Kent Cartridge Fasteel 20 Gauge Ammunition: The Upland Hunter's Choice for Non-Toxic Performance

For dedicated upland bird hunters, the pursuit of pheasants, grouse, quail, and dove demands not only skill and patience but also the right equipment. Central to successful and ethical hunting is the choice of ammunition. The Kent Cartridge K202US246 Fasteel 20 Gauge 2.75" 7/8 oz #6 Shot stands out as a premier option, specifically engineered to meet the rigorous demands of upland environments while adhering to the critical need for non-toxic shot. This specialized ammunition is a game-changer for hunters seeking reliable performance, exceptional velocity, and a commitment to environmental stewardship.

Why Choose Kent Fasteel 20 Gauge for Upland Hunting?

Many hunters often ask, "What's the best shotgun shell for upland birds, especially where non-toxic shot is required?" Or perhaps, "How can I achieve maximum performance with a 20-gauge shotgun for pheasants?" Kent Fasteel answers these questions directly. Designed as an all-weather solution, it delivers astounding effectiveness for steel loads, ensuring that whether you're facing crisp autumn mornings or challenging damp conditions, your ammunition performs consistently. The integration of premium components, including meticulously selected powders, propels the steel shot at exceptional velocities, giving hunters the edge they need for clean, decisive shots on fast-moving game.

The 20-gauge shotgun itself is a popular choice for upland hunting due to its lighter weight, reduced recoil compared to 12-gauge, and nimbleness, which is crucial when navigating dense cover. However, finding high-performance non-toxic loads for the 20 gauge can sometimes be a challenge. Kent Fasteel addresses this gap, providing a robust, high-velocity steel load specifically tailored for the 20-gauge platform.

Unrivaled Performance and Key Specifications for the Discerning Hunter

When evaluating ammunition, several factors contribute to its effectiveness. Kent Cartridge has meticulously balanced these elements in the Fasteel line to produce a superior hunting load. Here's a closer look at what makes this ammunition a top-tier choice:

• Gauge: 20 Gauge. Ideal for hunters who prefer a lighter, faster-swinging firearm without compromising on knockdown power when paired with high-performance loads.
• Shell Length: 2.75 inches. This standard length ensures compatibility with a vast majority of 20-gauge shotguns, offering reliable feeding and extraction.
• Shot Weight: 7/8 oz. A well-balanced payload that delivers ample shot count for effective patterns, ensuring multiple pellets connect with the target for clean kills.
• Shot Material: Steel. A non-toxic alternative to lead, increasingly mandated in various hunting areas, particularly wetlands or areas where environmental impact is a concern. Steel shot is harder than lead, maintaining its spherical shape better for tighter patterns over distance.
• Shot Size: #6. This versatile shot size is highly effective for a wide range of upland birds, including pheasants, grouse, quail, and chukars. It offers an excellent balance of pellet count and kinetic energy to humanely dispatch game.
• Muzzle Velocity: 1500 fps. This exceptional velocity is a hallmark of Kent Fasteel. High velocity translates to less lead required on crossing shots, a flatter trajectory, and superior energy transfer upon impact, leading to more decisive takedowns. This is a critical factor for many hunters asking, "What velocity do I need for effective steel shot performance?"
• Rounds Per Box: 25. Standard packaging for convenience in the field and at the range.
• Boxes Per Case: 10. Providing a total of 250 rounds per case, ideal for hunters stocking up for multiple seasons or extended hunting trips.

The Imperative of Non-Toxic Shot: Steel vs. Lead

As environmental awareness grows and conservation efforts expand, the use of non-toxic shot like steel has become not just a preference but a requirement in many hunting zones. This shift is primarily driven by concerns about lead's impact on wildlife and ecosystems. For hunters asking, "Why do I need to use non-toxic shot?" or "Is steel shot as effective as lead for upland hunting?" the answer lies in understanding modern ammunition advancements.

While traditional lead shot offers density advantages, modern steel shot, especially from manufacturers like Kent Cartridge, has been significantly improved to overcome earlier limitations. Kent Fasteel’s high-velocity design helps mitigate the lighter weight of steel, ensuring that energy on target is comparable to or even surpasses older lead loads. Furthermore, steel shot retains its spherical shape better than lead, resulting in tighter, more consistent shot patterns. This consistency is vital for achieving ethical, clean kills, especially when targeting birds at the outer limits of your effective range.

Choosing Kent Fasteel means participating in responsible hunting practices, contributing to the health of the environment, and ensuring the continued vitality of hunting grounds for future generations.

Optimal Use Cases: Who Benefits Most from Kent Fasteel?

• Upland Bird Enthusiasts: Those who regularly pursue pheasants, partridge, grouse, quail, and other upland species will find the #6 steel shot and high velocity perfectly calibrated for these quick, agile birds.
• Hunters in Non-Toxic Zones: If your hunting grounds are designated as non-toxic shot areas, Kent Fasteel provides a compliant and highly effective solution.
• 20-Gauge Advocates: Hunters who appreciate the lighter recoil and quicker handling of a 20-gauge shotgun will find this load maximizes their firearm's potential for upland game.
• All-Weather Hunters: The "all-weather" design means reliable performance whether it's dry and dusty, cold and crisp, or damp and drizzly. This consistency prevents misfires or reduced performance due to environmental conditions.

Maximizing Your Hunt with Kent Fasteel: Tips and Considerations

1. Choke Selection: Steel shot performs differently than lead. Generally, open chokes like Improved Cylinder or Modified are recommended for steel to achieve optimal patterns and prevent barrel damage (though modern barrels are usually steel-shot safe, always check your firearm's manual). Avoid excessively tight chokes like Full with steel shot.
2. Pattern Testing: Before your hunt, pattern your shotgun with Kent Fasteel at various distances (e.g., 25, 30, 35 yards). This will show you exactly how your firearm and choke combination performs with this specific load, helping you understand your effective range.
3. Leading Your Target: The high velocity of Fasteel helps reduce the amount of lead needed on flying birds. Practice swinging through the target and maintaining your lead.
4. Ethical Shot Placement: Always aim for the vital areas to ensure a quick and humane kill. The powerful performance of Fasteel aids in this, but hunter skill is paramount.
5. Ammunition Storage: Store your Kent Fasteel ammunition in a cool, dry place, away from extreme temperatures and humidity. Proper storage maintains the integrity of the primers, powder, and shot, ensuring reliable performance when you need it most.

The Kent Cartridge Legacy: Trust and Innovation

Kent Cartridge has built a sterling reputation among hunters and shooters worldwide by consistently delivering high-quality, reliable ammunition. Their commitment to innovation and utilizing premium components ensures that every shell performs to the highest standards. The Fasteel series is a testament to this dedication, providing hunters with confidence in every shot. When you choose Kent Cartridge, you're investing in decades of expertise and a brand that understands the nuanced demands of the field.

Hunters often inquire, "Which ammunition brand offers consistent performance for steel shot?" or "Where can I find reliable non-toxic loads?" Kent Cartridge consistently appears as a highly recommended and trusted brand, known for its rigorous quality control and dedication to crafting loads that perform in real-world hunting scenarios. Their Fasteel line, including this specific 20-gauge offering, is engineered to provide superior patterning, velocity, and knockdown power, critical attributes for successful upland hunting.

Your Source for Kent Fasteel Ammunition

For hunters looking to equip themselves with the best ammunition for their next upland adventure, the Kent Cartridge K202US246 Fasteel 20 Gauge 2.75" 7/8 oz #6 Shot is readily available. You can find this premium non-toxic ammunition and a wide array of other hunting essentials at DEGuns.com. DEGuns is committed to providing hunters with access to high-quality firearms, ammunition, and accessories, ensuring you have everything you need for a successful and ethical hunting season. Their extensive inventory and knowledgeable staff make them a trusted resource for all your shooting sports needs.

Investing in quality ammunition like Kent Fasteel means investing in more successful hunts, greater confidence in the field, and a contribution to sustainable hunting practices. Prepare for your next upland pursuit with the reliability and performance that only Kent Cartridge can deliver.

Product Specifications Overview

Feature	Detail	Additional Context
Brand	Kent Cartridge	Renowned for premium hunting ammunition.
Model	Upland Fasteel	Specifically designed for upland game hunting.
Gauge	20 Gauge	Popular for its lighter recoil and handling ease.
Shot Material	Steel	Non-toxic, environmentally responsible choice.
Shot Size	#6	Ideal for pheasant, grouse, quail, and other upland birds.
Rounds Per Box	25	Convenient packaging for field use.
Muzzle Velocity	1500 fps	Exceptional speed for flat trajectory and high energy.
Game Type	Upland	Optimized for a variety of upland game species.
Length	2.75"	Standard size, compatible with most 20-gauge shotguns.
Application	Hunting	Engineered for reliable performance in hunting scenarios.
Ounces	7/8 oz	Balanced payload for effective patterns.
Boxes Per Case	10	Bulk quantity for extended hunting seasons.
SKU	117403	Internal product identifier for DEGuns.
UPC	656308400969	Universal Product Code for easy identification.
MPN	K202US246	Manufacturer Part Number, specific to Kent Cartridge.