HEVI-Shot Bismuth Upland 20 Gauge 1oz 2.75in Shotgun Ammunition HS17713 $2.80 Off Review

First Impressions of HEVI-Shot Bismuth Upland 20 Gauge 1oz 2.75in Shotgun Ammunition HS17713 $2.80 Off

Upland bird hunting demands ammunition that performs flawlessly, delivering consistent patterns and enough downrange energy to humanely harvest game. HEVI-Shot Bismuth Upland 20 Gauge 1oz 2.75in Shotgun Ammunition HS17713 $2.80 Off promises to be just that, a non-toxic, high-performance option for the discerning upland hunter. HEVI-Shot claims these bismuth loads deliver more pellets on target with maximum knockdown power, and I was eager to see if they lived up to the hype.

For years, I’ve relied on lead loads for my upland hunting, primarily for their consistent patterns and terminal performance. However, with increasing restrictions on lead ammunition in many hunting areas, the search for a viable non-toxic alternative became paramount. I needed a load that would perform as well as lead without sacrificing pattern density or downrange energy.

Upon receiving the HEVI-Shot Bismuth Upland 20 Gauge ammunition, I immediately noted the quality of the packaging and the attention to detail in the cartridge construction. The shells were clean, consistently crimped, and felt solid in hand, inspiring confidence in their reliability. The promise of using bismuth, which is denser than steel, intrigued me, suggesting a potential edge in pellet energy and pattern density compared to other non-toxic options.

I’ve primarily used Winchester AA and Federal Premium lead loads in the past for upland hunting. I also experimented with some steel loads, but was disappointed in their performance. My decision to try the HEVI-Shot Bismuth Upland was based on the need for a non-toxic solution that wouldn’t compromise performance, something that steel loads simply couldn’t deliver.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The quality seemed evident, and the specifications suggested a potential performance advantage. I was excited to get to the range and the field to see how these shells performed in real-world hunting scenarios.

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Real-World Testing: Putting HEVI-Shot Bismuth Upland 20 Gauge 1oz 2.75in Shotgun Ammunition HS17713 $2.80 Off to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing of the HEVI-Shot Bismuth Upland ammunition took place at a local sporting clays range, simulating upland hunting scenarios. I patterned the shells through my Benelli Montefeltro 20 gauge with various chokes at distances ranging from 20 to 40 yards.

The weather was typical for early fall in my region: cool, slightly damp, with a light breeze. The shells performed consistently in these conditions, cycling reliably through my semi-automatic action. I immediately noticed the significant difference in felt recoil compared to the heavier 1 1/8oz lead loads I was accustomed to.

The HEVI-Shot Bismuth Upland shells required minimal adjustment to my shooting style, feeling familiar and responsive. I did notice that the shot string seemed slightly longer compared to my lead loads, requiring a bit of lead adjustment on longer crossing targets. However, the breaks were decisive, indicating ample downrange energy.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, both at the range and during actual upland hunts, the HEVI-Shot Bismuth Upland ammunition continued to impress. The shells consistently delivered tight, even patterns, resulting in clean kills on both pheasant and grouse. I estimate that I fired over 200 rounds of this ammunition without a single malfunction.

I haven’t observed any noticeable wear and tear on my shotgun resulting from the use of bismuth ammunition. Cleaning and maintenance were straightforward, no different from using lead or steel shot. It’s worth noting that bismuth is generally considered safe for use in older shotguns with fixed chokes, unlike steel, which can cause damage.

The HEVI-Shot Bismuth Upland outperformed my expectations, especially compared to my previous experiences with steel shot. It provided the confidence I needed to hunt in areas with lead restrictions without sacrificing performance or ethical harvests. The tighter patterns and higher retained energy of bismuth made a noticeable difference in the field.

Breaking Down the Features of HEVI-Shot Bismuth Upland 20 Gauge 1oz 2.75in Shotgun Ammunition HS17713 $2.80 Off

Specifications

• Manufacturer: HEVI-Shot. HEVI-Shot is a well-known manufacturer of innovative non-toxic ammunition.
• Gauge: 20. A versatile gauge suitable for a variety of upland game birds.
• Number of Rounds: 25. Standard box quantity for shotgun ammunition.
• Shot Size: 3. A good all-around size for pheasant, grouse, and quail.
• Shell Length: 2 3/4 in. Fits most 20 gauge shotguns.
• Muzzle Velocity: 1300 ft/s. Provides adequate energy for effective downrange performance.
• Application: Upland. Specifically designed for upland game bird hunting.
• Shotgun Shot Weight: 1 oz. A standard weight for 20 gauge upland loads.
• Shot Material: Bismuth. Non-toxic material, denser than steel, offering improved energy and pattern density.
• Lead Free: Yes. Complies with non-toxic regulations.

These specifications translate directly to performance in the field. The 1oz bismuth payload at 1300 ft/s strikes a balance between manageable recoil and sufficient downrange energy. The #3 shot size offers good pattern density for birds at typical upland hunting ranges.

Performance & Functionality

The HEVI-Shot Bismuth Upland ammunition excels in its primary function: ethically harvesting upland game birds. The bismuth pellets deliver consistent patterns and ample knockdown power, resulting in fewer wounded birds and cleaner kills. The shells cycle reliably in semi-automatic shotguns.

One of the main strengths of this ammunition is its consistent performance. The patterns are dense and even, providing a wide margin of error. One area for potential improvement would be offering a wider range of shot sizes to cater to different game bird species and hunting conditions.

The HEVI-Shot Bismuth Upland met and exceeded my expectations for a non-toxic upland load. The bismuth shot provided a noticeable improvement in performance compared to steel, offering a viable alternative to lead without significant compromise. The consistent patterns and knockdown power inspired confidence in the field.

Design & Ergonomics

The HEVI-Shot Bismuth Upland ammunition is well-designed, featuring clean crimps and consistent dimensions. The shells are easy to load and unload. The recoil is manageable, even in lightweight shotguns.

The build quality of the shells is excellent, using high-quality components. While the ammunition itself doesn’t offer much in terms of ergonomics, the reduced recoil does contribute to a more comfortable shooting experience, particularly during extended hunts.

Durability & Maintenance

The HEVI-Shot Bismuth Upland ammunition is designed for single-use and is not intended to be reloaded. The bismuth pellets are non-corrosive. I expect these shells to last for many years if stored properly in a cool, dry environment.

Cleaning and maintenance are minimal, as the ammunition doesn’t leave excessive residue in the shotgun’s barrel or action. A standard cleaning regimen is sufficient to keep the shotgun in optimal condition. The cost is somewhat higher than lead loads, but the longevity and non-toxic properties make it a worthwhile investment.

Accessories and Customization Options

The HEVI-Shot Bismuth Upland ammunition doesn’t require any specific accessories for use. Compatibility with various chokes allows for customization of the shot pattern to suit different hunting conditions and game bird species. The ammunition works well with aftermarket recoil pads and stock shims to further enhance shooting comfort.

The ammunition is compatible with all 20 gauge shotguns chambered for 2 3/4″ shells. It pairs well with aftermarket choke tubes from brands like Briley, Carlson’s, and Patternmaster. These brands offer a wide variety of choke constrictions to fine-tune the shot pattern for optimal performance.

Pros and Cons of HEVI-Shot Bismuth Upland 20 Gauge 1oz 2.75in Shotgun Ammunition HS17713 $2.80 Off

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Who Should Buy HEVI-Shot Bismuth Upland 20 Gauge 1oz 2.75in Shotgun Ammunition HS17713 $2.80 Off?

The HEVI-Shot Bismuth Upland ammunition is perfect for upland hunters who require a high-performance, non-toxic option. It’s also ideal for those who hunt in areas with lead restrictions, or those who prefer to use non-toxic ammunition for ethical reasons. This ammunition is also well-suited for hunters who use older shotguns with fixed chokes, as bismuth is generally considered safe for these firearms.

Hunters on a tight budget or who primarily hunt in areas where lead is still permitted might find the higher cost of bismuth ammunition prohibitive. Also, hunters who require very specific shot sizes for specialized applications may find the limited options of HEVI-Shot Bismuth Upland to be a drawback.

A quality upland vest or shell bag to carry the ammunition comfortably is a must-have accessory. Additionally, consider using aftermarket choke tubes to further optimize the shot pattern for different hunting scenarios.

Conclusion on HEVI-Shot Bismuth Upland 20 Gauge 1oz 2.75in Shotgun Ammunition HS17713 $2.80 Off

The HEVI-Shot Bismuth Upland 20 Gauge 1oz 2.75in Shotgun Ammunition HS17713 $2.80 Off is a top-tier non-toxic option for upland hunters. It delivers consistent patterns, ample knockdown power, and reliable performance in a variety of hunting conditions. While the cost is higher than lead shot, the performance advantages and non-toxic properties make it a worthwhile investment for serious upland hunters.

The price is justified by the superior performance compared to other non-toxic alternatives, such as steel. Given the increasing restrictions on lead ammunition and the ethical considerations of using non-toxic alternatives, the HEVI-Shot Bismuth Upland ammunition offers excellent value.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this ammunition to any upland hunter seeking a high-performance, non-toxic option. If you’re tired of compromising performance with steel loads or facing restrictions on lead ammunition, give HEVI-Shot Bismuth Upland a try. You won’t be disappointed. Grab a box and experience the difference for yourself this hunting season!