TSS Hub

TSS Hub - Red Dawn Shotshells

What is TSS?

TSS stands for Tungsten Super Shot. It's a nontoxic pellet material with a density of 18 g/cc or more, so it's legal for waterfowl and much heavier than any other nontoxic shot you can buy. This page covers what TSS is, why I build so much of my lineup around it, and how to pick the right shot size.

How TSS Compares on Density

  • Steel: ~7.8 g/cc
  • Bismuth: ~9.6–9.8 g/cc
  • Lead: ~11.3 g/cc
  • TSS: ~18.0–18.1 g/cc (over 1.5x denser than lead, and more than 2x denser than steel)

Why does density matter? A denser pellet carries more weight for its size. It holds on to its energy better after it leaves the barrel and penetrates better when it gets there. That means a smaller TSS pellet can do the work of a much bigger steel pellet. Smaller pellets also mean more of them in each ounce of payload.

Why TSS Suits Small Bores

This is what Red Dawn is built around. With TSS you can hunt with a .410 or a 28 gauge, and with smaller payloads you get less recoil in a lighter gun that's easier to carry all day.

Personally, I only hunt with a 28 gauge and a .410. The load I hunt with most is the 28 gauge 7/8oz Wolverine Series #6 TSS. A small gun is a lot of fun to shoot, and TSS is what makes it practical for me.

TSS Pellet Size Guide

Here's what I suggest for each shot size based on the game it suits. Whatever size you choose, take shots you're confident in and know your gun and load.

  • #10 TSS
    • Ducks: 35 yards
  • #9.5 TSS
    • Ducks: 45 yards
  • #9 TSS
    • Ducks: 55 yards
    • Cranes, geese & pheasants: 45 yards
  • #8.5 TSS
    • Ducks: 65 yards
    • Cranes, geese & pheasants: 55 yards
  • #8 TSS
    • Ducks: 75 yards
    • Cranes, geese & pheasants: 65 yards
    • Swans: 55 yards
  • #7 TSS
    • Ducks: 85 yards
    • Cranes, geese & pheasants: 75 yards
    • Swans: 65 yards
  • #6 TSS
    • Ducks: 95 yards
    • Cranes, geese & pheasants: 85 yards
    • Swans: 75 yards
    • Coyotes & foxes: 80 yards
  • #BB TSS (Heavy TSS line): Coyotes and other predators

If you want a good all-around choice, look at the Wolverine Series. It's our all-#6 TSS line, made in several gauges and payloads.

TSS vs. Steel

Steel is a good, budget-friendly option, and I load it too in 10, 12, 20 and 28 gauge. If you're shooting steel:

  • #5 & #6 steel recommended for small ducks
  • #2, #3 & #4 steel recommended for large ducks and geese

TSS is the premium option. It costs more, but it gives you that density advantage and lets you hunt with a smaller gun. Bismuth sits between the two. They all have a place, and it really comes down to your gun, your hunt and your budget.

Material Density (g/cc) Best for
Steel ~7.8 Budget-friendly waterfowl loads in 10, 12, 20 and 28 gauge
Bismuth ~9.6–9.8 A step up from steel; works in older guns
Lead ~11.3 Upland and other uses where lead is allowed (not legal for waterfowl)
TSS ~18.0–18.1 Premium nontoxic loads; small bores like .410 and 28 gauge; waterfowl, turkey, upland and predators

Where to Start

If you aren't sure which load fits your gun or your hunt, reach out. I'm happy to help.

— Buddy Denman II, Red Dawn Shotshells, Sturgis, MI