Kent Cartridge Elite Pro Target 12 Gauge Ammunition: Precision Performance for Clay Target Enthusiasts

Are you a serious clay target shooter looking to elevate your game? Do you consistently seek ammunition that offers unparalleled consistency, flawless reliability, and a clean shooting experience? Whether you're a seasoned competitor in trap, skeet, or sporting clays, or an aspiring enthusiast striving for better scores, the Kent Cartridge Elite Pro Target 12 Gauge 2.75" 1 oz 7.5 Shot ammunition is engineered to meet and exceed your expectations. This specific load, identified by UPC 656308110172, represents the pinnacle of Kent's commitment to precision and performance in the world of sport shooting.

For anyone wondering, "What is the best shotgun ammunition for competitive clay shooting?" or "How can I achieve more consistent breaks and higher scores in trap or skeet?", the answer often lies in the quality and engineering of your shells. The Kent Elite Pro Target series is meticulously crafted to deliver that competitive edge, ensuring every pull of the trigger translates into predictable patterns and devastating target breaks.

Unpacking the Elite Pro Target Advantage: Core Features and Their Impact

What makes the Kent Elite Pro Target ammunition stand out in a crowded market? It's a combination of proprietary technologies and thoughtful engineering designed to optimize every aspect of the shooting experience.

The Power of Diamond Shot: Unmatched Uniformity and Hardness

At the heart of the Elite Pro Target's superior performance is Kent's exclusive Diamond Shot. This isn't just standard lead shot; it's a meticulously processed and highly polished material that redefines shot consistency.

• Uniformity for Consistently Tight Patterns: The rigorous polishing process ensures that each pellet within the load is as uniform as possible in size and shape. Why is this critical? Uniform pellets fly true, reducing aerodynamic drag variations and preventing flyers. This translates directly into incredibly tight and predictable shot patterns downrange. When you call for a target, you want a dense, even pattern that maximizes your chances of a clean break. Diamond Shot delivers exactly that. For shooters who ask, "How can I get tighter patterns from my shotgun?" or "What shot material is best for consistent breaks?", the uniformity of Diamond Shot is a significant answer.
• Superior Hardness for Increased Energy on Target: Beyond uniformity, Diamond Shot boasts a hardness level significantly greater than standard lead shot. This enhanced hardness is vital for two primary reasons:
  • Resists Deformation: During the violent acceleration of firing and as the shot travels down the barrel, softer lead shot can deform, leading to erratic flight paths and opening patterns. Diamond Shot resists this deformation, maintaining its spherical integrity for optimal ballistic performance.
  • Enhanced Target Energy: Because the pellets retain their shape and don't deform on impact, they transfer more kinetic energy to the clay target. This means more definitive breaks, even on the fringes of the pattern, providing a crucial advantage in competitive scenarios where every chip counts. For those wondering, "How does shot hardness affect performance?", the answer is clear: harder shot means more effective and consistent target destruction.

Nickel-Plated Heads: Smooth and Reliable Ejection, Every Time

In high-volume shooting sports like trap, skeet, or sporting clays, speed and reliability are paramount. There's nothing more frustrating than a spent shell failing to eject cleanly, costing you valuable time and focus. The Kent Elite Pro Target addresses this with its nickel-plated heads.

• Reduced Friction: The nickel plating creates an exceptionally smooth surface on the shell base. This reduces friction between the shell and the chamber, allowing for incredibly smooth and consistent extraction and ejection.
• Corrosion Resistance: Nickel plating also provides an added layer of corrosion resistance, ensuring that shells perform reliably even in varying weather conditions or after prolonged storage.
• Uninterrupted Shooting Flow: For competitive shooters, consistent, reliable ejection means you can maintain your rhythm and focus entirely on the next target, without worrying about malfunctions. If your question is, "What causes shotgun shell ejection problems?" or "How can I ensure reliable feeding and extraction during a competition?", the design of the nickel-plated head is a key component of the solution.

Custom Blended Powders: Clean Burning for Peak Performance and Longevity

A common complaint among shotgun shooters is excessive residue left behind by ammunition, leading to frequent gun cleaning and potential performance degradation over extended shooting sessions. Kent Cartridge tackles this with their custom-blended powders.

• Clean Burning: These proprietary powder blends are formulated to burn exceptionally clean, leaving minimal residue in the barrel and action of your shotgun.
• Consistent Performance: Clean-burning powder contributes to more consistent velocities shot after shot, as there's less fouling to interfere with the ballistic process.
• Reduced Maintenance: Less residue means less time spent cleaning your firearm and more time shooting. It also contributes to the longevity of your shotgun by reducing abrasive build-up. For shooters who ask, "What are the benefits of clean-burning shotgun ammunition?" or "How can I reduce shotgun fouling?", Kent's custom powder blend is a direct answer.

Optimal Velocities (1290 fps): The Sweet Spot for Multiple Disciplines

The Kent Elite Pro Target 12 Gauge ammunition is loaded to an optimal muzzle velocity of 1290 feet per second (fps). This specific velocity is not arbitrary; it's carefully chosen to provide an ideal balance for a variety of clay target disciplines.

• Versatility Across Disciplines: Whether you're shooting American Trap, Olympic Skeet, or complex Sporting Clays presentations, 1290 fps offers a blend of speed and manageable recoil. It provides enough energy to break targets cleanly at various ranges while keeping felt recoil at a level that allows for comfortable high-volume shooting.
• Consistent Leads: Shooters develop a feel for the lead required based on ammunition velocity. A consistent, optimal velocity helps maintain that critical timing and muscle memory across different shooting scenarios. If you're wondering, "What is the ideal velocity for trap shooting?" or "How does muzzle velocity affect my lead on clay targets?", 1290 fps is a proven, high-performance sweet spot.

Who Is the Kent Elite Pro Target Ammunition For?

This ammunition is purpose-built for discerning shooters who demand the best from their equipment.

• Competitive Clay Target Shooters: From local club competitions to major championships in Trap, Skeet, and Sporting Clays, these shells provide the consistency and reliability needed to climb the leaderboard.
• Serious Hobbyists and Enthusiasts: If you spend significant time at the range honing your skills and want every shot to count, the Elite Pro Target series offers a tangible improvement in performance and shooting enjoyment.
• Shooting Instructors and Coaches: Providing students with high-quality, consistent ammunition helps them focus on technique without being hampered by equipment variability.
• Shooting Clubs and Ranges: For high-volume use, the clean-burning and reliable ejection features reduce wear on firearms and simplify range maintenance.

Real-World Applications and Why it Matters

Let's explore how the Kent Elite Pro Target directly addresses common challenges and goals in clay shooting:

• Improving Trap Scores: In trap, the emphasis is on breaking quickly departing targets with a dense, consistent pattern. The Diamond Shot's uniformity and hardness ensure that you're delivering maximum energy to the target, even as it speeds away. The reliable ejection allows for quick follow-up shots in doubles.
• Mastering Skeet: Skeet demands rapid target acquisition and smooth transitions between stations. The clean burn and reliable ejection minimize distractions, allowing you to maintain your flow. The optimal velocity aids in consistent lead judgment on crossing targets.
• Conquering Sporting Clays: Sporting clays presents the most diverse array of targets. The versatility of the 12 Gauge 1 oz 7.5 shot at 1290 fps makes this load adaptable to everything from close-in quartering birds to distant rabbits and battues, offering the balance of power and pattern density needed for varying presentations.
• Reducing Fatigue During Long Sessions: The carefully balanced load, combined with a consistent powder burn, helps manage felt recoil. This is crucial for shooters who spend hours at the range, minimizing fatigue and allowing for sustained focus and performance.

Choosing the Right Ammunition: A Quick Guide

When selecting shotgun ammunition, several factors come into play. Here's how the Kent Elite Pro Target excels in key areas:

• Gauge: 12 Gauge is the most popular and versatile choice for clay target sports, offering a balance of payload and recoil management.
• Shell Length: 2.75" is the standard length for 12 Gauge target loads, compatible with virtually all modern shotguns.
• Shot Size: 7.5 shot is widely regarded as the perfect balance for all clay target disciplines. It provides enough pellets for a dense pattern while each pellet carries sufficient energy to break the target cleanly.
• Shot Weight: 1 ounce is a common and effective payload for target shooting, providing a good balance between pellet count and manageable recoil.
• Velocity: The 1290 fps velocity of the Elite Pro Target is calibrated for optimal performance across a range of target presentations without excessive recoil.

Why Trust Kent Cartridge?

Kent Cartridge has built a reputation for producing high-quality, performance-driven ammunition. Their dedication to using premium components and proprietary technologies, like Diamond Shot and custom-blended powders, reflects a deep understanding of what shooters need to succeed. When you choose Kent Elite Pro Target, you're not just buying ammunition; you're investing in meticulously engineered cartridges designed for precision and consistent results.

This product, identified by UPC 656308110172, is available for purchase at DEGuns, your trusted source for high-quality firearms and ammunition. DEGuns is committed to providing shooters with the best products to enhance their experience and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Shotgun Ammunition for Clay Sports

Q: What is the best shot size for clay target shooting?
A: For most clay target disciplines like trap, skeet, and sporting clays, 7.5 shot is universally considered the ideal size. It offers an excellent balance between pellet count for dense patterns and individual pellet energy for consistent breaks.

Q: How does shot material affect my shooting performance?
A: The quality of the shot material, like Kent's Diamond Shot, significantly impacts performance. Superior hardness and uniformity lead to tighter, more consistent patterns, better energy transfer to the target, and fewer deformed pellets, ultimately resulting in more breaks and higher scores.

Q: Why is clean-burning powder important for shotgun shells?
A: Clean-burning powder reduces residue buildup in your firearm's barrel and action. This means less frequent cleaning, more consistent performance over long shooting sessions, and contributes to the longevity of your shotgun. It ensures reliability shot after shot without performance degradation due to fouling.

Q: What does "optimal velocity" mean for target ammunition?
A: Optimal velocity means the ammunition is loaded to a speed that provides the best balance of target-breaking energy, pattern density, and manageable felt recoil across various shooting scenarios. For the Kent Elite Pro Target, 1290 fps is that sweet spot, offering versatility for multiple disciplines.

Q: How does the length of a shotgun shell affect its use?
A: The 2.75" length for 12 gauge shells is the most common and versatile size for target shooting. It fits the vast majority of 12 gauge shotguns and is suitable for all clay target disciplines. Ensure your shotgun is chambered for 2.75" or longer shells.

Q: Can I use this ammunition for hunting?
A: While highly effective for breaking clay targets, Kent Elite Pro Target ammunition (with 7.5 shot) is specifically designed for sport shooting. For hunting, different shot sizes and loads are typically recommended based on the game being pursued. Always check local hunting regulations and appropriate ammunition types.

Q: How important is consistent ejection in competitive shooting?
A: Extremely important. In competitive shooting, every second counts. A shell that fails to eject cleanly can cost you a target, a pair, or even a round. Features like the nickel-plated heads in Kent Elite Pro Target shells ensure smooth, reliable ejection, allowing you to maintain your focus and shooting rhythm without interruption.

Product Specifications Summary

The Kent Cartridge E12P2875 Elite Pro Target 12 Gauge ammunition offers a robust set of specifications tailored for superior clay target shooting.

Feature	Detail
Brand	Kent Cartridge
Series	Pro Target
Model	Elite
Gauge	12 Gauge
Shot Material	Diamond
Shot Size	7.5
Rounds Per Box	25
Muzzle Velocity	1290 fps
Length	2.75"
Application	Sport Shooting
Ounces	1 oz
Boxes Per Case	10
SKU	130440
UPC	656308110172
MPN	E12P2875