Kent Cartridge Bismuth Upland 12 Gauge Ammunition: The Definitive Choice for Modern Upland Hunters

For the discerning upland hunter, the quest for the ideal ammunition often balances ethical responsibility with peak field performance. Enter the Kent Cartridge Bismuth Upland 12 Gauge 2.75" 1 1/4 oz 5 Shot – a meticulously engineered shotgun shell designed to meet the rigorous demands of contemporary bird hunting. This premium non-toxic load stands as a superior, affordable alternative to traditional lead, delivering exceptional patterns and reliable function across a spectrum of challenging conditions. Whether you're pursuing wily pheasants through dense cover, flushing tenacious grouse in timber, or targeting swift quail in open fields, Kent's Bismuth Upland ammunition provides the decisive edge you need for successful and responsible hunts.

Why Choose Bismuth for Upland Hunting? Understanding the Non-Toxic Advantage

In an era where environmental stewardship is paramount, and non-toxic shot regulations are increasingly prevalent, hunters are actively seeking ammunition that performs like lead without its environmental drawbacks. Bismuth, specifically in the Kent Cartridge Bismuth Upland line, offers a compelling solution, bridging the gap between traditional lead and lighter, less dense steel shot.

What makes bismuth shot an outstanding choice for upland birds?

• Superior Density (9.6g/cc): With a density remarkably close to lead (which is typically around 11g/cc), bismuth shot carries significantly more energy downrange than steel (around 7.8g/cc). This higher density translates directly into superior kinetic energy retention, deeper penetration, and more humane, decisive kills on game birds. When targeting species like pheasants, chukar, or prairie chickens that can absorb a hit, this added energy is crucial for minimizing crippling and ensuring a clean harvest.
• Exceptional Softness – Lead-Like Performance: Unlike hard steel shot, bismuth is remarkably soft, behaving much like lead upon impact. This inherent softness allows the shot to deform slightly on impact, transferring more energy to the target and creating a wider, more devastating wound channel. More importantly for your firearm, bismuth is safe for use in all shotgun barrels, including older or vintage firearms that might be susceptible to damage from harder steel shot. You can confidently use Kent's Bismuth Upland in your cherished family heirloom or your favorite modern semi-automatic without concern.
• Pattern Integrity: The softness and density of bismuth contribute to tighter, more uniform patterns downrange. Each pellet maintains its spherical shape better, leading to fewer flyers and a more concentrated shot string. This pattern consistency is vital for maximizing the effective range of your shotgun and ensuring a greater number of pellets hit the target, even at the fringes of your effective hunting distance.
• Environmentally Responsible: Bismuth is a non-toxic metal, making it an eco-friendly choice for hunting in sensitive wetlands, agricultural areas, or any location where lead shot is restricted or prohibited. By choosing Kent's Bismuth Upland, you're not only complying with regulations but also actively contributing to the preservation of natural habitats and wildlife for future generations.

Deep Dive into the Kent Bismuth Upland 12 Gauge Specifications and Performance

The Kent Cartridge B12U365 model is specifically tailored for peak upland performance. Every component is meticulously selected and engineered to ensure reliability and effectiveness in the field.

Key Features and What They Mean for Your Hunt:

1. Gauge: 12 Gauge: The venerable 12 gauge remains the most popular and versatile shotgun gauge globally. Its ability to handle a substantial payload makes it ideal for upland hunting, providing the necessary stopping power for larger birds and dense patterns for smaller, faster targets. The Kent Bismuth Upland 12 Gauge harnesses this power effectively, delivering consistent results.
2. Shell Length: 2.75 inches: This standard shell length ensures compatibility with a vast majority of 12-gauge shotguns, including virtually all pump-action, over/under, side-by-side, and semi-automatic models. You won't have to worry about cycling issues due to shell length with this ammunition.
3. Shot Weight: 1 1/4 ounces: A robust payload of 1 1/4 ounces provides a significant number of pellets per shell, contributing directly to dense patterns and increased chances of hitting and ethically dispatching game. This heavy load ensures that even at extended ranges, you have enough bismuth shot to deliver a killing blow.
4. Shot Size: #5 Shot: The choice of #5 shot for upland hunting is a testament to Kent's understanding of effective ballistics for various bird species.
   • Why is #5 shot ideal for upland hunting? It strikes an optimal balance between pellet count and individual pellet energy. For larger birds like pheasants, chukar, and grouse, #5 shot delivers sufficient energy for deep penetration and clean kills. For smaller birds like quail or doves, the pattern density from a 1 1/4 oz payload of #5 shot is more than adequate, ensuring multiple hits for reliable knockdown. This versatility makes it a true all-around upland load.
5. Muzzle Velocity: 1350 feet per second (fps): This impressive muzzle velocity ensures that your bismuth pellets reach the target quickly and retain significant energy. A high velocity means less lead is required when shooting at fast-moving birds, simplifying your shot placement and increasing your probability of success. It translates to crisp, responsive performance, crucial for those quick-flushing birds.
6. High-Performance Base Wad: This is a critical component, especially for hunters using semi-automatic shotguns. Kent's custom-designed base wad is engineered to optimize functioning, ensuring smooth and reliable cycling through the firearm's action. This minimizes stovepipes, failures to extract, or failures to feed, providing consistent performance when rapid follow-up shots are necessary. Trust in the Kent Bismuth Upland to cycle flawlessly, whether you're hunting in the crisp morning air or a sudden downpour.
7. Custom Blended Powders: The proprietary powders used in Kent's Bismuth Upland are custom blended to achieve several key performance attributes. They ensure clean burning, which minimizes residue buildup in your firearm, leading to less frequent cleaning and prolonged firearm life. Furthermore, these powders are formulated for all-weather performance, maintaining consistent velocities and reliable ignition even in extreme temperatures, from bone-chilling late-season hunts to warm early-season dove shoots.

Real-World Applications and Hunter Benefits

The Kent Cartridge Bismuth Upland 12 Gauge is more than just a list of specifications; it's a solution designed for real-world hunting scenarios and the challenges they present.

What real-world problems does this ammunition solve for hunters?

• Hunting in Lead-Restricted Areas: If you hunt on public lands, wildlife refuges, or specific private properties where lead shot is prohibited, Kent Bismuth Upland provides a reliable and effective non-toxic alternative that won't compromise your hunting effectiveness.
• Ethical Harvesting: By delivering superior energy transfer and pattern density compared to steel, this bismuth load minimizes the risk of crippling game, promoting more humane and ethical harvesting of birds.
• Reliable Performance in Semi-Automatic Shotguns: Many hunters prefer semi-autos for their fast follow-up shots and reduced recoil. The optimized base wad and consistent powders ensure that your semi-automatic shotgun cycles reliably, allowing you to focus on the hunt, not on ammunition malfunctions.
• Cost-Effective Premium Performance: While premium non-toxic loads like tungsten can be prohibitively expensive, Kent Bismuth offers an "affordable alternative" that doesn't sacrifice performance. It provides high-density, lead-like effectiveness at a price point that makes it accessible for regular hunting use.
• Preserving Your Firearm: The softness of bismuth shot ensures that your shotgun's barrel, particularly older fixed-choke models, remains protected from the wear and tear associated with harder steel shot. This is especially valuable for hunters who cherish vintage firearms.

Answering Common Questions from Hunters

Many hunters have questions when considering new ammunition. Here’s how Kent Bismuth Upland addresses some of the most frequent inquiries:

• "Is bismuth shot as effective as lead for upland birds?" While lead is denser, Kent's Bismuth, at 9.6g/cc, comes remarkably close and performs exceptionally well. Its softness allows for excellent energy transfer, making it a highly effective and ethical substitute for lead in upland applications. Many hunters report similar knockdown power and consistent patterns.
• "Can I use Kent Bismuth Upland for waterfowl hunting?" Although primarily an upland load, the non-toxic nature and high density of bismuth make it suitable for waterfowl hunting where lead is prohibited. For smaller ducks, the #5 shot can be effective, though many waterfowl hunters prefer larger shot sizes for bigger ducks or geese.
• "How does Kent Bismuth compare to other non-toxic options like steel or tungsten?" Bismuth offers a significant advantage over steel due to its higher density and softness, resulting in better energy, penetration, and pattern integrity. Compared to tungsten, bismuth is far more affordable while still providing premium, lead-like performance, making it a more practical choice for many hunters.
• "Will this ammunition perform reliably in cold weather?" Yes, Kent's custom blended powders are formulated for consistent performance across a wide range of temperatures, ensuring reliable ignition and consistent velocities even in freezing conditions.
• "What upland birds is #5 shot best for?" #5 shot is a highly versatile choice for upland hunting. It is exceptionally effective for ring-necked pheasants, ruffed grouse, greater prairie chickens, chukar, and even larger doves. Its balance of pellet count and individual energy makes it suitable for most medium to large upland game birds.

The Kent Cartridge Legacy: Trust and Innovation

Kent Cartridge has established itself as a trusted name in the ammunition industry, renowned for its commitment to quality, innovation, and consistent performance. With a focus on providing hunters with reliable and effective loads, Kent continuously invests in research and development to produce ammunition that meets the evolving needs of the field. The Bismuth Upland series is a prime example of this dedication, offering a product that not only complies with environmental standards but also exceeds performance expectations. When you choose Kent Cartridge, you're choosing a brand with a proven track record of helping hunters succeed.

Secure Your Supply of Kent Bismuth Upland Ammunition

Elevate your upland hunting experience with ammunition designed for superior performance and environmental responsibility. The Kent Cartridge Bismuth Upland 12 Gauge 2.75" 1 1/4 oz 5 Shot is the smart choice for any hunter seeking a reliable, effective, and ethically sound non-toxic alternative. These products are all available at DEGuns, ensuring you can easily acquire the ammunition you need for your next successful outing. Prepare for your next upland adventure by stocking up on the ammunition that delivers confidence with every shot.

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Product Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Kent Cartridge
Series	Upland
Model	Bismuth
Gauge	12 Gauge
Shell Length	2.75"
Shot Material	Bismuth
Shot Size	5
Shot Weight	1 1/4 oz
Muzzle Velocity	1350 fps
Game Type	Upland
Application	Hunting
Rounds Per Box	25
Boxes Per Case	10
SKU	105176
UPC	656308110936
MPN	B12U365