Field Guide / Shot Sizes & Chokes
Tungsten Shot
Also called: TSS, tungsten super shot
A very dense, premium nonlead shot that lets hunters use smaller pellets with more energy and denser patterns, at a high price.
- Type
- Shot Materials
- Density
- About 10 to 18 grams per cubic centimeter, up to about 18 for tungsten super shot
- Hardness
- Very hard
- Legal status
- Approved nonlead shot for waterfowl in many forms; check the load
- Used for
- Turkey, Ducks & geese, Upland birds
Safety: Very dense, hard shot can damage barrels and choke tubes that are not rated for it. Follow your shotgun's manual.
What it is good for
- Turkeys with small pellets for very dense patterns.
- Waterfowl where nonlead is required and a premium load is wanted.
- Long shots where energy matters.
Where it falls short
- Very expensive.
- Very hard pellets can damage barrels or chokes not rated for them.
- Not every tungsten load is approved for every use.
Tips
- Pattern the load, since small dense pellets pattern differently.
- Follow the choke and gun maker's guidance for tungsten.
Works well with
- Extra-Full Turkey Choke: often used with dense turkey loads, if rated for the shot.
- Steel Shot: a lower-cost nonlead option.
Field notes
Tungsten super shot is very dense, so small pellets can hit like larger lead pellets. That allows more pellets and tighter patterns.
Related guides
Pellet counts, patterns, and ranges are typical figures, not guarantees. Pattern your own shotgun with your own loads at the distances you hunt, and follow the shotgun manual for which shells and chokes are safe. Nonlead shot rules and legal shot types differ by state and area; our state resources directory links to each state's official regulations.