Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, lifelong hunter.
For turkey hunters running 16 gauge turkey TSS loads, Apex Ammunition delivers 1-5/8 oz of pure tungsten super shot in a 2-3/4″ shell — 590 #9 pellets moving at 1150 fps. This is a non-toxic, high-density load engineered to maintain lethality beyond 40 yards while preserving the handling characteristics of the 16 gauge platform. Apex manufactures these shells in the United States with Boxer primers and reloadable hulls, making them a practical choice for hunters who reload or prefer domestically sourced ammunition.
Load Profile
Tungsten super shot (TSS) runs approximately 18 g/cm³ in density — 56% denser than lead, 3× denser than steel. At #9 shot size, each pellet retains energy downrange that approximates a #5 lead pellet, but with exponentially more pellets on target. The 1-5/8 oz payload in this 16 gauge load pushes 590 pellets, compared to roughly 225 pellets in a comparable lead #5 load. Pattern density at 40 yards typically exceeds 100 pellets in a 10″ circle when paired with a turkey choke rated for TSS.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 16 Gauge |
| Shell length | 2-3/4″ |
| Shot type | Tungsten Alloy Shot |
| Shot size | #9 |
| Shot weight | 1-5/8 oz |
| Velocity | 1150 fps |
| Number of pellets | 590 |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Buffered | No |
| Non-toxic | Yes |
| Intended use | Turkey |
| Rounds/box | 5 |
| Manufacturer | Apex Ammunition |
This load is designed for smooth-bore barrels and requires a choke rated for tungsten shot to prevent barrel damage. Shop the full selection of 16 gauge shotgun ammo for additional hunting and target loads.
Who It’s For
Apex Turkey TSS in 16 gauge serves hunters who prefer the lighter, faster-handling 16 over a 12 or 20, but still want maximum downrange performance. The 590-pellet count and tungsten density make this a viable choice for shots past 35 yards, where traditional lead loads in 16 gauge begin to lose pattern density. Reloadable hulls and Boxer primers allow you to reclaim brass and reload cases if you handload shotshells.
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 keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction; keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot; keep the firearm unloaded until ready to use; know your target and what lies beyond it.
- Verify current state and local ammunition laws before ordering — some jurisdictions restrict non-lead shot or impose additional licensing requirements.
- Tungsten shot requires a choke tube rated for tungsten or TSS loads; standard steel-rated chokes may not provide adequate constriction or protection against barrel damage.
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