Description
Buy TSS Size 8 1/2 Shot – Unmatched Precision for Upland Birds, Waterfowl, and Small Game
Looking for shotgun ammunition that offers perfect balance between pattern density and pellet energy? TSS Size 8 1/2 Shot is your answer. Whether you’re chasing doves, upland birds, ducks, or rabbits, this shot size delivers the power, precision, and performance you need to succeed at longer distances.
Here’s everything you need to know about TSS 8.5 Shot, and why it could be the game-changer for your next hunting trip.
What Is TSS Size 8 1/2 Shot?
TSS Size 8 1/2 Shot is a tungsten super shot pellet measuring about 0.085 inches in diameter. It’s made of ultra-dense tungsten alloy (18 g/cc), making it over 50% denser than lead and almost twice the density of steel shot.
That density lets you use smaller pellets that carry more energy and maintain tight patterns at much longer distances compared to traditional lead or steel loads.
Quick Specs: TSS Size 8 1/2 Shot
Feature | Details |
Material | Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) |
Shot Size Diameter | ~0.085 inches |
Pellets per Ounce | ~325 |
Density | 18 g/cc |
Effective Range | 60+ yards |
Primary Uses | Dove, Duck, Upland Birds, Small Game |
Why Choose TSS 8 1/2 Shot?
1. Superior Pattern Density
With around 325 pellets per ounce, TSS 8.5 Shot produces incredibly dense shot clouds — helping you hit more feathers, fur, or clay targets even at longer distances.
2. Deep, Reliable Penetration
Because tungsten is so dense, each pellet punches far deeper than steel or lead of similar size, ensuring clean, ethical kills — even on tough birds like pheasants or mallards.
3. Extended Effective Range
TSS 8 1/2 Shot maintains lethal energy beyond 60 yards, giving you a longer effective range for small game and birds. You can confidently stretch your shots when necessary.
4. Versatility Across Game Types
Whether you’re in a duck blind, on a pheasant field, or hunting squirrels in the woods, TSS 8.5 Shot is a highly adaptable load that gets the job done across many hunting situations.
Best Applications for TSS Size 8 1/2 Shot
Dove and Pigeon Hunting
Thanks to its dense patterns and manageable pellet size, TSS 8 1/2 is ideal for fast-flying birds. You get clean kills without worrying about “peppering” your meat.
- Early-season dove hunts
- Mourning doves and Eurasian collared doves
- High-flying pigeons and field shooting
Upland Bird Hunting
If you’re chasing:
- Pheasant
- Grouse
- Quail
- Woodcock
TSS 8.5 Shot offers enough penetration to bring down birds cleanly, even at extended ranges where steel would fall short.
Waterfowl Hunting
For small ducks like:
- Teal
- Wood Ducks
- Gadwall
TSS 8 1/2 Shot delivers tight patterns and deadly penetration, outperforming larger, less-dense steel options.
Small Game Hunting
Use TSS 8 1/2 to harvest rabbits, squirrels, and even raccoons with minimal meat damage but with enough stopping power to anchor your quarry fast.
How TSS Size 8 1/2 Compares to Other Shot Sizes
Shot Type | Size | Diameter | Pellets/Oz | Effective Range | Best Use |
TSS 8 1/2 | 8.5 | 0.085″ | ~325 | 60+ yards | Upland, dove, teal, small game |
TSS 9 | 9 | 0.080″ | ~360 | 65–70 yards | Turkey, ducks |
TSS 9.5 | 9.5 | 0.075″ | ~425 | 55–60 yards | Teal, quail, rabbits |
TSS 10 | 10 | 0.070″ | ~500 | 45–55 yards | Doves, squirrels |
Steel #4 | 4 | 0.130″ | ~135 | 25–35 yards | Ducks |
What to Look for When Buying TSS 8.5 Shot
Gauge Selection
- .410 bore: Light dove and small duck hunting
- 28 gauge: Fantastic for upland birds
- 20 gauge: Great all-around choice
- 12 gauge: Heavy payloads for extended ranges
Payload Options
- .410 bore: 7/8 oz – 1 oz
- 28 gauge: 1 oz – 1-1/8 oz
- 20 gauge: 1-1/4 oz – 1-5/8 oz
- 12 gauge: 1-1/4 oz – 2 oz
Velocity
Aim for loads running between 1100–1350 fps to balance tight patterns with strong terminal performance.
Chokes
Tighter chokes like modified or full can optimize pattern density without blowing out patterns. Some trusted choke brands:
- Indian Creek
- Rob Roberts
- Jebs Precision
- Carlson’s Cremator
Best TSS Size 8 1/2 Shot Brands
- Federal Premium Heavyweight TSS – Trusted performance
- Apex Ammunition – Handmade precision loads
- Foxtrot Ammo – Affordable and powerful
- Boss Shotshells – Non-toxic, high-density options
Browse All TSS Size 8 1/2 Shot Options Here
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Frequently Asked Questions – TSS Size 8 1/2 Shot
What is TSS 8.5 Shot best used for?
TSS Size 8 1/2 Shot is best for dove, upland birds, teal, wood ducks, and small game hunting, offering excellent pattern density and lethal penetration.
Is TSS 8 1/2 good for turkey hunting?
It’s not ideal. For turkey, smaller shot like TSS Size 9 or 9.5 is preferred because it produces denser patterns on small vital zones.
Can I use TSS 8 1/2 in a .410 shotgun?
Yes, many manufacturers offer .410 TSS 8.5 loads, perfect for lightweight setups that still offer impressive range and performance.
How far can TSS 8.5 Shot kill a duck or bird?
With a quality load and choke, you can expect reliable kills out to 60–65 yards with TSS Size 8 1/2 Shot.
Does TSS damage shotguns?
Not if you use TSS-rated chokes and modern barrels. Always verify your gun and choke are tungsten-safe before shooting.
Buy TSS Size 8 1/2 Shot Online – Precision Ammo for Every Hunt
When you need ammo that’s versatile, powerful, and highly effective, TSS Size 8 1/2 Shot is the obvious choice. From knocking down doves on the wing to bringing down ducks in flooded timber, TSS 8.5 delivers precision performance every time you pull the trigger.
Stock up today — Shop TSS Size 8 1/2 Shot Now
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