Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, lifelong hunter.
You’re hunting public land where non-toxic shot is the law, and you’re carrying a 28 gauge because you like the balance and the challenge. The Apex Ammunition Upland Bird TSS 28 gauge tungsten ammo gives you a non-toxic load that doesn’t ask you to aim tighter or close the distance. Tungsten super shot (TSS) runs 18 g/cm³ — denser than lead at 11.3, far denser than steel at 7.8. That density means the #8 pellets hold velocity past 30 yards and punch through breast feathers on quail, dove, chukar, and grouse. Each 2-3/4″ shell carries 3/4 oz of tungsten alloy, enough to put 200+ pellets in the pattern. Boxer primers and reloadable hulls let you reload if you chase volume, though most hunters treat TSS as a premium field load and save the hulls for steel practice rounds.
Load Profile
Apex builds this shell in the United States using tungsten alloy shot — not pure tungsten (too brittle), not bismuth (too soft), but a proprietary tungsten blend that survives the barrel without shattering and deforms on impact to create wound channels. The #8 shot size is the smallest Apex offers in the TSS line; it increases pellet count per ounce compared to #7 or #6, so you get a denser cloud in a 28 gauge payload. The 3/4 oz charge keeps recoil mild — shooters report felt recoil closer to 7/8 oz lead #8 than to 1 oz steel. The 2-3/4″ hull chambers in any standard 28 gauge, and the boxer primer means you can deprime with a universal decapping die if you reload. Apex does not buffer the shot column, relying instead on tungsten’s hardness to resist deformation during setback. You’ll see tighter patterns than buffered lead at the same choke — start at improved cylinder and step down if you’re over-choking the load.
The Numbers
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 28 Gauge |
| Shell length | 2-3/4″ |
| Shot type | Tungsten Alloy |
| Shot size | #8 |
| Shot weight | 3/4 Ounce |
| Buffered | No |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Non-toxic | Yes |
| Barrel type | Smooth Bore |
| Rounds/case | 100 (10 boxes of 10) |
| Intended use | Upland, Dove & Small Game |
| Country of origin | United States of America |
| Shipping weight | 7.305 Pounds |
| DOT-regulated | Yes |
Tungsten’s density advantage shows up at 25–40 yards, where steel shot bleeds velocity and lead is illegal. The #8 pellets remain effective on dove-sized birds to 35 yards in modified choke, and quail/chukar to 30 yards in improved cylinder. Pattern your gun before the season — TSS tightens patterns by roughly one choke constriction compared to lead, so an IC choke may pattern like modified. Browse more non-toxic and lead loads in our 28 Gauge ammo category.
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.
- Treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. Be certain of your target, your line of fire, and what lies beyond your target.
- Verify that your firearm is chambered for 28 gauge 2-3/4″ shells and that local regulations permit non-toxic shot for your hunting area.
- Tungsten shot is harder than lead and may alter point of impact compared to lead loads — pattern your firearm at 20, 30, and 40 yards before hunting to confirm choke selection and holdover.
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