First Impressions of Nobelsport NSI Steel Waterfowl 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 3” #3 Shotgun Ammunition ANS123ST3 40% Off
The Nobelsport NSI Steel Waterfowl 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 3” #3 Shotgun Ammunition ANS123ST3 40% Off promises a blend of affordability and performance, a crucial combination for waterfowl hunters seeking reliable ammunition without breaking the bank. Nobelsport may not be the first name that comes to mind when discussing premium shotgun shells, but their offering here piqued my interest, especially with the 40% discount. As someone who spends a significant amount of time in the field chasing ducks and geese, I’m always on the lookout for ammunition that can consistently deliver tight patterns and sufficient knockdown power, even in challenging conditions.
My search for consistent, affordable steel shot led me to this product. I was specifically looking for a 3-inch, #3 shot load for mid-range waterfowl hunting, preferring a balance between pellet count and individual pellet energy.
The ammunition arrived in a standard 25-round box, and my first impression was that the shells appeared well-crimped and consistently manufactured. The hulls had a clean, professional look, and there were no obvious signs of damage or poor quality control. Compared to premium brands like Federal Black Cloud or Winchester Blind Side, the Nobelsport shells lack the fancy packaging and specialized wad designs. However, the price difference is substantial, making it a potentially worthwhile trade-off.
Compared to Fiocchi or Kent Fasteel, the Nobelsport ammunition felt comparable in terms of overall presentation. I ultimately chose the Nobelsport NSI Steel Waterfowl 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 3” #3 Shotgun Ammunition ANS123ST3 40% Off due to the combination of shot size, advertised velocity, and the significant discount being offered.
My initial feeling was cautiously optimistic. While I didn’t expect it to outperform premium ammunition, I was hoping for reliable performance at a reasonable price, making it a practical choice for high-volume shooting during waterfowl season.
Real-World Testing: Putting Nobelsport NSI Steel Waterfowl 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 3” #3 Shotgun Ammunition ANS123ST3 40% Off to the Test
First Use Experience
My first experience with the Nobelsport NSI Steel Waterfowl 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 3” #3 Shotgun Ammunition ANS123ST3 40% Off was at my local shooting range, followed by a morning duck hunt in a marshy area with varying wind conditions. I used my Benelli Super Black Eagle II, known for its reliability across a wide range of ammunition.
In dry conditions at the range, the shells cycled flawlessly. The recoil was noticeable but manageable, comparable to other 3-inch steel loads. On the duck hunt, the weather was typical for late season: cold and damp.
The shells performed adequately, but I noticed some inconsistencies in the pattern density at 35 yards. There were a few instances where ducks folded cleanly, but others required follow-up shots, suggesting a less consistent pattern than I typically experience with premium ammunition.
After my initial range session and hunt, there were no immediately apparent issues, but the inconsistencies in the field raised some concerns about the overall reliability of the ammunition at longer ranges.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Nobelsport NSI Steel Waterfowl 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 3” #3 Shotgun Ammunition ANS123ST3 40% Off during various waterfowl hunts, I’ve developed a clearer understanding of its performance and reliability. The ammunition has generally held up well, with no failures to feed or eject across approximately 100 rounds fired.
I haven’t observed any significant signs of wear and tear on the shells themselves. They appear to be relatively weather-resistant, with no noticeable degradation in performance after being exposed to damp conditions.
Maintaining the shells is straightforward, requiring only basic cleaning of my shotgun after each use. Compared to my previous experiences with premium ammunition, the Nobelsport offering doesn’t necessarily outperform, but it holds its own in terms of basic reliability, particularly when considering the price point. It is a noticeable step down from high-end loads in pattern consistency and overall knockdown power at longer ranges.
Breaking Down the Features of Nobelsport NSI Steel Waterfowl 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 3” #3 Shotgun Ammunition ANS123ST3 40% Off
Specifications
The Nobelsport NSI Steel Waterfowl 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 3” #3 Shotgun Ammunition ANS123ST3 40% Off boasts the following specifications:
- Gauge: 12
- Number of Rounds: 25
- Shot Size: 3
- Shell Length: 3 inches
- Muzzle Velocity: 1450 ft/s
- Application: Hunting
- Shotgun Shot Weight: 1 1/4 oz
- Length: 3 inches
These specifications are fairly standard for a steel waterfowl load. The 1450 ft/s muzzle velocity is intended to provide sufficient energy for ethical kills at typical waterfowl hunting ranges. The #3 shot size is a versatile choice suitable for ducks and geese, offering a good balance of pellet count and individual pellet energy.
Performance & Functionality
The Nobelsport NSI Steel Waterfowl 12 Gauge 1/14 oz 3” #3 Shotgun Ammunition ANS123ST3 40% Off performs adequately for close to mid-range waterfowl hunting. While it cycles reliably in my Benelli, I noticed pattern inconsistencies beyond 35 yards.
The main strengths of this ammunition lie in its affordability and reliable cycling. The most significant weakness is the lack of consistent pattern density at longer ranges, which can impact the effectiveness of each shot. It meets expectations for a budget-friendly steel load, but falls short of premium ammunition in overall performance.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality of the Nobelsport shells is acceptable, with a standard hull design and a weather-resistant crimp. The shells are easy to load and handle, and the recoil is manageable for experienced shooters.
There is no significant learning curve associated with using this ammunition.
Durability & Maintenance
The shells themselves appear durable and resistant to typical weather conditions encountered during waterfowl hunting. Maintaining my firearm after using this ammunition is straightforward, requiring standard cleaning procedures.
The lifespan of the ammunition, if stored properly, should be several years, but I cannot comment on the long-term degradation of components.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Nobelsport NSI Steel Waterfowl 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 3” #3 Shotgun Ammunition ANS123ST3 40% Off does not come with any accessories. Being standard 12 gauge ammunition, it’s compatible with any shotgun designed to chamber 3-inch shells and a wide range of aftermarket chokes.
Pros and Cons of Nobelsport NSI Steel Waterfowl 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 3” #3 Shotgun Ammunition ANS123ST3 40% Off
Pros
- Affordability: The 40% discount makes this ammunition an excellent value for budget-conscious hunters.
- Reliable Cycling: The shells consistently cycle without issue in my semi-automatic shotgun.
- Acceptable Performance at Close Range: Effective for shots within 30-35 yards.
- Standard Components: Compatible with a variety of chokes and shotgun platforms.
Cons
- Inconsistent Patterns: Pattern density diminishes significantly beyond 35 yards, impacting effectiveness.
- Noticeable Recoil: The 3-inch load produces a noticeable recoil, which may be uncomfortable for some shooters.
Who Should Buy Nobelsport NSI Steel Waterfowl 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 3” #3 Shotgun Ammunition ANS123ST3 40% Off?
The Nobelsport NSI Steel Waterfowl 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 3” #3 Shotgun Ammunition ANS123ST3 40% Off is perfect for waterfowl hunters on a budget who primarily hunt over decoys at close range. It’s also suitable for high-volume shooters who prioritize affordability over premium performance.
This product should be skipped by hunters who frequently take longer shots or demand consistent, tight patterns for ethical kills at extended ranges.
A must-have accessory would be a quality choke designed for steel shot to help improve pattern density.
Conclusion on Nobelsport NSI Steel Waterfowl 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 3” #3 Shotgun Ammunition ANS123ST3 40% Off
The Nobelsport NSI Steel Waterfowl 12 Gauge 1 1/4 oz 3” #3 Shotgun Ammunition ANS123ST3 40% Off offers a solid value proposition for hunters seeking affordable steel shot. The 40% discount significantly reduces the price, making it a practical choice for high-volume shooting.
The inconsistent patterns at longer ranges are a drawback, but for close-range hunting, it performs adequately.
I would recommend this ammunition to budget-conscious hunters who understand its limitations and primarily hunt over decoys at close range. If you value affordability and reliable cycling, give Nobelsport a shot; just be mindful of your effective range.