First Impressions of Remington Nitro Steel Duplex 12 Gauge 2×4 3in Shotgun Ammunition R20321 $2.20 Off
The Remington Nitro Steel Duplex 12 Gauge 2×4 3in Shotgun Ammunition R20321 promises the best of both worlds for waterfowl hunters and anyone needing versatile steel shot performance. Loaded by Remington, a name synonymous with American ammunition, these shells combine two different sizes of steel shot for close-range density and long-range energy. The promise of a “duplex” load – 2 shot for close birds and 4 shot for those reaching for the horizon – intrigued me, as I often find myself in situations requiring quick target acquisition and longer-range capabilities.
My primary need was to find a steel load that offered more versatility than a single shot size. I’ve hunted waterfowl in areas where birds decoy tightly one day, and the next, they flare at 40 yards. I needed a load that could confidently handle both scenarios without switching shells constantly. I’ve always appreciated Remington ammunition, and the potential of this duplex load caught my attention.
The first thing I noticed was the clean, consistent crimp and the vibrant green hull, a classic Remington look. The shells felt solid and well-constructed. I compared them to Winchester Blind Side and Federal Black Cloud, both popular high-performance steel loads. I chose the Remington Nitro Steel Duplex due to its promise of a balanced pattern, rather than the specialized patterns of the other two, which are designed for very specific ranges.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The concept is sound, and Remington’s reputation is strong. The price was competitive, especially with the discount. I was eager to get these shells to the range and, more importantly, into the field to see if they lived up to the hype.
Real-World Testing: Putting Remington Nitro Steel Duplex 12 Gauge 2×4 3in Shotgun Ammunition R20321 $2.20 Off to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Remington Nitro Steel Duplex at my local sporting clays range. I patterned the shells at 20, 30, and 40 yards using a modified choke in my Benelli Super Black Eagle II. The weather was clear and mild, providing ideal conditions. I wanted to gauge pattern density and how the two shot sizes distributed across the target.
The shells cycled flawlessly through my semi-automatic shotgun. At 20 yards, the pattern was incredibly dense, almost too tight for practical hunting situations. At 30 yards, the pattern opened up nicely, providing a balanced spread. At 40 yards, the pattern started to thin, but still held enough density to be effective, with the larger #2 shot carrying significant energy.
There were no malfunctions during my initial testing. The recoil was noticeable but manageable, typical for a 3-inch steel load. The only minor issue was a bit more plastic fouling in the barrel than I’m used to with other brands.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, including two duck hunts and additional range sessions, the Remington Nitro Steel Duplex has proven to be consistently reliable. The shells consistently cycle through my shotgun without any feeding or ejection issues. The primers ignite reliably, even in cold, damp conditions.
I’ve noticed minimal wear and tear on the shells themselves. They hold up well in my shell bag, even after being exposed to rain and mud. Cleaning my shotgun after using these shells requires a bit more attention to remove the plastic fouling, but it’s not a significant chore.
Compared to my previous experiences with other steel loads, the Remington Nitro Steel Duplex offers a clear advantage in versatility. It provides a more forgiving pattern at varying ranges, making it a good all-around choice. It outperforms traditional single-size steel loads when engaging targets at different distances.
Breaking Down the Features of Remington Nitro Steel Duplex 12 Gauge 2×4 3in Shotgun Ammunition R20321 $2.20 Off
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Remington
- Gauge: 12
- Number of Rounds: 25
- Shot Size: 2/4 (Duplex Load)
- Shell Length: 3 inches
- Muzzle Velocity: 1450 ft/s
- Application: General
- Shotgun Shot Weight: 1 1/4 oz
- Shot Material: Steel
- Primer Style: Centerfire
- Shotgun Pellet Count: 197
- Cartridge Case Material: Plastic
- Lead Free: No
These specifications are important because they define the ammunition’s performance characteristics. The 3-inch shell provides increased payload and energy compared to 2 3/4-inch shells. The 1450 ft/s muzzle velocity ensures sufficient energy for effective range. The duplex load of #2 and #4 steel shot provides a balance of pattern density and penetration for various target distances.
Performance & Functionality
The Remington Nitro Steel Duplex 12 Gauge 2×4 3in Shotgun Ammunition performs admirably in its intended role: providing a versatile steel shot load for various hunting and shooting scenarios. The duplex load concept delivers on its promise of a balanced pattern. It offers both close-range density with the smaller #4 shot and longer-range energy with the larger #2 shot.
The main strength is its versatility. The shells are effective at both close and medium ranges. A weakness is that it might not be ideal for extremely long-range shots compared to specialized long-range steel loads.
These shells largely meet expectations. The duplex load design delivers on its core promise.
Design & Ergonomics
The Remington Nitro Steel Duplex shells feature a standard plastic hull design common in shotgun ammunition. The vibrant green color makes them easily identifiable in a shell bag. The crimp is consistently well-formed, ensuring reliable feeding and ignition.
The build quality is good, with consistent shot loading and powder charges. The shells feel solid and well-constructed. There’s no significant learning curve; they function like any standard 12-gauge shotgun shell.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper storage, these shells should last for years without degradation. The plastic hulls are relatively durable and resistant to moisture. Maintaining your firearm is crucial after using any ammunition, but cleaning after using these shells might require slightly more effort due to the plastic fouling.
These shells are not designed to be reloaded.
Accessories and Customization Options
There are no specific accessories that come directly with the Remington Nitro Steel Duplex 12 Gauge 2×4 3in Shotgun Ammunition. The primary customization option is choosing the appropriate choke for your shotgun based on the intended target range. These shells are compatible with any 12-gauge shotgun designed to handle 3-inch shells and steel shot.
They work well with aftermarket chokes designed for steel shot, offering further control over pattern density and range.
Pros and Cons of Remington Nitro Steel Duplex 12 Gauge 2×4 3in Shotgun Ammunition R20321 $2.20 Off
Pros
- Versatile duplex load provides effective patterns at varying ranges.
- Reliable performance with consistent cycling and ignition.
- High muzzle velocity ensures sufficient energy for longer shots.
- Trusted Remington brand known for quality ammunition.
- Competitive price point offering good value for performance.
Cons
- Increased plastic fouling may require more thorough cleaning.
- Not ideal for extremely long-range shots compared to specialized loads.
Who Should Buy Remington Nitro Steel Duplex 12 Gauge 2×4 3in Shotgun Ammunition R20321 $2.20 Off?
The Remington Nitro Steel Duplex is perfect for waterfowl hunters who encounter targets at varying ranges. It’s also well-suited for upland bird hunters using steel shot in non-toxic zones. These shells are a great choice for sporting clays shooters looking for a versatile load for different stations.
This product might not be the best choice for hunters exclusively focused on extremely long-range waterfowl hunting. They might prefer specialized, tighter-patterning steel loads.
A must-have accessory is a quality choke tube designed for steel shot. A good shell bag to keep your ammunition organized and protected is also beneficial.
Conclusion on Remington Nitro Steel Duplex 12 Gauge 2×4 3in Shotgun Ammunition R20321 $2.20 Off
The Remington Nitro Steel Duplex 12 Gauge 2×4 3in Shotgun Ammunition delivers on its promise of versatility and reliable performance. The duplex load design provides a balanced pattern that is effective at various ranges, making it a solid choice for hunters and shooters alike. While it may require slightly more cleaning due to plastic fouling, the overall benefits outweigh this minor drawback.
The price is justified given the quality and performance offered. It’s a great value for anyone seeking a versatile steel shot load.
I would personally recommend the Remington Nitro Steel Duplex to anyone looking for a reliable and effective all-around steel shot option. Give these shells a try and experience the versatility of the duplex load for yourself!