The smell was extra strong when I pulled the trigger too. And seemed like a paper filler hung in the air. Maybe there is some truth to the too hot theory or maybe that specific shell was loaded with too much powder.

I was very hesitant to buy TSS because Ive thought it is a waste of money due to its cost. But, since my 10 year old had such a bad experience last deer season I bought a couple boxes to make his kill range farther for his 20 gauge. He needed it in Illinois and it worked out great.

The shell I patterned at 30 looked great. I'd say 99% of shot was 10 inches. I would have figured at 17 steps that it would have a 5-7 inch pattern. At 10 yards I would hope 2+ inches. But I didnt shoot the $10 shells at those distances.

The setup is a winchester SX3 20 with a carlsons TSS heavyweight choke (.555).

I hate to have my son miss next year because I gave him a load that didnt perform like it should.

BTW: My older son shot his turkey in Illinois the same morning way too far away with remington nitro turkey loads and it killed it stone dead. He has a 3" 12 gauge though. I always have to get my nitro mag plug in! Hahaha Ive shot almost all of my turkeys with them going back to 1989.


Thanks for your insight aldeer members and beware.