Remington Sportsman Hi-Speed Steel Shotgun Ammunition: The Ultimate Choice for Waterfowl and Varmint Hunters

For serious hunters who demand consistent performance and responsible non-toxic shot, Remington Ammunition's Sportsman Hi-Speed Steel in 12 Gauge, 3", 1 1/8 oz BB Shot (Product Number 20973) stands out as a premier selection. This ammunition is meticulously engineered to provide superior velocity, impressive patterns, and reliable knockdown power, making it an indispensable asset for pursuing migratory birds like geese and ducks, as well as effective for varmint control. When you're facing challenging conditions in the field and need every shot to count, trust in Remington's legacy of excellence.

Why Choose Remington Sportsman Hi-Speed Steel for Your Hunting Needs?

Hunting, especially for waterfowl, requires specialized ammunition that performs under diverse environmental conditions while adhering to crucial regulations. The Remington Sportsman Hi-Speed Steel BB load addresses these demands head-on.

Who is this ammunition for?

• Dedicated Waterfowl Hunters: Those targeting ducks, geese, and other migratory birds in wetlands, marshes, or over decoys, where non-toxic shot is mandated.
• Varmint and Predator Control Enthusiasts: Individuals looking for effective shotgun ammunition for species like coyotes, bobcats, or other larger predators at moderate ranges.
• Hunters Seeking High Velocity and Consistent Patterns: Anyone prioritizing speed and reliable shot delivery to ensure clean, ethical kills.
• Responsible Outdoorsmen: Hunters committed to using environmentally friendly ammunition that minimizes impact on sensitive ecosystems.

What problem does this ammunition solve?

• Environmental Compliance: It provides a reliable, non-toxic alternative to lead shot, crucial for hunting waterfowl in designated areas where lead is prohibited. This ensures you can hunt legally and responsibly.
• Stopping Power for Larger Game: The BB shot size, combined with high velocity, delivers significant energy transfer to effectively take down larger birds and medium-sized predators.
• Reliable Performance in Harsh Conditions: Designed to cycle smoothly and perform consistently in cold, wet, or demanding hunting environments.
• Consistent Pattern Density: Ensures a dense and uniform spread of pellets, maximizing the chances of hitting vital areas for a clean harvest.

Unpacking the Power of 12 Gauge, 3-inch, 1 1/8 oz BB Steel Shot

Let's delve deeper into the specific components of this ammunition and how they translate to superior field performance.

1. The Versatile 12 Gauge Platform:

The 12 gauge shotgun remains the most popular and versatile firearm for a wide array of hunting and shooting activities. Its capacity to handle various shot sizes and loads makes it an adaptable tool, and the Remington Sportsman Hi-Speed Steel BB load capitalizes on this versatility. Whether you're swinging on fast-flying ducks or setting up for a wary coyote, the 12 gauge provides ample power and range.

2. The Potent 3-inch Shell Length:

The 3-inch shell is considered a "magnum" load in the 12 gauge family, offering a significant increase in payload capacity and powder charge compared to standard 2 3/4-inch shells. This extra length allows for:

• Greater Shot Payload: While this specific load is 1 1/8 oz, 3-inch shells generally allow for more pellets, leading to denser patterns or larger shot sizes.
• Increased Velocity: More powder often translates to higher muzzle velocities, improving downrange energy and reducing lead time on moving targets.
• Enhanced Knockdown Power: The combination of higher velocity and potentially more pellets contributes to greater stopping power, critical for larger waterfowl or predators.
• Optimal for Waterfowl: Many modern waterfowl shotguns are chambered for 3-inch or even 3 1/2-inch shells to maximize their effectiveness with steel shot.

3. The Effectiveness of BB Steel Shot:

BB shot, with a diameter of approximately .180 inches (4.57mm), is a robust choice for several applications:

• Primary Waterfowl Choice: It's an excellent option for larger ducks (like mallards, pintails) and especially for geese (Canada geese, snow geese). The larger pellet size retains energy better at longer distances compared to smaller shot, delivering more decisive hits.
• Predator Control: For coyotes, bobcats, and foxes at typical shotgun ranges (within 40-50 yards), BB shot provides sufficient penetration and shock to be highly effective. The high pellet count relative to buckshot offers a wider pattern, increasing the chances of hitting a moving target.
• Non-Toxic Composition: As "steel shot," these pellets are made from a less dense material than lead. To compensate for this, steel shot often needs to be driven at higher velocities (hence "Hi-Speed") to maintain adequate downrange energy. This higher velocity also helps achieve sufficient penetration. Steel shot is also harder than lead, which helps it maintain its spherical shape, leading to tighter patterns.

4. The Advantage of 1 1/8 oz Payload:

A 1 1/8 oz payload in a 3-inch 12 gauge steel load offers a balanced approach:

• Sufficient Pellet Count: It provides a good number of BB pellets to create a dense and effective pattern for vital strikes on medium-to-large game.
• Manageable Recoil: While still a potent load, 1 1/8 oz typically produces more manageable recoil compared to heavier 1 1/4 oz or 1 1/2 oz loads, allowing for quicker follow-up shots and less shooter fatigue during extended hunts.
• Optimized Performance: This specific weight is often paired with a velocity of approximately 1550 feet per second (FPS), creating an optimal balance of speed, energy, and pattern density for the intended applications.

Real-World Scenarios and Common Questions Answered

Many hunters ponder which ammunition is best for specific situations. Here’s how Remington Sportsman Hi-Speed Steel BB addresses some common queries:

"What's the best ammunition for duck hunting in a wildlife refuge?"
For areas requiring non-toxic shot, Remington Sportsman Hi-Speed Steel BB is an excellent choice. Its high velocity and robust BB pellets ensure effective hits on a variety of duck species, particularly larger ones, at typical decoying ranges. The steel composition means you're compliant with regulations and hunting responsibly.

"Do I need steel shot for geese, or can I use lead?"
In most jurisdictions, especially for hunting geese over water or in wetlands, non-toxic shot like steel is legally mandated. Even in upland areas, many hunters choose steel for its environmental benefits. BB shot is frequently recommended for geese due to their larger size and tougher hides, providing the necessary energy for clean kills.

"How does 3-inch 12 gauge ammunition compare to other shells for waterfowl?"
Compared to 2 3/4-inch shells, 3-inch shells offer an increase in velocity and/or payload, translating to more power and potentially greater effective range, especially with less dense steel shot. While 3 1/2-inch shells offer even more payload, the 3-inch strikes a balance between power and manageable recoil, fitting most modern 12-gauge shotguns designed for waterfowl.

"What's a good shotgun ammo for coyote control?"
While buckshot is common for coyotes, Remington Sportsman Hi-Speed Steel BB can be a highly effective alternative, particularly for hunters who prefer a denser pattern. The BB size offers a good balance of penetration for the vitals of a coyote at typical shotgun ranges (e.g., within 40-50 yards) while providing more pellets than traditional buckshot, increasing the likelihood of a hit.

"What are the benefits of high-velocity steel shot?"
High-velocity steel shot (like the 1550 FPS of this Sportsman load) compensates for steel's lower density compared to lead. This increased speed helps maintain kinetic energy downrange, improving penetration and knockdown power. It also flattens the trajectory, making leading targets slightly easier, especially on fast-moving birds.

"How does the Remington Sportsman series stand out?"
The Remington Sportsman series is known for providing reliable performance at an accessible price point, making high-quality steel shot available to a broader range of hunters. It combines Remington's extensive experience in ammunition manufacturing with modern component technology to deliver consistent results in the field.

Key Features and Performance Advantages

Remington Sportsman Hi-Speed Steel BB is built with performance in mind, incorporating features that directly benefit the hunter:

• Optimized Steel Shot: Harder than lead, steel maintains its spherical shape better upon firing and impact, contributing to tighter patterns and deeper penetration. Its non-toxic nature is vital for responsible hunting.
• High Velocity (Approx. 1550 FPS): This impressive speed ensures that each BB pellet delivers maximum energy upon impact, providing decisive knockdown power on fast-moving targets and larger game.
• Robust Wad System: Remington employs a specialized wad system designed to protect the shotgun barrel from the harder steel pellets while ensuring a consistent, dense pattern downrange. This wad also helps optimize velocity and reduce felt recoil.
• Reliable Primers and Propellants: Each shell is loaded with consistent primers and carefully metered propellants to ensure uniform ignition and predictable ballistic performance, shot after shot, regardless of temperature or humidity.
• Durable Hull Construction: The shell's hull is engineered for reliable feeding and extraction in a wide range of semi-automatic and pump-action shotguns, minimizing potential malfunctions during critical moments in the field.
• Bulk Packaging (25 Bx/10 Cs): Supplied in cases of 250 rounds (10 boxes of 25), this bulk packaging is ideal for hunters who go through a lot of ammunition during the season or for those who want to stock up, offering convenience and often better value.

Enhancing Your Hunting Success

To maximize the effectiveness of your Remington Sportsman Hi-Speed Steel BB ammunition, consider these tips:

• Choke Selection: Steel shot generally patterns tighter than lead shot from the same choke. For waterfowl, a Modified or Improved Cylinder choke is often preferred with steel to achieve a broad yet dense pattern. Avoid using Full or Extra Full chokes with steel shot, as it can potentially damage your barrel, especially with older shotguns not rated for steel. Always check your shotgun manufacturer's recommendations.
• Patterning Your Shotgun: Before heading to the field, take the time to pattern your shotgun with this specific ammunition. This involves shooting at a large paper target at various distances (e.g., 30, 40, 50 yards) to see how the pellets distribute. This crucial step helps you understand your effective range and optimize your shooting.
• Lead Adjustment: Due to its higher velocity and different ballistics compared to lead, you may need to adjust your lead on fast-flying targets slightly. Practice on clays or at a shooting range to become accustomed to the feel and performance of the Sportsman Hi-Speed Steel.
• Storage: Store your ammunition in a cool, dry place to maintain its integrity and performance over time.

The Remington Legacy of Quality

Remington Ammunition boasts a rich history spanning over two centuries, during which it has consistently produced reliable and innovative ammunition for hunters, sport shooters, and law enforcement. The Sportsman series continues this tradition, offering dependable performance that hunters can count on when it matters most. By choosing Remington, you're not just buying ammunition; you're investing in decades of expertise and a commitment to quality that ensures your time in the field is productive and safe.

This specific Remington Sportsman Hi-Speed Steel load (Product Number 20973) is a testament to that commitment, providing the speed, power, and environmental responsibility demanded by today's discerning hunters. It's the ammunition you need to confidently pursue waterfowl and manage predators, knowing each shot is backed by Remington's proven performance.

When preparing for your next waterfowl season or embarking on a predator control outing, make sure your gear includes the reliable and high-performing Remington Sportsman Hi-Speed Steel BB Shot. It's available and ready to perform for you at DEGuns.

Product Specifications Overview

Feature	Detail
Gauge	12 Gauge
Shell Length	3 inches
Shot Weight	1 1/8 oz
Shot Size	BB (approx. .180" diameter)
Shot Material	Steel (Non-Toxic)
Muzzle Velocity	Approximately 1550 Feet Per Second (FPS)
Packaging	25 Rounds per Box, 10 Boxes per Case
Total Rounds	250 Rounds per Case
Product Number	20973
UPC	047700209739