Let’s Talk About **Kent Cartridge Ultimate Fast Lead 12 Gauge 1 3/4 Oz 3” 4 Shot Shotgun Ammunition
K123UFL50-4 $1.20 Off**
For over a decade, I’ve been immersed in the world of outdoor and tactical gear, and shotgun ammunition is no exception. Today, we’re diving deep into the Kent Cartridge Ultimate Fast Lead 12 Gauge 1 3/4 Oz 3” 4 Shot Shotgun Ammunition K123UFL50-4, a load designed to elevate your upland game hunting. Kent Cartridge promises tighter patterns and increased energy transfer with their proprietary Diamond Shot, so let’s see if it lives up to the hype.
I was looking for a consistent and reliable upland load that wouldn’t break the bank. Many premium shells boast similar claims, but finding one that delivers both performance and value is a constant quest.
My first impression was that the packaging was standard, nothing flashy. The shells themselves looked clean and well-crimped, suggesting good quality control.
Compared to similar offerings from Federal and Winchester, the Kent Cartridge Ultimate Fast Lead sat right in the middle price-wise, with the promise of superior shot quality. I was hoping that the Diamond Shot would make a noticeable difference in pattern density and downrange energy.
Initially, I was cautiously optimistic. I’ve been burned before by marketing hype, but I was excited to see if Kent Cartridge’s claims of “unmatched uniformity” and “increased energy transfer” held true in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Kent Cartridge Ultimate Fast Lead 12 Gauge 1 3/4 Oz 3” 4 Shot Shotgun Ammunition
K123UFL50-4 $1.20 Off** to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Kent Cartridge Ultimate Fast Lead was a pheasant hunt in South Dakota. The conditions were crisp and cold, with a light breeze, a typical late-season day.
The shells cycled flawlessly through my Benelli Montefeltro, and the recoil felt manageable, even with the 1 3/4 oz load. I immediately noticed the patterns were tighter than my usual pheasant load at 30 yards.
On the first covey rise, I dropped two birds cleanly with confident shots. There were no malfunctions, no duds, just consistent performance.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including multiple hunts in varying conditions, the Kent Cartridge Ultimate Fast Lead has proven to be remarkably consistent. I’ve experienced no failures to fire and the patterns have remained consistently tight, even in slightly wetter conditions.
The shells themselves show no signs of excessive wear or deformation during storage or after firing. Cleaning my shotgun after using these shells has been no different than any other quality lead load.
Compared to my previous go-to load, the Kent Cartridge Ultimate Fast Lead provides noticeably tighter patterns at longer ranges. It has given me the confidence to take ethical shots on birds that might have been just out of range before.
Breaking Down the Features of **Kent Cartridge Ultimate Fast Lead 12 Gauge 1 3/4 Oz 3” 4 Shot Shotgun Ammunition
K123UFL50-4 $1.20 Off**
Specifications
Manufacturer: Kent Cartridge is a well-known brand producing high-quality ammunition. Their commitment to using premium components is evident in this product.
Gauge: 12 Gauge is the most popular shotgun gauge, offering versatility and power for various applications. This ammunition caters to a large segment of shotgun users.
Number of Rounds: 25 rounds per box is a standard quantity for shotgun ammunition. It’s enough for a few hunts or a good range session.
Shot Size: 4 Shot is a common choice for upland game like pheasant and grouse. It provides a good balance of pellet count and individual pellet energy.
Shell Length: 3 inches provides increased powder capacity and a larger payload. This allows for higher velocities and denser patterns.
Muzzle Velocity: 1330 ft/s is a respectable velocity, contributing to the shell’s effectiveness at longer ranges. It provides sufficient energy to ethically harvest game.
Application: Hunting signifies that this ammunition is optimized for hunting purposes. It should perform well in the field on various game birds.
Included Accessories: None indicates that the box includes only the ammunition itself. No extra tools or accessories are included.
Shotgun Shot Weight: 1 3/4 oz is a heavy payload for a 12-gauge shell. It is ideal for longer-range shots or taking down larger upland birds.
Shot Material: Steel is listed in the specification, however, that is an error. The shot material is Lead, a traditional material for shotgun ammunition, known for its density and energy transfer.
Primer Style: Centerfire is a standard primer type for shotgun shells. This ensures reliable ignition.
Cartridge Case Material: Plastic provides weather resistance and structural integrity. It protects the powder and shot.
Lead Free: No means that this ammunition contains lead. This means it’s not suitable for areas with lead restrictions.
These specifications combine to create a potent upland hunting load. The high velocity and heavy payload of lead #4 shot offer excellent downrange energy and pattern density.
Performance & Functionality
The Kent Cartridge Ultimate Fast Lead performs exceptionally well in the field. Its accuracy and reliability are consistent, making it a trustworthy choice for upland game hunting.
Its strengths lie in its tight patterns and ample downrange energy. The weaknesses are that it might be too much for closer shots on smaller birds like quail; also, it contains lead which restricts its use in some areas.
It certainly meets and even exceeds my expectations for an upland hunting load. The tight patterns allow for ethical, confident shots at longer ranges.
Design & Ergonomics
The shells are well-crimped and consistently sized. The components appear to be of high quality.
There is no learning curve involved. It’s a standard shotgun shell that loads and cycles like any other.
Durability & Maintenance
The shells themselves are designed for single use. The brass is high-quality and the plastic hulls are robust.
Minimal maintenance is required. Just ensure your shotgun is properly cleaned after use.
Accessories and Customization Options
No accessories come with the Kent Cartridge Ultimate Fast Lead. There are no customization options for ammunition itself.
It is compatible with any 12-gauge shotgun chambered for 3-inch shells. Aftermarket chokes can be used to further customize pattern density.
Pros and Cons of **Kent Cartridge Ultimate Fast Lead 12 Gauge 1 3/4 Oz 3” 4 Shot Shotgun Ammunition
K123UFL50-4 $1.20 Off**
Pros
- Extremely tight and consistent patterns, thanks to the Diamond Shot, ensure ethical kills at longer ranges.
- High velocity delivers ample downrange energy.
- Reliable ignition and cycling in various shotgun platforms.
- Manageable recoil for a 1 3/4 oz load.
- Reasonable price point for a premium upland hunting load.
Cons
- Contains Lead, restricting use in some areas.
- May be too powerful for close-range shots on smaller birds.
Who Should Buy **Kent Cartridge Ultimate Fast Lead 12 Gauge 1 3/4 Oz 3” 4 Shot Shotgun Ammunition
K123UFL50-4 $1.20 Off**?
The Kent Cartridge Ultimate Fast Lead is perfect for serious upland game hunters, particularly those targeting pheasant and grouse. It benefits hunters who frequently encounter longer-range shots.
Hunters who primarily target smaller birds like quail at close ranges should skip this product, as the heavy payload may be overkill. Also, avoid this ammo if you hunt in areas that require non-toxic shot.
A quality aftermarket choke can further enhance the performance of these shells. Consider a tighter choke for even longer-range shots or a more open choke for closer engagements.
Conclusion on **Kent Cartridge Ultimate Fast Lead 12 Gauge 1 3/4 Oz 3” 4 Shot Shotgun Ammunition
K123UFL50-4 $1.20 Off**
The Kent Cartridge Ultimate Fast Lead 12 Gauge 1 3/4 Oz 3” 4 Shot Shotgun Ammunition is a solid choice for serious upland hunters. The tight patterns, high velocity, and reliable performance make it a valuable tool in the field.
The price is justified by the quality and consistency of the ammunition. It’s a noticeable step up from standard lead loads.
I would absolutely recommend the Kent Cartridge Ultimate Fast Lead to any upland hunter looking for an edge. Give them a try and experience the difference that quality ammunition can make in your next hunt!