For serious hunters and sport shooters who demand peak performance and unwavering reliability in the field, the choice of ammunition is paramount.

The right shotgun shell can make all the difference between a successful hunt and a missed opportunity, especially when targeting resilient game or engaging at longer distances. If you've ever asked yourself, "What's the best ammunition for challenging waterfowl hunts?" or "How can I achieve consistent, powerful patterns with my 12-gauge for large game?", then understanding the capabilities of specific loads becomes critical. This comprehensive guide explores one such standout option: the Remington Ammunition Sportsman 12 Gauge 3" 1 3/8 oz 2 Shot.

This particular ammunition is engineered to solve a common problem faced by hunters: delivering sufficient knockdown power and dense patterns required for larger birds and small game without compromising on reliability. It's specifically designed for situations where a standard load might fall short, providing the added punch needed for decisive results.

Unpacking the Power: Features and Their Impact

At its core, the Remington Sportsman load in 12-gauge is a testament to meticulous engineering for demanding applications. Let's break down what each specification means for you in the field:

• 12 Gauge Dominance: The 12-gauge shotgun remains arguably the most popular and versatile firearm for hunting across North America and beyond. Its widespread adoption is due to its adaptability, capable of handling everything from light target loads to heavy magnum hunting shells. The Remington Sportsman leverages the full potential of this platform, offering a powerful option for your trusted 12-gauge. This gauge is favored by hunters because it strikes an excellent balance between manageable recoil (especially in heavier shotguns) and the ability to launch substantial payloads, making it highly effective for a wide range of game from upland birds to deer (with slugs) and, importantly, waterfowl. For shooters looking to optimize their 12-gauge for specific scenarios, this ammunition provides a clear answer.
• 3-Inch Magnum Payload: The "3-inch" designation refers to the shell's length when unfired. This is a magnum-length shell, meaning it's capable of holding a larger charge of powder and a heavier payload of shot compared to standard 2 ¾-inch shells. This extended length allows for increased muzzle velocity and, crucially, a greater number of pellets, translating directly into more kinetic energy downrange and denser patterns. When you need to reach out further or ensure maximum pellets hit your target, a 3-inch shell like this Remington Sportsman load is indispensable. It's the go-to choice for hunters who understand that more pellets and higher velocity lead to a higher probability of clean, ethical kills, especially on tough birds like geese or large ducks.
• 1 3/8 Ounce Shot Payload: This is a substantial payload for a shotgun shell, weighing in at 1 3/8 ounces. A heavier shot charge means more pellets are being sent downrange, significantly increasing the probability of striking your target with multiple pellets and delivering ample energy transfer for effective takedowns. For the hunter, this translates to improved pattern density and better performance at extended ranges. Whether you're pass-shooting ducks high overhead or encountering a wary goose, this generous shot weight ensures that your pattern delivers a concentrated punch, enhancing your chances of a successful shot. It is a critical component for achieving those reliable, tight patterns that waterfowl hunters covet.
• #2 Shot Size: The Versatile Heavy Hitter: The choice of #2 shot is a deliberate one for the Remington Sportsman line, catering to hunters pursuing larger birds and small game where penetration and energy retention are key.
  • Waterfowl: For duck hunting, especially for larger species like mallards, canvasbacks, or pintails, #2 shot provides an excellent balance of pellet count and individual pellet energy. It retains energy well over distance, allowing for effective shots on high-flying birds. For goose hunting, #2 shot is often considered a minimum, offering adequate penetration for Canada geese and other large goose species. It delivers the necessary punch to break through feathers and reach vital organs, ensuring humane kills.
  • Upland Game (Specific Use): While typically heavier than necessary for smaller upland birds like quail or dove, #2 shot can be surprisingly effective for larger upland game such as pheasants, particularly late-season pheasants that have developed thicker plumage. Its increased stopping power can be an advantage when trying to bring down a robust pheasant swiftly.
  • Small Game/Predators: For small predators like coyotes or foxes, especially at moderate ranges, #2 shot can be a viable option, providing good penetration and a decent pattern for body shots. However, ethical hunting always dictates using the right tool for the job, and understanding the effective range of shotgun pellets is crucial.
  • Why Not Other Sizes? While smaller shot like #4 or #6 offers more pellets, they lose energy faster and may lack the penetration needed for larger game. Larger shot like BB or Buckshot might offer more energy per pellet but drastically reduce the pellet count, making it harder to achieve dense patterns at range. #2 shot hits a sweet spot, making it a highly versatile and potent choice.

Real-World Scenarios: Where This Ammunition Shines

Imagine these common hunting situations and how the Remington Sportsman 12 Gauge 3" 1 3/8 oz 2 Shot provides the ideal solution:

• Pass Shooting Waterfowl: You're positioned strategically as flocks of ducks or geese fly by, often at considerable speeds and altitudes. Standard loads might cripple rather than dispatch. This Remington load, with its heavy payload and #2 shot, ensures maximum pellet energy and a dense pattern, significantly increasing your chances of cleanly bringing down birds as they pass overhead. It answers the question, "What shotgun shells are best for long-range duck and goose hunting?"
• Decoy Spreads in Gusty Conditions: Wind can play havoc with a shot pattern, and birds approaching decoys might still require a solid hit. The higher individual pellet energy of #2 shot helps cut through wind effects, and the 1 3/8 oz payload provides enough pellets to compensate for slight wind drift, maintaining a lethal pattern.
• Late-Season Pheasant Hunts: As the season progresses, pheasants become tougher, warier, and more resilient, often requiring more stopping power. While some hunters might opt for #4 shot, the #2 offers an undeniable advantage in terms of penetration and kinetic energy, ensuring a decisive take-down when these formidable birds flush.
• General Purpose Heavy Game Load: For hunters who want a reliable, hard-hitting 12-gauge load that can handle a variety of larger game species or situations where robust performance is key, this Remington Sportsman offering serves as an excellent all-around option. It simplifies ammunition choice for many, delivering consistent results.

Key Performance Attributes and Trust-Building Signals

Remington Ammunition has a long-standing legacy of producing reliable and effective ammunition, and the Sportsman line continues this tradition. When evaluating ammunition, several factors contribute to its overall performance and trustworthiness:

• Consistent Patterning: One of the hallmarks of quality shotgun ammunition is its ability to produce consistent, dense patterns. The Remington Sportsman line is designed for uniform shot distribution, ensuring that your target receives a well-distributed impact, which is vital for ethical hunting. This is achieved through carefully selected wads and a balanced load.
• Reliable Ignition: Every hunter knows the frustration of a misfire. Remington loads are known for their reliable primers and consistent powder charges, ensuring that every shell ignites reliably, even in challenging environmental conditions, from cold damp mornings to hot, dry afternoons. This contributes directly to the trust a hunter places in their ammunition.
• Optimal Velocity: While specific velocity figures vary by batch and testing conditions, the 3-inch magnum configuration combined with a 1 3/8 oz payload and #2 shot implies a design optimized for achieving a balance of speed and downrange energy retention. Higher velocities mean less lead required on moving targets and flatter trajectories over typical shotgun ranges.
• Durable Construction: The shells themselves are built to withstand handling and varying field conditions. The crimp is firm, the hull material robust, and the brass base securely affixed, contributing to reliable feeding and extraction in a wide range of 12-gauge shotguns. This attention to detail reflects a commitment to quality.
• User Outcomes: Hunters who choose Remington Sportsman often report consistent clean kills, less need for follow-up shots, and overall satisfaction with the ammunition's performance in challenging hunting scenarios. This ammunition is not just about raw power; it's about delivering predictable and effective results when it matters most. It helps hunters answer, "How can I improve my success rate when hunting large waterfowl?" by providing a dependable component of their gear.

The Remington Legacy: A Brand You Can Trust

When selecting ammunition, the brand's reputation matters. Remington Ammunition has been a cornerstone of the shooting sports and hunting community for over 200 years. This extensive history is built on a foundation of innovation, quality, and a deep understanding of what shooters and hunters need. The Sportsman series is a testament to this legacy, offering dependable performance at a value that makes it accessible to a wide range of enthusiasts. Choosing Remington means opting for a product backed by centuries of ballistic research and field-proven reliability. Their commitment to manufacturing standards ensures that each box of Remington Sportsman ammunition meets rigorous quality control, providing peace of mind to the hunter.

Where to Acquire This Essential Ammunition

For those seeking to equip themselves with this high-performance Remington Sportsman 12 Gauge 3" 1 3/8 oz 2 Shot, it is readily available for purchase at DEGuns.com. As a trusted provider of firearms, ammunition, and shooting accessories, DEGuns is committed to offering a comprehensive selection of products to meet the needs of every shooter and hunter. Their commitment to customer service and inventory management ensures that you can reliably find the ammunition you need to prepare for your next hunting expedition or shooting event. When you're ready to enhance your hunting success, look no further than DEGuns for your ammunition requirements.

In conclusion, the Remington Ammunition Sportsman 12 Gauge 3" 1 3/8 oz 2 Shot is more than just a box of shells; it's a carefully engineered solution for demanding hunting scenarios. It provides the power, pattern density, and reliability required to achieve ethical and successful outcomes on large waterfowl and select upland game. Its robust design and optimal shot size make it a top contender for hunters who refuse to compromise on performance. Whether you're a seasoned waterfowl hunter or looking to step up your game, this ammunition is poised to deliver the results you seek.

Feature	Description	UPC
Gauge	12 Gauge, widely known for its versatility and power in hunting and sport shooting.	047700020904
Shell Length	3 inches, indicating a magnum load designed for increased powder capacity and heavier shot payloads.
Shot Weight	1 3/8 ounces, providing a significant number of pellets for dense patterns and high energy transfer.
Shot Size	#2 Shot, an ideal size for waterfowl (ducks, geese) and larger upland game, balancing pellet count with penetration.
Quantity per Box	25 rounds per box, ensuring ample supply for a hunting trip or range session.
Quantity per Case	10 boxes per case, totaling 250 rounds for bulk purchasing and extended use.
Series	Sportsman, part of Remington's trusted line of reliable and effective hunting ammunition.