Let’s Dive into Kent Cartridge Upland Fasteel 12 Gauge 1 1/8 oz 2.75” 6 Shot Shotgun Ammunition K122US32-6 33% Off
The Kent Cartridge Upland Fasteel 12 Gauge 1 1/8 oz 2.75” 6 Shot Shotgun Ammunition K122US32-6 33% Off promises a potent, non-toxic option for upland game and even waterfowl hunting. Manufactured by Kent Cartridge, it boasts high-antimony steel shot and a robust design for reliable performance in diverse weather conditions.
I’ve spent years chasing upland birds, and I was consistently frustrated by the performance of traditional lead shot restrictions in certain areas. The search for a reliable, non-toxic alternative led me to explore steel shot options, and the Kent Cartridge Upland Fasteel kept popping up in conversations with fellow hunters.
The ammunition comes in a standard 25-round box, nothing fancy, but the shells themselves appear well-constructed. Handling them, the crimp is tight, and the plastic hull feels durable, a good sign for reliable feeding and ejection.
Compared to other steel shot loads I’ve used, like Winchester Steel or Federal Black Cloud, the Kent Cartridge Upland Fasteel seemed to strike a balance between affordability and performance claims. While premium tungsten options exist, they come with a significantly higher price tag, making Kent Cartridge an appealing compromise for high-volume shooting. My initial impression was cautiously optimistic; the “Fasteel” moniker piqued my interest, hoping it translated to consistent, hard-hitting performance in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kent Cartridge Upland Fasteel 12 Gauge 1 1/8 oz 2.75” 6 Shot Shotgun Ammunition K122US32-6 33% Off to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Kent Cartridge Upland Fasteel was on a late-season pheasant hunt in the rolling hills of South Dakota. The conditions were brutally cold, with temperatures hovering around 15 degrees Fahrenheit and a biting wind chill. I used it in my trusty Benelli Montefeltro, a lightweight 12-gauge known for its reliability.
The ammo cycled flawlessly through the Benelli, no hiccups or failures to eject, even in the frigid conditions. I bagged two roosters that day, both clean kills within a 35-yard range, which gave me confidence in its knockdown power.
Extended Use & Reliability
Over the past hunting season, I’ve put approximately 200 rounds of Kent Cartridge Upland Fasteel through my shotgun, across a variety of upland game, from quail in the Texas brush to ruffed grouse in the Pennsylvania woods. The ammunition has proven to be consistently reliable, with no malfunctions to report. The hulls show minimal signs of wear after ejection, suggesting good durability.
Maintaining a clean shotgun is crucial, and the steel shot does leave a bit more residue in the barrel compared to lead, requiring more frequent cleaning. However, with a good solvent and brush, it’s nothing excessive. Compared to previous experiences with cheap steel shot that patterned poorly and left significant fouling, the Kent Cartridge Upland Fasteel significantly outperforms them.
Breaking Down the Features of Kent Cartridge Upland Fasteel 12 Gauge 1 1/8 oz 2.75” 6 Shot Shotgun Ammunition K122US32-6 33% Off
Specifications
Manufacturer: Kent Cartridge.
Gauge: 12.
Number of Rounds: 25.
Shot Size: 6.
Shell Length: 2 3/4 inches. This is a common and versatile length compatible with most 12-gauge shotguns.
Muzzle Velocity: 1400 ft/s. This high velocity contributes to the shell’s hard-hitting performance and flat trajectory.
Application: Hunting, Upland, Target.
Shotgun Shot Weight: 1 1/8 oz.
Shot Material: Steel. The use of steel makes this ammunition non-toxic and suitable for hunting in areas with lead restrictions.
Primer Style: Centerfire.
Cartridge Case Material: Plastic.
Lead Free: Yes.
Fabric/Material: Steel.
Performance & Functionality
The Kent Cartridge Upland Fasteel performs admirably for its intended purpose. At typical upland hunting ranges (20-40 yards), the pattern density is consistent, and the #6 shot provides adequate energy to cleanly dispatch game birds.
The high velocity contributes to a flatter trajectory, making it easier to connect on those fast-flushing birds. A slight drawback is the increased recoil associated with faster steel loads, which can become noticeable during high-volume shooting. It meets my expectations for a reliable, affordable steel shot load for upland hunting, but premium tungsten loads do offer superior downrange energy.
Design & Ergonomics
The Kent Cartridge Upland Fasteel features a standard 2 3/4-inch shell design with a plastic hull. The crimp is well-formed, ensuring consistent ignition and preventing shot leakage.
The shells load and eject smoothly from various shotguns I’ve tested, exhibiting good overall build quality. While the aesthetics are utilitarian, the focus is clearly on functionality and reliable performance.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper storage (cool, dry environment), the Kent Cartridge Upland Fasteel should maintain its integrity for years. The plastic hulls are resistant to moisture, minimizing the risk of swelling or misfires. As with all steel shot, more frequent cleaning of your shotgun barrel is recommended to prevent excessive build-up of residue.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Kent Cartridge Upland Fasteel doesn’t require any specific accessories. However, optimizing your shotgun’s choke for steel shot is highly recommended. Many aftermarket chokes are specifically designed for steel, improving pattern density and consistency.
Using a modified or improved cylinder choke generally yields the best results at typical upland hunting ranges. While you can’t “customize” the ammunition itself, experimenting with different choke constrictions is essential to achieving optimal performance with your specific shotgun.
Pros and Cons of Kent Cartridge Upland Fasteel 12 Gauge 1 1/8 oz 2.75” 6 Shot Shotgun Ammunition K122US32-6 33% Off
Pros
- Reliable ignition and cycling in various shotguns.
- Consistent pattern density at typical upland hunting ranges.
- Affordable non-toxic option for hunting in lead-restricted areas.
- High velocity for a flatter trajectory and increased knockdown power.
- Durable construction for reliable performance in diverse weather conditions.
Cons
- Increased recoil compared to lead loads.
- Requires more frequent barrel cleaning due to steel shot residue.
Who Should Buy Kent Cartridge Upland Fasteel 12 Gauge 1 1/8 oz 2.75” 6 Shot Shotgun Ammunition K122US32-6 33% Off?
The Kent Cartridge Upland Fasteel is perfect for upland bird hunters who need a reliable, non-toxic alternative to lead shot. It’s also suitable for waterfowl hunters in areas where steel shot is required but don’t want to spend a fortune on premium tungsten loads. Target shooters looking for an affordable, high-velocity load for practice or competition could also benefit from this ammunition.
Hunters primarily targeting large waterfowl at long ranges might find that premium tungsten or bismuth loads offer superior downrange energy and penetration. Individuals sensitive to recoil might prefer milder lead loads or consider using a gas-operated shotgun to mitigate the effects. Essential accessories include a choke wrench (if using interchangeable chokes) and a quality bore solvent for cleaning.
Conclusion on Kent Cartridge Upland Fasteel 12 Gauge 1 1/8 oz 2.75” 6 Shot Shotgun Ammunition K122US32-6 33% Off
The Kent Cartridge Upland Fasteel 12 Gauge 1 1/8 oz 2.75” 6 Shot Shotgun Ammunition K122US32-6 33% Off provides excellent value for hunters seeking a dependable, non-toxic steel shot option. The price is justified by its consistent performance, reliable ignition, and effective knockdown power on upland game.
I would personally recommend this ammunition to any upland hunter looking for a lead alternative that won’t break the bank. If you’re tired of crippling birds with inferior steel loads or need to comply with lead restrictions, give Kent Cartridge Upland Fasteel a try – you might be pleasantly surprised.