Turkey hunting forum for turkey hunting tips

https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/what-are-five-new-critical-metal-exports-restricted-by-china-2025-02-04/

TUNGSTEN
Tungsten is an ultra-hard metal, in terms of strength outdone only by diamonds, and is primarily used in the production of goods including artillery shells, armour plating and cutting tools.
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Approximately 60% of its U.S. consumption goes to making tungsten carbide, a highly durable material widely used across construction, metalworking, and oil and gas drilling.
Like many other critical minerals, China dominates the production and export of tungsten and produced just over 80% of global supply in 2023.
Based on analysis by UK-based consultancy Project Blue, China supplies 30% of the ex-China market, mostly in the form of powders for tooling applications.

Other producers include Vietnam, Russia, South Korea, and Spain.
Tungsten has not been mined commercially in the United States since 2015, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
China restricted eight types of tungsten products and the methods to make them.

https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-expands-critical-mineral-export-controls-after-us-imposes-tariffs-2025-02-04/

Well, back to the 12 gauge and lead.  Kills them just as dead and doesn't drain the wallet.  For me, I never jumped on the TSS train, I have a lifetime supply of the True Hevi-13 7's and will continue shooting them.

I remember when the Hevi's came out and everyone said, I'm not paying 4 to 5 dollars a shell.  Now it's $20 a shell.  Ridiculous!!!

Hasn't been mined in US since 2105 I'm sure that's due to some environmental BS so maybe that will change.

I have enough for a few seasons I think.  This will pass.  The US can't do without these minerals too terribly long.  The trade deal will be worked out before too long.

Been considering using a lighter payload, maybe I will drop from the 1 5/8th oz to 1 1/4?

Oh well I guess the season of shooting all my birds with dove loads may come to fruition in the near future?

Based on my prior 5-year average, I have enough TSS to last me 14 more years.  Therefore, at this point, I'm only buying it when it's a smoking deal anyway.  I still have enough copper plated 6s to last me the rest of my life I'm pretty sure. 

That being said, this too shall pass. They'll figure it out.  Our govt printing money like it's a monopoly game is more of an issue than this tariff. 

Supply will shrink for sure. China is the largest producer not the only producer. As supply shrinks prices will increase. And as we've seen with ammunition as a whole the last decade and a half, people will freak and panic buy further driving the price. Simple economics.

Quote from: joey46 on February 08, 2025, 07:41:24 AMBe curious of the reaction from those that attend the big NWTF Convention next week.  As for me at 78 years old I probably have enough TSS for my remaining days.  This will really put a crimp in those that switched to the smaller guns.  the 410 will again be a squirrel gun.

I can see people stocking up like toilet paper during the pandemic. 

Wouldn't doubt some serious price gouging going on! Perfect place and situation to increase your profit margin.

Quote from: bbcoach on February 08, 2025, 07:11:12 AMWell, back to the 12 gauge and lead.  Kills them just as dead and doesn't drain the wallet.

Agreed....I just bought 16 boxes of turkey loads from a buddy at work. His Grandpa, long time turkey hunter, passed away recently.  He asked me how many boxes I wanted, and I said all of them...good investment I suppose.

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I'm not going to worry about it, I have enough shells for all my turkey guns lead, TSS etc, I do hate it for others that are just now getting into turkey hunting. I do feel at some point TSS will price itself out of the market for most turkey hunters.

I have been telling others for years that you don't wait until you need to buy shells to buy them, you need to shop all year long for ammo. IMO

It's like guns the so called cheap guns are not so cheap anymore and now look at what the better guns cost..

Looks like Hevi shot brought back Hevi 13 20ga number 7s!

Quote from: CALLM2U on February 08, 2025, 10:46:45 AMBased on my prior 5-year average, I have enough TSS to last me 14 more years.

Same here. Unless breaking a fall flock. Some breaks can get a bit expensive till its said and done.

Buy TSS in the summer/fall. Buy rifle ammo in the spring/summer.

I had a fair amount of hand loaded shells stocked up, until last spring I had to return a choke that was bulged, got a new one and it did not pattern as well, tried another choke and got the patterns I wanted but had to dial it in. 

Switched from iron sight to a dot.

Tried a speed bead that I rigged on a gun It wasn't made for, it lasted half the season and came lose, got a sumtoy mount and dialed in with that.

So I wasted more ammo than ever last spring!

Quote from: paboxcall on February 08, 2025, 02:39:08 PM

Quote from: CALLM2U on February 08, 2025, 10:46:45 AMBased on my prior 5-year average, I have enough TSS to last me 14 more years.

Same here. Unless breaking a fall flock. Some breaks can get a bit expensive till its said and done.

Buy TSS in the summer/fall. Buy rifle ammo in the spring/summer.

Classic example of the benefits of hunting with a SXS in the fall. Quality trap load in the right barrel for shooting flushed grouse/or breaking a flock, tss in the left barrel.

It's much cheaper

Quote from: crow on February 08, 2025, 04:28:46 PMClassic example of the benefits of hunting with a SXS in the fall. Quality trap load in the right barrel for shooting flushed grouse/or breaking a flock, tss in the left barrel.

It's much cheaper

You're just trying to get me to break that old Fox out of retirement....maybe...

it's the perfect storm, and you look classy

https://apexmunition.com/shop/turkey-tss/gt-20-20-gauge-turkey-tss-ammo/

went from $60 to $80 for five, in the past 12 months

https://saltcreekammo.com/blogs/theturkeytimes/the-tungsten-shockwave-what-s-behind-the-tss-price-explosion

Quote from: 76chevy on January 02, 2026, 10:59:29 AMhttps://apexmunition.com/shop/turkey-tss/gt-20-20-gauge-turkey-tss-ammo/

went from $60 to $80 for five, in the past 12 months

Where I had been buying from, Rogers Sporting Goods, went from 49 to 54 since last year, and in the past week up to $76 I think it was.

Wow... pricey!

It's gone wild.

Sheesh! Glad I have a couple boxes squirreled back.

The shot has gone up $30 per pound in last 3 months.

I like 9s, but I can go right back to lead 5s with no problem. Will help stop some of the 70-80 yard pop shot participation trophies as well.


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I'm sitting on somewhere between 40-45 lbs.  I shoot a 700 grain load that equals 10 shells per pound in a 20 and a 2 oz load in a 12.  I can probably never buy anymore for the rest of my life but....

If anyone is looking for apex 12 ga Ninja 3 inch 2 1/4 oz load I have 2 boxes posted in the ammo classified section. These have gone to $100 a box now at Apex. $160 shipped for both.

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/55000526594_1a15288d70_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2rNd5nh)

I hunted spring Gobblers 20 straight years with a bow or crossbow except for one morning i carried a 20 ga. The past several years i started shotgunning again.

I'll have to go count but i think i have 6 each 12 and 20 tss loaded up and 8 lbs of TSS and 2 boxes of .410. Ill run the over under 20 with TSS in the top barrel and lead in the bottom barrel or carry the crossbow.

The last TSS i bought was $55 a pound i see its $92 now. If i kill 2 a year at 67 years old i should be setting pretty. If i don't miss LOL.

I was not surprised to see the price increase, but approx 35% is substantial. I would guess that most turkey hunters don't shoot more than 5-10 rounds a year, the cost while high, most will still continue to buy a box or two for the performance and confidence they offer.

I replaced a red dot, and tightened another that I found loose last year.
Gonna hurt a little more to shoot those final sight in shots this year.  Gotta happen tho.

I think I have enough to last me a couple decades.  And if it's too pricy when I need to buy again, I'll happily go back to lead. 

Ballistics products has the TSS 15 that the old Federal heavyweight #7's used to be loaded with. I love it and it is cheaper than the TSS 18. It can be loaded in all gauges and is deadly. Just another alternative. Z

I ordered some Winchester long beard XR's couple nights ago.  Going back to lead.  95 bucks for 5 apex shells is a no go for me. 

Search GunBroker.  Still some 2025 prices if you look around.  Shipping might be high but still cheaper than what you're going to pay in the days ahead.

Ive got a handful of apex.  Just ordered a box of Migra.   But soon will order some longbeard xr. Or something like that.

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I found some at 2025 pricing and added a few boxes last week.  Shipping was a bit high and I added a box of Winchester Longbeards to try. 

I live in WV and back 30+ years ago a gentleman named Gary Groves from Friendly, WV built me a turkey gun.  Gary has passed on.  I thought he was a great man, a friend and ahead of his time.  I'm sure some of the members here from OH/WV may have heard of or known him.  Anyway, long story short I'll have to break Gary's gun out and try my LB XR's in it.  Hopefully he'll be smiling down on me. 

Today's price is tomorrow's bargain.

Anytime you need help getting off the fence about buying something, just think of that.

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We will probably see a shortage of XR Long Beards in the future with the big increases of TSS ...

Never wait until you need shells to buy shells .. IMO

Has anybody ordered shot from Hal lately? What is his current price per pound of shot?

92lb from Hal, price goes down with volume, 82 and change per for 6lbs.  Ouch!

I still have 2 boxes of Apex 12 ga Ninja 3 inch 2 1/4 oz for sale at last year prices

Looks like the sellers out of China are telling folks $220 a pound now! Be interesting to see what Hal has it listed at when he gets more in.

I ordered a pound of BPIs banded USA TSS to see how it patterns.

I did not see 9s listed for the USA shot, did you get 9s?

Quote from: Dtrkyman on January 21, 2026, 11:37:30 AMI did not see 9s listed for the USA shot, did you get 9s?

8.5

Quote from: Gobble! on January 21, 2026, 09:47:49 AMLooks like the sellers out of China are telling folks $220 a pound now! Be interesting to see what Hal has it listed at when he gets more in.

I ordered a pound of BPIs banded USA TSS to see how it patterns.

:o  So we're looking at over $20 a shell just for the shot.  :o

I have a few boxes of TSS 9's in 12 and 20ga. And several boxes of Longbeard XR in 12ga.I just ordered some Longbeard XR #5's in 20ga. Will see what they look like.
Should have plenty of TSS for this year but think I'm going back to lead.

Virginia legislators just proposed an 11% Tax on firearms and ammunition. Turkey hunters stock up on your TSS.  Good luck...

Quote from: Tom007 on January 21, 2026, 04:51:04 PMVirginia legislators just proposed an 11% Tax on firearms and ammunition. Turkey hunters stock up on your TSS.  Good luck...

I guess they didn't think about that on election day?  anyway, over here in WV there's no tax on guns or ammo (for now anyway). good luck to the Virginia gang.

Quote from: sswv on January 21, 2026, 05:30:33 PM

Quote from: Tom007 on January 21, 2026, 04:51:04 PMVirginia legislators just proposed an 11% Tax on firearms and ammunition. Turkey hunters stock up on your TSS.  Good luck...

I guess they didn't think about that on election day?  anyway, over here in WV there's no tax on guns or ammo (for now anyway). good luck to the Virginia gang.

I don't think too many hunters voted for this for sure....

I can sell this and buy 100 acres of prime turkey land.
(https://i.postimg.cc/XqnGSbpb/IMG-4585.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qhZMyWsb)

Quote from: lunghit on January 21, 2026, 06:35:47 PMI can sell this and buy 100 acres of prime turkey land.
(https://i.postimg.cc/XqnGSbpb/IMG-4585.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/qhZMyWsb)

You have become a wealthy man! :toothy9:
Maybe I should move my TSS to the gun safe. :)

Very nice Lung, you like the 8 or 9's better, I have some 9's but never tried the 8's

Quote from: 3bailey3 on January 22, 2026, 11:02:57 AMVery nice Lung, you like the 8 or 9's better, I have some 9's but never tried the 8's

I bought 8's because as of a couple of years ago that was the smallest size we can use in NY. Because of TSS they have since allowed smaller shot so I have stocked up on 9's. Honestly I see no difference in performance on birds. The pattern of the 9's is obviously more dense but the birds hit the dirt hard no matter the number.

I just checked guy I bought from last year, he is at 100$ a pound!  ouch, pretty sure I paid 50$ last year?

Dove load challenge might be coming soon!

Quote from: Dtrkyman on January 22, 2026, 12:42:14 PMI just checked guy I bought from last year, he is at 100$ a pound!  ouch, pretty sure I paid 50$ last year?

Dove load challenge might be coming soon!

Trap load in your close barrel for 70% of your shots, tss in your other barrel

Only have one barrel!

Winchester releasing Longbeard TSS, 17gcc so maybe they are making their own shot?


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Here is a decent price for some Hevi-18. Great company to deal with.

https://www.targetsportsusa.com/hevi-shot-hevi-18-tss-turkey-20-gauge-3-1-1-2-oz-9-tungsten-shot-543-pellets-hs7009-p-114372.aspx

Saw this coming a year ago, so bought 30 pounds at 36.00 a pound. Tripple B metals has it for 70-72 a pound

Quote from: Fullfan on January 23, 2026, 09:30:58 PMSaw this coming a year ago, so bought 30 pounds at 36.00 a pound. Tripple B metals has it for 70-72 a pound

Not any more.....

There is a good deal on some federal tss in classifieds.  12ga 3.5"

Triple b over 100$


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A 12 ga aint all that heavy fellas. I took a couple birds with a 20ga tss last year and prob  got enough for a few years or more but ill not set up another gun for it.

Quote from: Dtrkyman on January 24, 2026, 12:30:11 PMTriple b over 100$


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Wow Chatted w Brent prob 2 weeks ago, he said his prices were at 70-72 then.  Glad mt magic 8 ball told me to buy TSS last year.

I've been in about ten sporting goods stores this past week.  Most are sitting on last seasons leftovers and still have 2025 prices.  You guys better shop around and buy early.  I'm personally stocked up with enough for thirty years so I'm not going to worry about it.

I may well go to a 1 1/4 oz load I had tried in the past, it puts up numbers plenty good for 40 yards and a little wiggle room.  I can get several more shells loaded per lb of shot, the load I have is just more components to load so a little time consuming.

so maybe not worth the time?  I knew I should have bought ten lbs of shot last year!

Wasted a lot in the last two seasons with testing a couple new chokes, loads and a dot, should have stuck with the iron sights and initial set up, but you know how we gotta play around with stuff even though it is proven!

I was able to work a deal with someone going from 12 ga to 20 ga and now have enough 12 ga for many future turkey seasons to come. I'm not sure I'd continue to buy anymore expensive than it already is.

Im glad I purchased a few pounds last year, yes it going up

Got a few decades worth TSS for the boys 20 over the last few years that we haven't even shot yet. Been burning up his fed heavyweights. As for me, my old 870 ain't THAT bad to lug around. And I still got a ton of lead 5s. And a bow. I'll be fine

I'm glad I loaded up on the Browning 9s for my .410 when they were $23/box after rebate.  I've got about 2-3 yrs of Apex Ninja left(if the birds agree) so that's a bonus as won't have to "test" until they are gone.

Found some for 75 bucks a pound,  glad I don't need any !!!!!!

Buds has Remington premier tss 20ga for $40 people say it's garbage but I get a heck of a pattern with it out of a Carlson 555

Glad I stockpiled up!
I have enough TSS to last me well beyond my years of hunting, but if I was starting up, I would go with a 12 and longbeard XR.


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I have been wanting a over under Turkey gun for awhile but couldn't find what I wanted. So I just painted my CZ Drake and put a red dot on it. This wasn't planed because of the price hike of TSS but still good timing. I will run TSS in the top barrel and 1 1/4 oz of 5 or 4 shot in the lower barrel. And I hope I never need any TSS(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20260201/904290d445d33e48194f7d2de09ce997.jpg)


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Fortunately, I stockpiled the last 6-7 years and now don't have to pay the 2026 prices.

Thankfully I am good for at least the next 10 years at least!! Maybe a lot longer! I also built a shot trap about 5 years ago, so when pattern testing is required I can recover the shot. Whew!!! Glad I did that!!! But eventually you have to figure out what weighs more.....a 12 gauge or a hunnerd dollar bill!!! Have a good one and May God bless y'all, Bo

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Do you think that we will look back next year and say we should have bought some more now?

Quote from: bcuda on February 13, 2026, 02:28:34 PMDo you think that we will look back next year and say we should have bought some more now?

Not me, I'm setting on 30ish pounds lol

Just think how bad it would be for the Lone Ranger right about now with the price of silver

Quote from: bcuda on February 13, 2026, 02:28:34 PMDo you think that we will look back next year and say we should have bought some more now?

I don't have a crystal ball or any real special knowledge, but if I were guessing some of this is tariff related, some may be "price of minerals" related...or some combo of those factors.
If it's mostly tariff costs, it may go down.  I think I read that most of the TSS comes from China. If it's mineral costs, probably no big drop in the future.

I don't know what the current cost is but it was already about to the point where I'm just not going to pay any more for it. I love the patterns I get with it but dang! So do I just start carrying my 12g again or try to find some decent lead loads for the 20?  How much is too much $10/shell 15 or 20, there has to be a number people will quit buying it.


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Quote from: BeerCheese on January 31, 2026, 08:15:44 PMBuds has Remington premier tss 20ga for $40 people say it's garbage but I get a heck of a pattern with it out of a Carlson 555

Yes I bought some too. Will see how it works out.... Joe

Natchez Shooting Supply has Fiocchi 9's (20 gauge) for $50.  Don't know if they are any good or not but the lead Fiocchi lead is good in my experience.

Quote from: Tail Feathers on February 14, 2026, 05:31:53 PMNatchez Shooting Supply has Fiocchi 9's for $50.  Don't know if they are any good or not but the lead Fiocchi lead is good in my experience.

The Fiocchi in 410s patterned second only to Apex Ninja's for me.   

Anyone else have good luck with the Fioochi or Remington? I have about 50 rounds of APEX TSS but it is for me and 2 sons. We probably shoot 10 or so shells per year. I typically have been buying 4 boxes after the season on sale every year.

I called Apex and asked if it was going to come down from $80 for a box of 5 loads....the guy angrily told me to call Trump and tell him to stop the tariffs. I don't think I'll buy from someone so non-professional again.

Quote from: WW on February 16, 2026, 01:10:03 PMI called Apex and asked if it was going to come down from $80 for a box of 5 loads....the guy angrily told me to call Trump and tell him to stop the tariffs. I don't think I'll buy from someone so non-professional again.

I had some issues with a couple rounds a while back and Apex was not at all helpful

2-1/2 ounces of nickel plated lead #4's want to know why TSS is needed?

China can keep their expensive TSS...

From an ad for stock sales.

" Tungsten prices surged 200% last year after China halted exports. That's because China currently controls 84% of the global tungsten supply, and it's one of the most important metals on earth.

Since the U.S. military relies on tungsten for everything from armor-piercing rounds to jet engines, they're racing to find a way of sourcing from places other than China". 

So I'm guessing TSS won't go down anytime soon.

Quote from: patternfreak on February 16, 2026, 02:54:25 PM2-1/2 ounces of nickel plated lead #4's want to know why TSS is needed?

China can keep their expensive TSS...

Cuz an ounce and a half of nines patterns better and doesn't break your jaw from recoil...lol

My current brand was $95 a box for 20 ga, at NWTF. I'm considering looking at something different, once I shoot the 3 boxes I have.

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Quote from: Dtrkyman on February 16, 2026, 04:20:36 PM

Quote from: patternfreak on February 16, 2026, 02:54:25 PM2-1/2 ounces of nickel plated lead #4's want to know why TSS is needed?

China can keep their expensive TSS...

Cuz an ounce and a half of nines patterns better and doesn't break your jaw from recoil...lol

Amen to that

Meanwhile
I got (5)10 round boxes of Winchester Supreme #5s for $10 a box. 🤣

The old Wingmaster loves them the gobblers don't

I have been buying after season close outs for years I'm sitting at my 177 tss rounds split between 20/28/410. I guess I'm good until I retire and start hunting all the states!

Quote from: bwhana on February 16, 2026, 06:24:16 PMI have been buying after season close outs for years I'm sitting at my 177 tss rounds split between 20/28/410. I guess I'm good until I retire and start hunting all the states!

Show Off!   :fud:  :funnyturkey:

Quote from: Dtrkyman on February 16, 2026, 04:20:36 PMCuz an ounce and a half of nines patterns better and doesn't break your jaw from recoil...lol

Ya know I used to say the exact same thing, but it's just not the truth. So much misinformation out there that's been spread throughout the years. Let's break it down!

Everybody wants to shoot 1-5/8oz of shot out of a little 5 pound 20 gauge. Apex usually runs about 1200 FPS. With these specs you are producing 69.2 foot pounds of felt recoil.

In an SP-10 Remington, shooting 2.5oz of lead at 1200 FPS, you produce 71.8 foot pounds of felt recoil. Just 2 more pounds. The difference is negligible.

In my experience, the heavier 10ga has a much gentler recoil than the sharp recoil of a light 20 gauge

Those lightweight sub gauge guns shooting heavy payloads of TSS are recoil machines

Quote from: Dtrkyman on February 16, 2026, 04:20:36 PM

Quote from: patternfreak on February 16, 2026, 02:54:25 PM2-1/2 ounces of nickel plated lead #4's want to know why TSS is needed?

China can keep their expensive TSS...

Cuz an ounce and a half of nines patterns better and doesn't break your jaw from recoil...lol

Shoot a 20 guage. 3 in the head he,s dead

The velocity of my 20ga load is only 1090 and I am under 1 5/8th oz. Recoil is a non issue.

The last gun I would ever carry into the turkey woods is an SP 10!  Well maybe second to last

Quote from: patternfreak on February 17, 2026, 08:52:35 AM

Quote from: Dtrkyman on February 16, 2026, 04:20:36 PMCuz an ounce and a half of nines patterns better and doesn't break your jaw from recoil...lol

Ya know I used to say the exact same thing, but it's just not the truth. So much misinformation out there that's been spread throughout the years. Let's break it down!

Everybody wants to shoot 1-5/8oz of shot out of a little 5 pound 20 gauge. Apex usually runs about 1200 FPS. With these specs you are producing 69.2 foot pounds of felt recoil.

In an SP-10 Remington, shooting 2.5oz of lead at 1200 FPS, you produce 71.8 foot pounds of felt recoil. Just 2 more pounds. The difference is negligible.

In my experience, the heavier 10ga has a much gentler recoil than the sharp recoil of a light 20 gauge

Those lightweight sub gauge guns shooting heavy payloads of TSS are recoil machines

I don't think 5lb 20g guns are common.  Most are in that 6-6.5lb range. 

That being said, I have some 1.5oz TSS 12g loads.  They pattern exactly like my 20g but the gun is a pound heavier. 

I don't feel the recoil on either when I'm shooting a longbeard, but I feel the difference on my shoulder carrying it around the mountains days on end.

You know we are all complaining about the prices of TSS and most of us don't have a problem paying for calls that have gone up in price .. calls that used to cost 100 dollars for example now cost 500 pus to a 1000 dollars... I think you know what calls i'm talking about.. LOL

So I'm not going to let the price of TSS make me go back to carrying my 12 gauge for NOW ... YOU never know what the future may hold... IMO

Quote from: Greg Massey on February 17, 2026, 09:46:45 AMYou know we are all complaining about the prices of TSS and most of us don't have a problem paying for calls that have gone up in price .. calls that used to cost 100 dollars for example now cost 500 pus to a 1000 dollars... I think you know what calls i'm talking about.. LOL

So I'm not going to let the price of TSS make me go back to carrying my 12 gauge for NOW ... YOU never know what the future may hold... IMO

I have issue with a lot of the call prices, probably more that than the TSS. The rising cost of TSS makes sense, $200 pot calls do not.


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Quote from: davisd9 on February 17, 2026, 10:25:50 AM

Quote from: Greg Massey on February 17, 2026, 09:46:45 AMYou know we are all complaining about the prices of TSS and most of us don't have a problem paying for calls that have gone up in price .. calls that used to cost 100 dollars for example now cost 500 pus to a 1000 dollars... I think you know what calls i'm talking about.. LOL

So I'm not going to let the price of TSS make me go back to carrying my 12 gauge for NOW ... YOU never know what the future may hold... IMO

I have issue with a lot of the call prices, probably more that than the TSS. The rising cost of TSS makes sense, $200 pot calls do not.


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I was completely shocked at the price of an identical trumpet to mine at the show. I paid $450 which for me was ridiculous at the time. It's a great trumpet but not that much better than my $200 trumpets. $1200 no way!  At least I get to keep the call though. That TSS is gone with the wind. It sure does shoot good though.


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Quote from: aclawrence on February 17, 2026, 11:48:10 AM

Quote from: davisd9 on February 17, 2026, 10:25:50 AM

Quote from: Greg Massey on February 17, 2026, 09:46:45 AMYou know we are all complaining about the prices of TSS and most of us don't have a problem paying for calls that have gone up in price .. calls that used to cost 100 dollars for example now cost 500 pus to a 1000 dollars... I think you know what calls i'm talking about.. LOL

So I'm not going to let the price of TSS make me go back to carrying my 12 gauge for NOW ... YOU never know what the future may hold... IMO

I have issue with a lot of the call prices, probably more that than the TSS. The rising cost of TSS makes sense, $200 pot calls do not.


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I was completely shocked at the price of an identical trumpet to mine at the show. I paid $450 which for me was ridiculous at the time. It's a great trumpet but not that much better than my $200 trumpets. $1200 no way!  At least I get to keep the call though. That TSS is gone with the wind. It sure does shoot good though.


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It is a delicate balance. I understand many call maker prospectives and why they are raising their pricing. A call maker sells a trumpet to a guy for $300 and as soon as he gets it he flips it for $500-1000, who should be making money off the call? The call maker.

I also see guys just stepping into building asking $300-500 for a call with no reputation and most likely, a trumpet anyway, cannot even run the call. 

Anyway, it's a slippery slope and I will continue buying calls from the makers I have established relationships with and if their call is above my budget I hope to continue speaking on the phone and hope they at least share the photos of their builds.


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Quote from: mountainhunter1 on February 16, 2026, 09:22:26 PM

Quote from: bwhana on February 16, 2026, 06:24:16 PMI have been buying after season close outs for years I'm sitting at my 177 tss rounds split between 20/28/410. I guess I'm good until I retire and start hunting all the states!

Show Off!   :fud:  :funnyturkey:

It's all Matthew's fault for wanting to see my pattern tests!

Quote from: davisd9 on February 17, 2026, 10:25:50 AM

Quote from: Greg Massey on February 17, 2026, 09:46:45 AMYou know we are all complaining about the prices of TSS and most of us don't have a problem paying for calls that have gone up in price .. calls that used to cost 100 dollars for example now cost 500 pus to a 1000 dollars... I think you know what calls i'm talking about.. LOL

So I'm not going to let the price of TSS make me go back to carrying my 12 gauge for NOW ... YOU never know what the future may hold... IMO

I have issue with a lot of the call prices, probably more that than the TSS. The rising cost of TSS makes sense, $200 pot calls do not.


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Totally agree. The price of some of these calls is beyond ridiculous. I refuse to ever pay more than $150 for any call-EVER. Most of mine are $100 or much less.

In regard to recoil, there is a significant difference between my 12 and 20 gauges.