Federal’s New 28 Gauge TSS: The Ultimate Sub-Gauge Turkey Load?

New Federal Premium 28 Gauge TSS Is Here — Built for Turkey Hunters Who Want Lethal Performance Without the Kick

With the rise of TSS (Tungsten Super Shot), there has been a lot of turkey hunters moving to sub-gauges to take down their gobblers. We have been using a .410 the last few years, and it has been awesome, but if you want a larger payload but still want the lower recoil and lighter shotgun options, Federal’s new 28-gauge TSS is the game-changer you’ve been waiting for.

If you have experience with the Federal TSS, please let us know your thoughts on the TFL COMMUNITY!

THE RISE OF THE SUB-GAUGE TURKEY GUN

Spring turkey season is here, and that means it’s time to dust off the vest, set the decoys, and hit the woods. But this year, there’s a brand-new option from Federal Premium that’s creating serious buzz: the 28-gauge Heavyweight TSS.

For years, my son and I have trusted Federal’s .410 TSS to get the job done with lower recoil — and it’s performed like dynamite. But what if you want a little more payload without jumping to the shoulder-thumping 12-gauge? That’s exactly where this new 28-gauge offering fits in.

28 GAUGE HEAVYWEIGHT TSS?

This new ammo is part of Federal’s Heavyweight TSS (Tungsten Super Shot) line, which uses tungsten shot that’s 56% denser than lead — meaning smaller pellets that hit like a freight train.

Key details:

• Gauge: 28

• Lengths: Available in 2 ¾” and 3” shells

• Velocity: 1100 FPS (2¾”) and 1050 FPS (3”)

• Shot size options: Commonly available in #7 or #9

• Where to get it: In stock now at select retailers

Most 28-gauge guns are still chambered for 2¾", but if you’re rocking something like a Benelli or Mossberg in 3", you’ve got options.

28-GAUGE FOR TURKEY HUNTING?

Federal knows the sub-gauge market is exploding — and not just for youth. Hunters of all ages are enjoying the lighter recoil and added challenge. But while the .410 is incredibly effective, its limited pellet count can make longer shots a little riskier as your pattern spreads.

Enter the 28 gauge:

• More pellets = denser patterns

• Less recoil than a 12-gauge

• Better performance at longer ranges than .410

• Ideal for youth hunters, recoil-sensitive shooters, or sub-gauge lovers

In our field test using a Benelli Super Black Eagle 3, the 28-gauge TSS put an impressive number of pellets on paper at 30 yards — far denser and more forgiving than the .410.

WHAT WE OBSERVED

We did a side-by-side test, shooting both .410 and 28-gauge TSS at 30 yards:

• The 28 gauge pattern was tight, dense, and devastating — we’re talking headshot confidence all day long.

• The .410, while still effective, showed noticeably more pellet dispersion, confirming that the 28 gauge offers better downrange forgiveness.

And bonus — even out of a semi-auto, the 28 gauge still felt smooth and manageable in terms of recoil.

WHAT MAKES TSS SO EFFECTIVE?

It’s all about the tungsten. With higher density than lead, you can use smaller pellets like #9 and still get the energy of a larger lead pellet. That means:

• More pellets per shell

• Better pattern density

• No compromise on terminal performance

It’s the reason Federal’s TSS has changed the game for turkey hunting, especially with sub-gauges.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I didn’t think I’d get so excited about a turkey load video — but this one fired me up. The 28 gauge TSS bridges the gap between recoil-friendly .410 and the full-power 12 gauge. If you’re into sub-gauge hunting and want better range and pattern density, this is your new go-to.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a 28 gauge and a strutting tom out back just asking to test this stuff out.

JOINT THE CONVERSATION

Have you used Federal’s Heavyweight TSS in any gauge? Are you pumped about the new 28-gauge option, or are you still loyal to your 12?
Drop your thoughts in the TFL COMMUNITY, and let’s talk turkey!

 Whether our targets in the field or our targets in life, we will only hit what we are focused on, so live the #targetfocusedlife