#ShotgunAmmo

Over the past half-decade, the cost of centerfire rifle cartridges has risen a lot; I would say the vast majority of hunters complain, but it doesn’t much affect them. You’ve heard the griping when some Fudd buys a rifle in a whiz-bang new PRC or Creedmoor cartridge and has sticker shock when they buy a box of shells. Or even when they pick up a box of .30-06 or .30-30 and see the price has doubled since COVID-19 … but since so many hunters never shoot more than a box or two a year, if that, it doesn’t really affect their finances.

In this episode of TFBTV Show Time, James Reeves is at the LORIST gun show in Serbia talking to Nikola from Belom Ammunition about their new line of shotgun ammo coming to the United States, RedStar Ordnance. Belom promises that RedStar will be budget priced while still performing better than other 12 gauge ammo on the market. @DumDum Darko makes a special guest appearance in this episode.

Apex Ammunition is excited to announce new limited-edition shotgun ammunition specially produced in partnership with the Mossy Oak brand to showcase their Shadow Grass Habitat camouflage pattern and also featuring a duplex load combining No. 3 Zinc and No. 8 TSS shot to provide the user with a versatile load that can be used all season long for any type of waterfowl. The full press release on this latest offering from Apex Ammunition is posted below:

Regardless of the season, a heavy-hitting and long-range capable shotgun load is part of the key to success when it comes to waterfowl hunting. Whether you’re after early-season upland hunting in Montana or waterfowl hunting in south Louisianna, you’ll want a shotgun load that you’re both familiar with and performs well across a variety of locations. Remington has just announced the introduction of their new Premier Bismuth hunting loads which are both denser and feature more energy than comparable steel loads. These new loads are being introduced just in time for you to start patterning and practicing with them as we approach the early waterfowl season coming up in the fall.

A lot of you probably already donate to various charities around the country. Giving back is a rewarding experience for both parties and if you can combine that giving with something else you love, that’s always an added bonus. Remington Ammunition has just announced the addition of two new 12-gauge shotgun loads dubbed their Gun Club Cure line that aims to give back to families in need across the country by donating a portion of the proceeds from this new line to various children’s hospitals and disease research centers.

While perusing the floor of IWA 2022 we came across a company that none of us had ever heard of before – Bioammo. With hunters, outdoorsmen, and shooters becoming increasingly environmentally conscious, Bioammo set out to make completely biodegradable ammunition that won’t leak toxic chemicals into our environment and eventually our very own food chain. For example, one spent shotgun hull, wad cup, and base wad equal on average about 3 to 5 plastic shopping bags in material – that is a lot of plastic to leave laying around. So what’s the deal with Bioammo?

Remington Ammunition has reintroduced the classic Peters Premier Blue paper shotgun shell line. The 12 gauge shells are available in shot sizes 7.5 and 8 and at muzzle velocities of 1145, 1200 and 1290. The Peters Paper Shotshells have an MSRP of $19.99 for a box of 25 cartridges. The news comes as Remington Ammunition continues to realign itself after the break up of Remington Outdoor Company in 2020. In April the company’s president announced ammunition production was back in ‘full swing’.

APEX Ammunition has announced their Upland Bird TSS shotshells are now available. The new non-toxic handloaded, ultra-high density Tungsten Super Shot loads have an MSRP of $49.99 – $65.99 (per 10 round box). APEX Ammunition have made Upland Bird available in 3-inch 12- and 20-gauge loads. Upland 28 gauge 2 ¾-inch and .410 bore 2 ½ and 3-inch loads are available upon request.

At the end of part one I concluded with the method of turning raw materials into lead bullets and inner cores for what will become jacketed bullets. To begin part two I’ll once again start off with the raw materials to create jackets for both pistol and rifle rounds. I’ll also cover brass and the steps leading to a complete .223 brass case.

Winchester is once again expanding their ammunition lines by offering the new Blind Side shotgun ammunition in 12 and 20 gauge in their high velocity line.  With up to 15% more pellets per shell, it idea is that it increases the kill zone by putting more pellets in the air at a higher velocity.  Their hexagonal shot allows for more pellets to be packed into a shotgun shell.

Having shot the TrAAcker wad for 12 guage that Winchester came out with just over a month ago at SHOT, I can say that them offering it in 20 gauge will be nice for sportsman looking to maximize their hits with their shotgun.  Not being a huge wing or clay shooter myself I was amazed at how quickly I was able to correct my shooting to make hits on targets every time.  The weighted tracking wad flew straight, and stayed with the shot.

For those that favor a 20 gauge shotgun for your defensive long gun, Winchester has now released the 20 gauge fragmenting slug.  The slug is designed to fragment into three large segments when it encounters a soft target, which helps to enlarge the temporary wound channel, and create three separate permanent wound channels increasing the likelihood of hitting vital organ or blood vessel.  In recent years many have started looking to the 20 gauge to fill their home defense needs because of the reduced recoil and length of pull, many women also prefer it to a 12 gauge, even with reduced recoil loads.  This load looks to be much easier to use, and will reduce pellets that would miss the target, which can happen even on a well placed shot.  Below is a graphic depiction of what the slug looks like before and after fragmentation.