First Impressions of **Sterling Exclusive Series 12 Gauge 1/18oz 2 3/4 in Shotgun Ammunition
Up to 32% Off**
The Sterling Exclusive Series 12 Gauge 1/18oz 2 3/4 in Shotgun Ammunition promises a blend of performance and affordability, a tempting offer in today’s market. Sterling is aiming to deliver reliable birdshot for various applications, from recreational shooting to small game hunting. The allure of up to 32% off adds to the initial appeal, making it a potentially budget-friendly option for shotgun enthusiasts.
As someone who spends a considerable amount of time both at the range and in the field, I’m always on the lookout for ammunition that balances cost with reliable performance. I specifically needed a readily available and reasonably priced load for clay shooting and upland bird hunting, something that wouldn’t break the bank but would still deliver consistent patterns.
Unboxing the Sterling ammunition, I immediately noted the clean appearance of the shells. The plastic casing felt sturdy, and the crimp appeared well-formed. Compared to budget brands I’ve used in the past, the Sterling shells seem a cut above in terms of initial build quality.
I considered other options, primarily Federal and Winchester target loads. Ultimately, the discounted price of the Sterling Exclusive Series swayed my decision, coupled with my curiosity to test a brand I hadn’t used extensively before.
My initial impression was cautiously optimistic; I was eager to put them through their paces and see if they lived up to their promise. The real test would be their consistency and reliability in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Sterling Exclusive Series 12 Gauge 1/18oz 2 3/4 in Shotgun Ammunition
Up to 32% Off** to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Sterling Exclusive Series 12 Gauge ammunition at my local shooting range, focusing on clay targets. The weather was typical for early spring: cool and slightly damp, presenting a good opportunity to see how the ammunition performed in less-than-ideal conditions.
The shells loaded smoothly into my Beretta A400, and the first shot felt surprisingly clean. Recoil was manageable, and the clay target shattered convincingly.
However, after a few rounds, I noticed a slight inconsistency in the shot patterns, with some clays breaking cleanly and others only chipping. This suggested some variability in the shell-to-shell performance.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, and about 200 rounds fired, the Sterling ammunition has held up reasonably well. There hasn’t been any significant degradation in performance.
I did notice a bit more residue and unburnt powder compared to premium brands. This requires a slightly more thorough cleaning of my shotgun after each use.
While the Sterling ammunition is adequate for casual target shooting, it doesn’t quite match the consistency and clean-burning characteristics of higher-end options I’ve used, like Fiocchi or Remington. For high-stakes competitions or critical hunting situations, I’d still opt for premium brands.
Breaking Down the Features of **Sterling Exclusive Series 12 Gauge 1/18oz 2 3/4 in Shotgun Ammunition
Up to 32% Off**
Specifications
Manufacturer: Sterling. Sterling is known for producing a range of ammunition at a competitive price point.
Gauge: 12. The ubiquitous 12 gauge offers a great balance of power and availability.
Number of Rounds: 25. Conveniently packaged in standard boxes of 25 shells for easy handling and storage.
Shell Length: 2 3/4 in. The standard 2 3/4-inch shell length is compatible with most 12-gauge shotguns.
Muzzle Velocity: 1296 ft/s. This velocity is fairly standard for target and light hunting loads.
Cartridge Case Material: Plastic. Plastic hulls are common and generally reliable for reloading (though reloadability depends on individual preferences and equipment).
Bullet Type: Bird Shot. Birdshot is designed for targets and smaller game.
The specified muzzle velocity is a good benchmark for target loads, providing sufficient energy to break clays and effectively harvest small game at reasonable distances. The 2 3/4-inch shell length ensures compatibility with a wide range of shotguns, making it a versatile choice for various shooting activities.
Performance & Functionality
The Sterling Exclusive Series ammunition generally performs adequately for its intended purpose. It is suitable for target practice, recreational clay shooting, and hunting small game like quail or dove.
The consistency in shot patterns could be improved. While most shells perform well, some exhibit slightly wider spreads than others, which can affect accuracy at longer ranges.
It meets basic expectations for an entry-level target load but falls short of delivering the pinpoint precision and clean performance of premium ammunition.
Design & Ergonomics
The plastic hulls are well-formed and easy to handle, with a consistent crimp that aids in smooth loading. The ammunition is packaged in a standard cardboard box, making it easy to transport and store.
There is no significant learning curve associated with using this ammunition; it functions like any other standard 12-gauge shell. The shell casings eject cleanly in semi-automatic shotguns.
Durability & Maintenance
The plastic hulls are reasonably durable, and I haven’t experienced any failures to feed or extract during my testing. However, as mentioned, it tends to leave more residue in the barrel, necessitating more frequent cleaning.
The ammunition itself requires no specific maintenance beyond proper storage in a cool, dry place to prevent degradation. The powder should be kept dry to ensure reliable ignition.
Accessories and Customization Options
This is ammunition, so there are no specific accessories included. However, performance can be enhanced by using different chokes in your shotgun to tighten or loosen the shot pattern based on your needs.
The ammunition is compatible with any standard 12-gauge shotgun, and choke selection is the primary means of customization. Aftermarket chokes from Briley, Carlson’s, or Patternmaster can improve pattern density and consistency.
Pros and Cons of **Sterling Exclusive Series 12 Gauge 1/18oz 2 3/4 in Shotgun Ammunition
Up to 32% Off**
Pros
- Affordable price point, especially with the discount.
- Reliable ignition and consistent cycling in most shotguns.
- Suitable for target shooting and light hunting.
- Standard 2 3/4-inch shell length ensures compatibility.
- Widely available.
Cons
- Inconsistent shot patterns compared to premium brands.
- Leaves more residue in the barrel than cleaner-burning ammunition.
- May not be the best choice for competitive shooting or serious hunting where consistent patterns are critical.
Who Should Buy **Sterling Exclusive Series 12 Gauge 1/18oz 2 3/4 in Shotgun Ammunition
Up to 32% Off**?
The Sterling Exclusive Series 12 Gauge ammunition is perfect for recreational shooters looking for an affordable option for target practice or casual clay shooting. It’s also suitable for hunters targeting small game at close to moderate ranges, where absolute precision isn’t paramount.
This ammunition is not the best choice for competitive shooters or serious hunters who require the utmost consistency and tight patterns. Those individuals should invest in premium ammunition from brands like Federal, Fiocchi, or Remington.
A must-have accessory is a good quality shotgun cleaning kit to address the increased residue. Different chokes can help improve pattern consistency, but start with a modified or improved cylinder choke for general use.
Conclusion on **Sterling Exclusive Series 12 Gauge 1/18oz 2 3/4 in Shotgun Ammunition
Up to 32% Off**
The Sterling Exclusive Series 12 Gauge 1/18oz 2 3/4 in Shotgun Ammunition provides a decent value proposition, especially when available at a discounted price. It offers reliable performance for general target shooting and light hunting, though it falls short of the consistency and clean-burning properties of premium brands.
For casual shooters and those on a budget, the price is definitely justified. However, for serious competitors or hunters seeking top-tier performance, investing in higher-quality ammunition is recommended.
I would recommend this ammunition to anyone looking for an affordable option for recreational shooting. Just be prepared to clean your shotgun a bit more thoroughly after each use. Consider giving the Sterling Exclusive Series a shot – it’s a budget-friendly option that gets the job done.