FREE SHIPPING ON ALL ORDERS OVER $99
October 24, 2024
With advancements in shotshell ammunition technology, what was once considered a novelty in waterfowl hunting has now become mainstream and sub-gauge shotguns are here to stay.
Small and mighty may best describe the revolution. The 20-gauge, 28 gauge, and even the diminutive .410 are certainly more than capable of being effective in the blind with the right ammunition choice. Whether that be from a layout in a dry cornfield, behind a panel blind on a prairie pothole or everything in between; those of us small bore enthusiasts are right at home.
The smaller frame guns are light to carry, quick to the target, and modest in recoil. Three characteristics we all can appreciate. Lastly, and most importantly, they can produce patterns rivaling bigger bores with a little effort on our part.
While budget priced ammunition choices often leave much to be desired this is especially true with sub gauges though midlevel and premium ammunition can and most often does produce excellent patterns at “reasonable” ranges. The advent of Super High-density pellets such as Apex’s “Z” Series; loaded with Straight TSS is ballistically capable of peak performance well beyond the abilities of the average shooter. If you are looking for the ultimate on “bird pellet” look no further. Just think about this … a 20-gauge payload of TSS loaded with just ¾ of an ounce of #8 contains almost 40 more pellets than a standard three inch12-gauge loaded with 1 ¼ oz of steel #2 resulting in more uniform, dense and lethal patterns.
The most popular first step by many into sub-gauge waterfowling and supported by the widest range of shotgun and ammunition choices, the 20 gauge really makes sense for so many of us. Offered in everything from youth platforms to inexpensive pumps and semi autos, mid-priced guns of all action types, to performance shop customized fowling pieces, and premium priced double guns. Essentially one’s options are nearly endless. Factor in the variety of available ammunition platforms (Apex Ammunition offers three distinct series), and therefore can accommodate the budgets and performance expectations of most waterfowl hunters.
The Pinnacle of shotshell performance …. Apex’s 20-gauge Z Series TSS Waterfowl contains Âľ oz of hard hitting TSS pellets offered in shot sizes #7.5, #8, and #9 this is the most lethal load combination we have ever shot. The relatively light overall mass of the payload combined with advanced engineering produces a surprisingly light recoiling load that results in dense uniform patterns with more than enough energy to be extremely effective on all species of waterfowl from swans to geese and ducks. Perhaps, the most significant advantage of shooting TSS is the effectiveness of the smaller E.g. #7.5 and #8 shot on even the largest geese, therefore ending the days of switching ammunition when a flock of honkers is headed your way. This is especially important as many days afield are combination hunts where both ducks and geese are expected. Apex TSS is known for its characteristic tight pattern cores, which help produce workable patterns out to the edge of gunning range and often requiring less choke constriction to do so. On a recent trip to hunt snow geese in Saskatchewan using the Apex waterfowl Z #7 ½ we affectionately nick- named the load “magic bullets” as the on-bird performance was almost beyond belief but seeing was believing. More uniform pellet distribution and pattern density combined with unmatched pellet energy make for the ultimate non-toxic waterfowl shotshell platform. When loading up with straight TSS I most typically reach for an extended modified that provides about .20 constriction and in my experience is ideal for shooting situations from 30-45 yards.
A unique blended shotshell platform combining both highly polished TSS and zinc plated steel Apex’s WS Waterfowl blend has become my go-to waterfowl load in the 20. Using a 7/8 oz base of either #2 or #4 steel and incorporating an additional ¼ oz of TSS #71/2 this load bridges the gap between performance and affordability. The enhanced 1 1/8 oz payload just flat out performs. The WS20 Blend combining #4 Steel and # 7 ½ TSS is an impressive load with over 220 pellets while the #2 Steel and #7 ½ offering has approximately 165. It is a great 1:2 punch. For small and medium ducks or where shots are consistently inside 35 yards, I lean toward the increased pellet count almost every time; however, targeting big Late Season mallards is the noted exception.
Living in the upper Midwest and being a 20-gauge enthusiast, I always hoped for a load that was that ideal crossover option for both ducks and geese. I had shot the Apex 12 Ga WS3 load of #2 and #7 ½ last fall with excellent results on several combination hunts taking both late season mallards and geese with impressive results. Favoring the “little 20” I thought to ask Jared Lewis “the head product developer at Apex” if he could build a similar offering in a 20 Gauge? He went to work and a few months later I had some prototype WS20 #2/ #7 1/2 to put on paper. Oh Yeah, I thought this was it! The patterns were impressive and true to Apex Ammunition’s engineering it had good uniform pellet distribution and a solid core. I thought we were on to something special here and this is going to be BIG! A few more weeks of work and finally the opportunity for some field-testing sessions in the Light Goose Conservation Order. The load was an absolute hammer! I tightened up things a little on the choke side going to an extended modified as pattern testing told me it responded well and a little differently to more choke than straight steel #2’s did through both my Benelli and Beretta semi autos. Patterns from 85% to 90% at 30 yards were very typical and most often with 100% of the TSS captured in a 30” circle.
I have always shot steel shot since I started waterfowl hunting some 35 years ago and I still shoot it to this day. Preferring to shoot decoying birds inside 35 it works. It does have its limitations, but inside 35 yards with the right choke combination it is a solid option. More economical to shoot than the previous mentions on a per shell basis, steel is still the least expensive nontoxic pellet offering approved by the USFWS. In the 20 Gauge patterning your individual gun is even more important as its customary to need to “open your choke” a little to maintain pattern uniformity. …. but not always! The 20 can at times can be a little temperamental with steel. With that said I reach for a Light Mod or Skeet 2 as some after-market choke makers call it most often. It’s a great starting point and it is my go-to when I expect my primary shooting to be 20-30 yards and is still solid to 35. The great folks from Trulock Chokes in Whigham GA offer a series of aftermarket chokes they call the Precision Hunter Series. I personally have a set for each of my waterfowl guns and have had excellent results. Three choke constrictions … IC, LM and M meet almost every waterfowl situation I have encountered shooting steel on the sub gauge side. A lifetime warranty and satisfaction guarantee make it a no-brainer.
20 gauges are known for preferring smaller shot and is especially true with steel. It’s simply just physics. On average they will typically produce their best patterns with #2 steel or smaller. My choice for Teal and early season ducks is #4. In the 3” Apex 1oz payload of zinc plated #4 steel I have about 190 pellets to work with. It is rare for me to have a gun that will not yield an 80 % or better patterns at 30 yards with this load and choke set up. The common mindset of having at least 100 pellets in a 30” circle at your intended maximum range is a good general rule when targeting ducks. When you are thinking more about geese you can comfortably get by with about 90. We often have hunts where we expect honkers to show at the duck party and then #2 steel is the logical choice for me. It handles both ducks and geese better and reduces the number of long retrieves for Cruise my yellow lab though he does love that occasional long flyer.
Visit apexmunition.com for more product information.
Experience your best shot!
SHARE