First Impressions of Nobelsport Nobel Sport Field & Target Shotshells 12 ga 2-3/4in 1-1/8 oz 1255 fps Size 8 ANSF128 29% Off
As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist, I’ve cycled through countless brands and types of shotshells. Today, we’re diving deep into the Nobelsport Nobel Sport Field & Target Shotshells 12 ga 2-3/4in 1-1/8 oz 1255 fps Size 8 ANSF128 29% Off, a load promising a blend of performance and value for both field and target applications. My initial interest was piqued by Nobelsport’s reputation for quality components and consistent performance, a claim I intend to rigorously test.
My need was simple: reliable and consistent shotshells for both clay shooting and upland bird hunting without breaking the bank. High-volume shooting demands a balance between quality and affordability, and the Nobelsport offering seemed to strike that balance.
The Nobelsport Nobel Sport Field & Target Shotshells arrived in a standard shotshell box, nothing particularly fancy, but the shells themselves looked clean and well-assembled. The plastic hulls appeared robust, and the crimps were uniform, a good sign of consistent powder loading. Weight-wise, the box felt substantial, indicating a proper load of 1 1/8 oz of shot.
Compared to similar offerings from Winchester AA or Remington Gun Club, the Nobelsport shells definitely have a more utilitarian appearance. I opted for the Nobelsport due to the combination of the advertised high antimony hard shot and the attractive price point, hoping to achieve performance comparable to premium shells at a lower cost.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. They didn’t have the visual polish of higher-end target loads, but the overall appearance suggested a well-made shotshell, and the promise of Nobelsport’s quality components at this price point was certainly exciting.
Real-World Testing: Putting Nobelsport Nobel Sport Field & Target Shotshells 12 ga 2-3/4in 1-1/8 oz 1255 fps Size 8 ANSF128 29% Off to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Nobelsport Nobel Sport Field & Target Shotshells at my local sporting clays range. The weather was mild, around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, with a slight breeze – ideal conditions for breaking clays.
The shells cycled flawlessly through my Beretta A400 Xcel and my Benelli Montefeltro. Recoil felt manageable, about what I’d expect from a 1 1/8 oz load, and the report was consistent from shot to shot, giving me confidence in their consistency. After the first box, the shells left no excessive fouling in my barrels, a good sign of clean-burning powder.
The shells were easy to load into my shell carrier and my shooting vest. My first use presented no issues or surprises: they performed as advertised straight out of the box.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Nobelsport shells, I can attest to their consistent performance. I’ve put approximately 500 rounds downrange, and I haven’t experienced a single misfire or cycling issue.
Durability-wise, the spent hulls are holding up well, showing no unusual signs of wear after ejection. I’ve been reloading some of them with appropriate data from my reloading manuals and have had no issues. The primer pockets have held up remarkably well.
Maintenance of my shotguns hasn’t changed significantly with the use of these shells. Cleaning is still straightforward, and I haven’t noticed any excessive buildup of residue. I find these shells to be performing better than some cheaper bulk loads I’ve used in the past, exhibiting greater consistency and cleaner burning properties.
Breaking Down the Features of Nobelsport Nobel Sport Field & Target Shotshells 12 ga 2-3/4in 1-1/8 oz 1255 fps Size 8 ANSF128 29% Off
Specifications
The Nobelsport Nobel Sport Field & Target Shotshells 12 ga 2-3/4in 1-1/8 oz 1255 fps Size 8 ANSF128 29% Off boasts the following specifications:
- Gauge: 12. This makes it compatible with a wide range of popular shotguns.
- Shell Length: 2 3/4 inches. The standard length for most 12-gauge shotguns, ensuring compatibility.
- Shot Weight: 1 1/8 oz. Provides a good balance of pattern density and recoil for both target and field applications.
- Muzzle Velocity: 1255 fps. Delivers sufficient energy for breaking clays and taking down game birds at reasonable distances.
- Shot Size: 8. Ideal for target shooting and smaller game birds like dove and quail.
- Primer Style: Centerfire. Ensures reliable ignition.
- Cartridge Case Material: Plastic. Common and reliable for consistent cycling.
- Lead Free: No. Standard lead shot for optimal pattern density (check local regulations for lead shot restrictions).
- Number of Rounds: 25. A standard box size for shotshells.
- Application: Target, Field. Demonstrates the versatility of the shells.
These specifications are important because they directly influence the performance and user experience. The 1255 fps muzzle velocity provides sufficient energy to reliably break clays and humanely harvest game birds within typical shotgun ranges. The 1 1/8 oz shot weight in size 8 provides a dense pattern suitable for both target shooting and hunting smaller game birds such as quail or dove.
Performance & Functionality
The Nobelsport Nobel Sport Field & Target Shotshells perform their job admirably. At the range, they consistently broke clays out to 40 yards with proper choke selection.
The strengths of these shells lie in their consistent performance and reliable ignition. The one area for potential improvement would be tighter patterning at longer distances, something that could be addressed with different choke selections or potentially a higher antimony shot content. Overall, the shells meet my expectations for a field and target load in this price range.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is straightforward and functional. The plastic hulls are robust and the crimps are consistently applied, leading to reliable feeding and ejection.
The shells are comfortable to handle and load into the gun, and the manageable recoil makes them suitable for extended shooting sessions. There is no significant learning curve associated with using these shells; they perform as expected with any standard 12-gauge shotgun.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, these shells should last for years if stored properly in a cool, dry environment.
The spent hulls are reloadable, adding to their long-term value. Minimal maintenance is required, as the shells burn relatively cleanly, reducing fouling in the shotgun’s barrel and action.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Nobelsport Nobel Sport Field & Target Shotshells are compatible with any standard 12-gauge shotgun. No specific accessories are included, but they pair well with aftermarket chokes to customize the pattern for different shooting disciplines.
They are universally compatible with shell carriers, vests, and other standard shotgun accessories. The ability to reload these hulls opens up customization options in terms of powder load, shot weight, and shot type, allowing users to tailor their loads for specific needs.
Pros and Cons of Nobelsport Nobel Sport Field & Target Shotshells 12 ga 2-3/4in 1-1/8 oz 1255 fps Size 8 ANSF128 29% Off
Pros
- Consistent performance: Reliable ignition and consistent velocities make for predictable shooting.
- Manageable recoil: Allows for comfortable extended shooting sessions.
- Clean burning: Reduces fouling in the shotgun, simplifying maintenance.
- Reloadable hulls: Extends the value and allows for customized loads.
- Affordable price: Offers a good balance of performance and value for high-volume shooting.
Cons
- Patterning could be tighter at longer distances.
- Not lead-free, which may be an issue in certain areas.
Who Should Buy Nobelsport Nobel Sport Field & Target Shotshells 12 ga 2-3/4in 1-1/8 oz 1255 fps Size 8 ANSF128 29% Off?
The Nobelsport Nobel Sport Field & Target Shotshells are perfect for:
- Target shooters: Ideal for sporting clays, trap, and skeet.
- Upland bird hunters: Suitable for dove, quail, and other small game birds.
- High-volume shooters: Provides an affordable option for frequent practice and competition.
This product may not be the best choice for:
- Hunters requiring lead-free ammunition due to environmental regulations.
- Competitive shooters seeking the absolute tightest patterns at extreme ranges.
A must-have accessory would be a quality choke set to optimize patterns for various distances and target types.
Conclusion on Nobelsport Nobel Sport Field & Target Shotshells 12 ga 2-3/4in 1-1/8 oz 1255 fps Size 8 ANSF128 29% Off
Overall, the Nobelsport Nobel Sport Field & Target Shotshells 12 ga 2-3/4in 1-1/8 oz 1255 fps Size 8 ANSF128 29% Off are a solid choice for shooters seeking a reliable and affordable shotshell for both target and field applications.
The price is definitely justified by the consistent performance, clean-burning powder, and reloadable hulls.
I would personally recommend these shells to anyone looking for a dependable and economical option for high-volume shooting or upland bird hunting. Pick up a few boxes and experience the Nobelsport difference for yourself!