked the question you were thinking that you would have received a different answer.
Click to expand...
I thought I had clarified why I was asking about constriction. Don't bother responding as I'm done with this.
 
Huntindave McCann said:
I thought I had clarified why I was asking about constriction. Don't bother responding as I'm done with this.
Click to expand...
TSS is not as compressible is lead. But the pellets are small.

I have had my best results to shooting a standard factory full. Not a specialized turkey choke. Most turkey chokes nowadays are rated for TSS if you choose to increase the constriction.

Depending on the age of your choke it may not be compatible
 
1/2 oz of TSS 18, 8 shot in 410 with an extra full Carlsons turkey choke. A little low on my shot but almost took his head off at 30 yards 410 turkey.JPG
 
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