First Impressions of Remington Premier Bismuth 20 Gauge 0.88oz 2.75in Shotgun Ammunition R20509 $2.40 Off
It’s funny how certain products evoke instant memories. For me, the Remington Premier Bismuth 20 Gauge 0.88oz 2.75in Shotgun Ammunition R20509 $2.40 Off does just that. I picture frosty mornings in a duck blind, the crisp air biting at my exposed skin as the sun barely crests the horizon, and the hopeful anticipation of a successful hunt.
What brought me to this specific ammunition was the desire for a reliable, non-toxic option for my vintage 20-gauge shotgun. Steel shot is a no-go in older barrels, and I’d grown weary of inferior alternatives. This seemed like the answer to a prayer.
Unboxing the Remington Premier Bismuth, I was immediately impressed. The shells were neatly arranged, the hulls a vibrant, clean color, and the crimps looked consistent and well-sealed. The weight of the box felt substantial, a reassuring sign of quality components.
I’ve used similar offerings from Kent and Winchester in the past. Kent’s Tungsten-Matrix loads are excellent, but significantly pricier. Winchester’s Bismuth shells were inconsistent in pattern performance in my experience. This Remington offering seemed to strike a good balance of performance and price, especially with the $2.40 off.
My initial impression was definitely one of excitement. It felt like I’d found a solution that could breathe new life into my old shotgun and improve my success rate in the field. It was a gamble, but one I was eager to take.
Real-World Testing: Putting Remington Premier Bismuth 20 Gauge 0.88oz 2.75in Shotgun Ammunition R20509 $2.40 Off to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Remington Premier Bismuth was a duck hunt on a local reservoir. It was a blustery day with intermittent rain, a typical late-season scenario. I used it in my trusty 1950s-era 20-gauge side-by-side.
The shells loaded smoothly and ejected cleanly. The recoil was noticeably softer than with steel shot, which was a welcome relief. I managed to bag two mallards and a teal, all with clean, ethical kills at reasonable ranges (25-35 yards).
There were no malfunctions or misfires. However, I did notice a slightly sooty residue after firing a few rounds, which I marked down as something to investigate further.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, across multiple duck and pheasant hunts, the Remington Premier Bismuth continued to perform admirably. The shells remained reliable, feeding and ejecting without issue. I’ve put roughly 100 rounds through my shotgun at this point.
The durability seemed excellent. There were no signs of hull cracking or primer deformation, even after being exposed to damp conditions. Cleaning my shotgun after each use remained relatively straightforward, though that sooty residue was still present.
In comparison to my experiences with steel shot, the Remington Premier Bismuth is a clear winner. It provides significantly better downrange energy and patterning, resulting in cleaner kills and fewer wounded birds. It outperforms the Winchester Bismuth shells I had used before in terms of consistency.
Breaking Down the Features of Remington Premier Bismuth 20 Gauge 0.88oz 2.75in Shotgun Ammunition R20509 $2.40 Off
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Remington. A well-established name in ammunition manufacturing, known for its generally reliable products.
- Gauge: 20. This ammunition is specifically designed for 20-gauge shotguns.
- Number of Rounds: 25. Each box contains 25 shells, a standard count for shotgun ammunition.
- Shot Size: 5. This size is suitable for a variety of game, including ducks, pheasants, and quail.
- Shell Length: 2 3/4 in. The standard length for 20-gauge, ensuring compatibility with most shotguns.
- Muzzle Velocity: 1300 ft/s. Provides a balance of speed and manageable recoil.
- Application: Waterfowl. Specifically designed for hunting ducks and geese.
- Shotgun Shot Weight: 7/8 oz (0.88oz). A moderate payload suitable for 20-gauge.
- Shot Material: Bismuth. A non-toxic alternative to lead, safe for older barrels and environmentally friendly.
- Primer Style: Centerfire. A standard, reliable ignition system.
- Cartridge Case Material: Plastic. Common for shotgun shells, providing weather resistance.
- Lead Free: Yes. Meets regulations for hunting in areas where lead shot is prohibited.
These specifications are crucial because they dictate the ammunition’s performance, safety, and legality for various hunting scenarios. The bismuth shot, in particular, allows me to use my vintage shotgun without damaging the barrel, while the shot size and velocity offer a good balance of range and stopping power for waterfowl.
Performance & Functionality
The Remington Premier Bismuth 20 Gauge 0.88oz 2.75in Shotgun Ammunition R20509 $2.40 Off performs its intended job remarkably well. The shot patterns are dense and consistent, providing ample coverage at typical waterfowl hunting ranges. This translates into ethical kills and fewer missed opportunities.
The primary strength lies in its ability to deliver lead-like performance in a non-toxic package. The main area for improvement is the residue issue, which, while not affecting performance, necessitates more frequent cleaning. Overall, it meets and slightly exceeds my expectations, considering the price point.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Remington Premier Bismuth shells is commendable. The materials feel durable, and the crimps are consistently well-formed, ensuring reliable feeding. The ammunition is easy to handle and load, even with gloved hands.
There’s no real learning curve involved. Anyone familiar with using shotgun ammunition will find these shells straightforward to use.
Durability & Maintenance
Based on my experience, I expect these shells to last for several years if stored properly in a cool, dry place. The plastic hulls are resistant to moisture and physical damage. Maintenance primarily involves cleaning the shotgun more frequently due to the residue.
Accessories and Customization Options
The ammunition itself doesn’t have accessories or customization options in the traditional sense. However, its performance can be enhanced by using chokes appropriate for the hunting situation. Improved chokes will produce tighter patterns at longer ranges.
It’s compatible with any 20-gauge shotgun designed for 2 3/4-inch shells, making it widely accessible. Using choke tubes can further optimize the performance of this ammunition.
Pros and Cons of Remington Premier Bismuth 20 Gauge 0.88oz 2.75in Shotgun Ammunition R20509 $2.40 Off
Pros
- Non-toxic Bismuth Shot: Safe for older shotguns and environmentally friendly.
- Consistent Patterns: Provides reliable performance at typical hunting ranges.
- Manageable Recoil: Softer recoil compared to steel shot, improving comfort.
- Improved Downrange Energy: Offers better stopping power than many steel alternatives.
- Good Value: Provides a balance of performance and affordability, especially with the discount.
Cons
- Sooty Residue: Requires more frequent cleaning of the shotgun.
- Price: Bismuth shot is inherently more expensive than steel.
Who Should Buy Remington Premier Bismuth 20 Gauge 0.88oz 2.75in Shotgun Ammunition R20509 $2.40 Off?
This ammunition is perfect for hunters who use vintage shotguns and require a non-toxic alternative to lead or steel. It’s also well-suited for those who prioritize ethical kills and consistent patterns in waterfowl hunting. Anyone looking for a balance between performance, price, and environmental responsibility would greatly benefit.
Those who primarily hunt in areas where lead shot is permitted and are solely focused on the absolute lowest cost option may want to skip this product. Also, if you are extremely sensitive to cleaning your firearm often, the residue may be frustrating.
A must-have accessory would be a good quality shotgun cleaning kit. Choke tubes optimized for bismuth shot can further enhance performance.
Conclusion on Remington Premier Bismuth 20 Gauge 0.88oz 2.75in Shotgun Ammunition R20509 $2.40 Off
The Remington Premier Bismuth 20 Gauge 0.88oz 2.75in Shotgun Ammunition R20509 $2.40 Off is a well-designed and reliable option for hunters seeking a non-toxic alternative to lead shot. Its consistent patterns, manageable recoil, and improved downrange energy make it a valuable asset in the field. The value proposition is strong, especially with the current discount.
I would personally recommend this ammunition to anyone looking for a safe and effective way to hunt waterfowl with a 20-gauge shotgun, particularly those with older firearms. Give it a shot (pun intended!), and experience the difference bismuth can make. You might just find your new favorite load.