Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, lifelong hunter.
The Apex Ammunition Turkey Ninja TSS delivers 20 gauge turkey loads engineered around an unconventional shot size: #8-1/2 tungsten. Where conventional tungsten turkey loads force a choice between knockdown power (larger shot) and pattern density (smaller shot), this load splits the difference. You get 504 highly polished tungsten pellets in a 1-5/8 oz payload, launched at 1175 fps from a 3″ shell. Developed in partnership with Woodhaven Custom Calls, the Turkey Ninja series targets hunters who demand lethal performance without stepping up to 12 gauge.
Load Profile
Apex loads this 20 gauge shell with tungsten alloy shot — non-toxic, denser than lead, and legal in all waterfowl and turkey zones. The #8-1/2 shot size sits between standard #8 and #9, offering a tighter pattern than #8 with more energy per pellet than #9. At 1-5/8 oz, this payload matches heavy field loads but substitutes tungsten’s 18 g/cm³ density for lead’s 11.3 g/cm³. The result: smaller pellets carry downrange energy comparable to larger lead shot, and 504 pellets in the pattern increase the probability of striking vitals. The shell uses a Boxer primer, non-corrosive, and the hull is reloadable for handloaders who recover spent cases.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 20 Gauge |
| Shell length | 3″ |
| Shot type | Tungsten Alloy Shot |
| Shot size | #8-1/2 |
| Shot weight | 1-5/8 oz |
| Number of pellets | 504 |
| Velocity | 1175 fps |
| Buffered | No |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Non-toxic | Yes |
| Barrel type | Smooth bore |
| Rounds per box | 5 |
| Intended use | Turkey |
| Country of origin | USA |
This load fits any 20 gauge smoothbore chambered for 3″ shells. For more tungsten turkey options across gauges, see our 20 Gauge Turkey Loads catalog.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Federal law requires purchasers to be at least 18 years old for rifle and shotgun ammunition, and at least 21 for handgun ammunition. Ammunition cannot be shipped to certain states, counties, and cities — review our ammunition shipping restrictions before ordering. Store ammunition in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and out of reach of unauthorized users.
- Always treat every firearm as loaded and point the muzzle in a safe direction.
- Verify gauge and chamber length before loading — 3″ shells require a 3″ or longer chamber.
- This product contains tungsten alloy. While non-toxic, pellets can pose ingestion hazards to wildlife and pets if left in the field. Pack out spent hulls.
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