Let’s Talk About Kent Cartridge Upland Fasteel Load 20 Gauge 7/8oz 2.75” 6 Shot Size Shotgun Ammunition K202US24-6 20% Off
The Kent Cartridge Upland Fasteel Load 20 Gauge 7/8oz 2.75” 6 Shot Size Shotgun Ammunition K202US24-6 20% Off offers a compelling solution for upland bird hunters seeking a non-toxic alternative to lead. This ammunition, manufactured by Kent Cartridge, promises reliable performance and tight patterns, crucial for ethical and successful hunts in areas where lead is restricted.
My journey to this particular load stemmed from a frustrating season where I had to pass up several prime hunting locations due to local lead restrictions. I needed a reliable, readily available steel shot load that wouldn’t break the bank while still delivering consistent results.
Upon unboxing, the Kent Cartridge Upland Fasteel shells felt well-constructed. The crimps were clean, and the plastic hulls appeared durable, inspiring confidence in their ability to withstand the rigors of upland hunting.
I considered Winchester Super-X Steel and Federal Speed-Shok Steel, but the Kent Cartridge offering seemed to strike a better balance between price and promised performance. The sale price sealed the deal, making it an attractive option to test.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic. The promise of tight patterns and all-weather performance piqued my interest, and I was eager to see how it would perform in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Kent Cartridge Upland Fasteel Load 20 Gauge 7/8oz 2.75” 6 Shot Size Shotgun Ammunition K202US24-6 20% Off to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Kent Cartridge Upland Fasteel was during a dove hunt in a slightly damp field. I used my trusty 20-gauge over-under with a modified choke.
The shells cycled smoothly, and the report was consistent. I was able to harvest a couple of doves with clean kills, but noticed I needed to adjust my lead slightly compared to my typical lead loads.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use during various upland hunts (pheasant, quail, and woodcock), the Kent Cartridge Upland Fasteel has held up reasonably well. There were no malfunctions or failures to fire across several boxes of shells.
The hulls showed minimal signs of wear and tear, even after being ejected multiple times in the field. Cleaning my shotgun was straightforward; there was no excessive fouling or residue left behind.
Compared to my previous experiences with cheaper steel loads, the Kent Cartridge Upland Fasteel performed noticeably better in terms of pattern density and consistency. However, it still didn’t quite match the performance of premium lead loads I’ve used in the past.
Breaking Down the Features of Kent Cartridge Upland Fasteel Load 20 Gauge 7/8oz 2.75” 6 Shot Size Shotgun Ammunition K202US24-6 20% Off
Specifications
Manufacturer: Kent Cartridge. Kent Cartridge is known for producing quality ammunition at reasonable prices.
Gauge: 20. The 20-gauge is a versatile option for upland hunting, offering a good balance of power and recoil.
Number of Rounds: 25. A standard box of 25 shells is convenient for most hunting trips.
Shot Size: 6. Size 6 shot is a common and effective choice for various upland game birds.
Shell Length: 2 3/4 in. This is the standard length for most 20-gauge shotguns.
Muzzle Velocity: 1500 ft/s. This high velocity aids in delivering the necessary energy for clean kills at reasonable distances.
Application: Upland. Designed specifically for upland bird hunting, ensuring adequate performance for these types of hunts.
Shotgun Shot Weight: 7/8 oz. A 7/8 oz load is a standard weight for 20-gauge shells, offering a good balance of payload and recoil.
Shot Material: Steel. This is the key feature for those hunting in lead-restricted areas.
Primer Style: Centerfire. Standard and reliable ignition system.
Cartridge Case Material: Plastic. Offers weather resistance and reliable cycling.
Lead Free: Yes. This is the defining characteristic for environmentally conscious hunters and those required to use non-toxic shot.
Performance & Functionality
The Kent Cartridge Upland Fasteel load generally performs its job well. The high velocity and #6 shot provide adequate energy for taking down upland birds at typical hunting ranges.
The main strength lies in its affordability and reliable cycling. The patterns, while not exceptional, are consistently adequate with proper choke selection.
One area that could be improved is pattern consistency at longer ranges (beyond 35 yards). Also, the felt recoil is slightly more noticeable compared to lead loads of similar weight.
Design & Ergonomics
The shells are well-constructed with clean crimps and durable plastic hulls. The packaging is standard and functional, providing adequate protection for the ammunition.
The shells are easy to load and unload in my shotgun, and I experienced no issues with feeding or ejection.
Durability & Maintenance
The Kent Cartridge Upland Fasteel shells are designed for single use. However, the hulls are robust enough to withstand multiple handling without significant damage.
Cleaning my shotgun after using these shells is no different than with other steel loads. Standard cleaning procedures apply, and there is no excessive fouling to contend with.
Accessories and Customization Options
No accessories come directly with the ammunition itself. However, choke selection is crucial for optimizing the performance of these steel loads.
Experimenting with different choke constrictions (improved cylinder, modified, full) is essential to find the best pattern for your specific shotgun and hunting conditions. The ammunition is compatible with most 20-gauge shotguns designed for steel shot.
Pros and Cons of Kent Cartridge Upland Fasteel Load 20 Gauge 7/8oz 2.75” 6 Shot Size Shotgun Ammunition K202US24-6 20% Off
Pros
- Affordable non-toxic alternative to lead.
- Reliable cycling and consistent performance.
- High velocity for adequate energy transfer.
- Readily available at most sporting goods stores.
- Suitable for a variety of upland game birds.
Cons
- Recoil is slightly more noticeable than lead loads.
- Patterns not as dense as premium lead loads.
- Performance drops off noticeably at longer ranges.
Who Should Buy Kent Cartridge Upland Fasteel Load 20 Gauge 7/8oz 2.75” 6 Shot Size Shotgun Ammunition K202US24-6 20% Off?
The Kent Cartridge Upland Fasteel is perfect for upland bird hunters who are required to use non-toxic shot due to regulations or personal preference. It’s also well-suited for hunters on a budget who need a reliable and readily available steel load.
Hunters seeking premium performance and the tightest possible patterns at longer ranges might want to consider higher-end steel or bismuth loads. Also, those particularly sensitive to recoil might find this load less comfortable than comparable lead options.
Must-have accessories include a variety of choke tubes to fine-tune pattern performance and a comfortable recoil pad for extended shooting sessions.
Conclusion on Kent Cartridge Upland Fasteel Load 20 Gauge 7/8oz 2.75” 6 Shot Size Shotgun Ammunition K202US24-6 20% Off
The Kent Cartridge Upland Fasteel Load 20 Gauge 7/8oz 2.75” 6 Shot Size Shotgun Ammunition K202US24-6 20% Off provides a solid and affordable option for upland hunters needing a non-toxic alternative to lead. While it may not offer the same level of performance as premium lead or bismuth loads, its reliability, consistent cycling, and reasonable price point make it a compelling choice for many.
The price is certainly justified, especially considering the constraints of non-toxic shot requirements. It offers a good balance between cost and performance, making it a practical choice for regular upland hunting.
I would definitely recommend this ammunition to fellow hunters looking for a budget-friendly and reliable steel load. Give it a try, experiment with different chokes, and enjoy your time in the field knowing you’re using a responsible and effective product.