Apex Ammo

[lunghit]

This thread makes me feel better about buying a lifetime of Apex 20 gauge TSS in 2022 and 2023. If there is a problem I hope they get things figured out.

[runngun]

I wish I had bought a lifetime supply of the 2007 run of old white Hevi 13 in #6 shot.  Nothing patterned more consistent in my 12 ga than that shell.  Of course now to buy a bunch of new TSS requires a bank loan. My 12 is going back on a lead diet for it's remaining days.

You are right about that!!! Those shells were great. This conversation is exactly why I started loading my own. I loaded 12 pounds of TSS at the beginning of the year. A few 12 gauge 2 3/4 and a pile of 20s, 1 5/8 of 9s. Which reminds me I have to get a order in for more TSS.

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[tad1]

I shot some of the old ninja apex .410 in the dark red hull, great patterns.  bought some new ninja apex with the plain red hulls and they shoot good as well.  I will say that I had broken my red dot sight on a granite boulder and so a couple of the old shells and a few of the new were sighting in a new red dot.  I would be super leery about shooting shells from a new/different lot even if the manufacturer and specs are the same, without re-patterning the gun.  I try to buy a few boxes at a time and confirm the lot # is the same.  Yes it is pricey but you don't want to shoot a few shells patterning, then shoot a bird, coyote, whatever  and then need a new box which will require confirming again.  I also sight in using standard target loads, (#8 or 9 lead) to get close then move on to the tss.  Then shoot patterns at 20 and 40 yards see how it looks.   Try to use a big patterning paper also, probably 3'x 3', paint a bright dot on the paper so you can ensure aim.  Fire away and try to get it right without spending a fortune!
   JT

[mspaci]

This is why I load my own tss, everything is the same yr over yr. I havent needed to make a single click adj on my red dot in yrs. Its really easy & you dont need alot of equipment. Mike

[RutnNStrutn]

I had a few shells from prior years and they patterned completely different and better than the newer shellsover the last 2 years purchased. Just curious if anyone else has noticed a change.

When I switched from Longbeards, I went to Apex Small Town Blend. After being very satisfied with the results after switching to an Indian Creek choke, I ordered several more boxes.
Then they were always out of stock, so once they were available again, I ordered several boxes. I only shoot one shot before the season to make sure the sight is still true, and then I use it on turkeys.
So far, I haven't noticed a difference in point of impact in either my 12 or 20, but then again I am still shooting the originals I bought initially. When I restocked, they were newer shells in a redesigned box. I'll let you know if they change the POI when I get to the newer ammo, but it might not be until next year or the year after.
Just out of curiosity, did you ever contact Apex about the issue? Every box of Apex has the date of loading and the person who loaded it. I wonder if the batch you got was a change in the formula or sloppiness on the part of the loader? I'm certain that Apex would appreciate hearing from you to find out for themselves.

[RutnNStrutn]

Storing shells on their sides will have a negative effect. Over time, the buffer and pellets will settle on the bottom side.

Makes sense. I just switched all my turkey loads to up and down storage. 
Thanks!!

[Gooserbat]

Unpolished shot is what I've been told. 

[Ol Timer]

I had a few shells from prior years and they patterned completely different and better than the newer shellsover the last 2 years purchased. Just curious if anyone else has noticed a change.

When I switched from Longbeards, I went to Apex Small Town Blend. After being very satisfied with the results after switching to an Indian Creek choke, I ordered several more boxes.
Then they were always out of stock, so once they were available again, I ordered several boxes. I only shoot one shot before the season to make sure the sight is still true, and then I use it on turkeys.
So far, I haven't noticed a difference in point of impact in either my 12 or 20, but then again I am still shooting the originals I bought initially. When I restocked, they were newer shells in a redesigned box. I'll let you know if they change the POI when I get to the newer ammo, but it might not be until next year or the year after.
Just out of curiosity, did you ever contact Apex about the issue? Every box of Apex has the date of loading and the person who loaded it. I wonder if the batch you got was a change in the formula or sloppiness on the part of the loader? I'm certain that Apex would appreciate hearing from you to find out for themselves.

The new box's don't have a date or any signage on the lid. Also I checked the weight on a digital scale and not one shell was the same weight!! I moved on to Rocky Ridge ammo.

[davisd9]

Just some food for thought. The way you store ammo matters. I know a guy that does competition shotgun shoots. He has an easy 3 grand in his gun. He was complaining to me about slight shifts in impact from shot to shot, and it was enough to keep him out of the money. Per their rules, they have to shoot the ammo supplied to them at the shoot. I told him to take his shells from now on time and tap the base on the table a few times before he loaded up. He is winning money now. Storing shells on their sides will have a negative effect. Over time, the buffer and pellets will settle on the bottom side.

If you store it on the brass would it not do the same thing just at bottom of the shot column, or if you store it with the crimp down at the top of the shot column?

[RutnNStrutn]

The new box's don't have a date or any signage on the lid. Also I checked the weight on a digital scale and not one shell was the same weight!! I moved on to Rocky Ridge ammo.

Hmmm. I bought several boxes this last off season, and all of them had the name of the loader and date loaded. Odd that yours didn't. I have never had any issues with Apex ammo..... yet.
I do wish I had the patience to load my own, but I don't and likely never will.