Remington Sportsman Hi-Speed Steel 12 Gauge Ammunition: Your Trusted Choice for Ethical Waterfowl and Upland Hunting

For passionate waterfowl and upland bird hunters, the choice of ammunition is paramount. It's not just about pulling the trigger; it's about precision, reliability, and ensuring an ethical harvest while adhering to modern hunting regulations. The Remington Ammunition Sportsman Hi-Speed Steel 12 Gauge 3" 1 1/4 oz #2 Shot stands as a testament to this commitment, offering a high-performance, economical solution designed to meet the demands of challenging hunting environments and non-toxic shot requirements.

This specialized steel shotshell is engineered for the discerning hunter who seeks consistent performance in adverse weather conditions, exceptional pattern density for clean kills, and the kinetic energy needed to bring down ducks, geese, and upland birds effectively. Whether you're navigating the chilly dawn of an early duck season, setting up over decoys, or pursuing game in areas mandating non-toxic ammunition, Remington's Sportsman Hi-Speed Steel delivers the confidence you need when it matters most.

Unpacking the Engineering: What Makes This Ammunition Stand Out?

At the core of the Remington Sportsman Hi-Speed Steel's superior performance are several meticulously designed features that contribute to its reliability and effectiveness in the field.

• Sealed Primer: This is a critical component for hunters who brave wet, marshy, or humid environments. A sealed primer prevents moisture intrusion, which is a common cause of misfires in less robust ammunition. When you're out in the elements, facing rain, snow, or the dampness of a duck blind, you need your ammunition to perform flawlessly every single time. The sealed primer ensures consistent ignition, providing peace of mind and reducing the frustration of a missed shot due to environmental factors.
• High-Quality Steel Shot: Unlike traditional lead shot, steel shot is non-toxic and increasingly required in many hunting areas, especially near waterways or protected habitats. Remington utilizes high-quality steel shot that maintains its spherical integrity, contributing to tighter, more uniform patterns. This consistency is vital for maximizing the number of pellets on target, which translates directly to improved knockdown power and more humane kills. Modern steel shot technology has advanced significantly, dispelling old myths about its effectiveness, and this Remington load is a prime example of that progress.
• Consistent Muzzle Velocities (1400 fps): The rapid and consistent muzzle velocity of 1400 feet per second (fps) is a key factor in the superior performance of this ammunition. High velocity ensures a flatter trajectory, requiring less lead on fast-moving targets like waterfowl. More importantly, consistency in velocity means that every shot behaves predictably, allowing hunters to fine-tune their aim and leading for repeatable success. This consistency is crucial for effective pattern development and reliable energy delivery downrange, ensuring that the pellets arrive with sufficient force to incapacitate game.

These combined features create a shotshell that is not only reliable in the harshest conditions but also delivers exceptional pattern density and retained energy, critical for effective and ethical hunting.

Solving the Hunter's Dilemma: Why Non-Toxic Steel Shot?

Many hunters often ask, "Why do I need to use steel shot instead of lead?" The answer lies in environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance. Lead, while traditionally effective, is a toxic substance that can harm wildlife, especially birds that ingest spent shot. Consequently, many jurisdictions, particularly those near wetlands or migratory bird flyways, mandate the use of non-toxic shot for waterfowl and, increasingly, for certain upland game species.

Remington's Sportsman Hi-Speed Steel directly addresses this need. It's an economically viable, high-performance option that allows hunters to comply with regulations without compromising on the quality of their hunt. It performs exceptionally well for:

• Early Duck Seasons: When ducks are fast and conditions can be unpredictable, the high-speed nature and reliable ignition are invaluable.
• Over Decoys: For close to medium range shots over a spread, the excellent pattern density ensures a higher probability of striking vital areas for a clean harvest.
• Upland Situations Requiring Non-Toxic Shotshells: In areas where non-toxic shot is required for species like pheasant, grouse, or chukar, this load offers versatility beyond just waterfowl.

This ammunition empowers hunters to continue their traditions responsibly, knowing they are using a product that is both effective in the field and mindful of the environment.

Deep Dive into the Specifications: Understanding Your 12 Gauge Ammunition

For those who want to understand the finer points of their hunting ammunition, here’s a closer look at the specifications of the Remington Sportsman Hi-Speed Steel:

• Gauge: 12 Gauge: The 12 gauge is by far the most popular and versatile shotgun gauge in the world, offering a wide range of loads suitable for various hunting applications. Its broad appeal means excellent availability of firearms and ammunition.
• Length: 3 inches: A 3-inch shotshell provides a greater powder capacity and allows for a heavier payload of shot compared to the more common 2 ¾-inch shells. This extra capacity contributes to increased power and the ability to propel 1 1/4 ounces of shot effectively, making it ideal for larger birds or longer shots. Ensure your shotgun is chambered for 3-inch shells before use.
• Ounces: 1 1/4 oz: This indicates the weight of the steel shot payload. A 1 1/4-ounce payload delivers a substantial number of pellets, increasing the chances of hitting the target and distributing energy effectively for a clean kill. It's a generous payload for a steel load, ensuring robust performance.
• Shot Material: Steel: As discussed, steel is chosen for its non-toxic properties, making it compliant with environmental regulations in many hunting zones. Modern steel shot is hard and uniform, which aids in maintaining tight patterns.
• Shot Size: #2: For waterfowl, #2 steel shot is considered a versatile choice. It offers a good balance between pellet count and individual pellet energy. It's effective for a range of waterfowl, from medium-sized ducks to smaller geese, delivering sufficient punch without being overly large or small for typical decoying ranges.
• Muzzle Velocity: 1400 fps: This high velocity contributes to a flatter trajectory and less lead required on flying targets, making it easier to connect with fast-moving birds.
• Rounds Per Box: 25: Standard packaging for shotgun shells, providing enough ammunition for a good day out or for patterning your shotgun.
• Boxes Per Case: 10: This means a full case contains 250 rounds, which is often preferred by serious waterfowl hunters for bulk purchasing and ensuring they have ample supply for multiple trips.

Optimizing Your Hunt: Tips for Using Steel Shot

While Remington Sportsman Hi-Speed Steel is designed for optimal performance, understanding a few key aspects can further enhance your hunting success:

• Choke Selection: Steel shot is harder than lead. It's generally recommended to use more open chokes (like Modified or Improved Cylinder) with steel shot to prevent damage to your barrel and to achieve better patterns. Full chokes are often not recommended for steel shot, especially older shotguns. Always consult your shotgun manufacturer's recommendations.
• Pattern Your Shotgun: Before heading into the field, it's crucial to pattern your shotgun with the specific ammunition you intend to use. This involves shooting at large paper targets at various ranges (e.g., 20, 30, 40 yards) to see how the pellets spread. This will give you a clear understanding of your shotgun's effective range with Remington Sportsman Hi-Speed Steel and help you make more precise shots.
• Leading Flying Birds: Due to steel's lighter density compared to lead, it can lose energy and velocity slightly faster. While this Remington load is high-speed (1400 fps), practicing your leads on flying targets is always beneficial to compensate for any perceived differences from lead loads you might be accustomed to.

Reliability and Reputation: The Remington Legacy

Remington Ammunition has a storied history spanning over 200 years, establishing itself as a pillar in the American shooting and hunting community. The brand is synonymous with innovation, quality, and a deep understanding of what hunters and shooters need. When you choose Remington Sportsman Hi-Speed Steel, you're not just buying ammunition; you're investing in a legacy of performance and reliability that hunters have trusted for generations. This commitment to excellence ensures that each round you load is manufactured to the highest standards, offering consistent performance shot after shot.

Frequently Asked Questions about Remington Sportsman Hi-Speed Steel

Q: Is Remington Sportsman Hi-Speed Steel suitable for hunting large geese?
A: Yes, the #2 shot size, combined with the 1 1/4 oz payload and high velocity of 1400 fps, makes this load effective for larger waterfowl, including many species of geese, especially at typical decoying ranges. For very large, high-flying geese, some hunters might opt for larger steel shot sizes like BB or BBB, but #2 remains a versatile and often successful choice.

Q: Why is steel shot required in some hunting areas?
A: Steel shot is required in many areas, particularly wetlands, national wildlife refuges, and waterways, to prevent lead contamination of the environment. Lead is toxic to wildlife if ingested, and prohibiting lead shot helps protect waterfowl and other birds from lead poisoning.

Q: How does this ammunition perform in cold weather?
A: Remington Sportsman Hi-Speed Steel features a sealed primer, which is crucial for reliable ignition in cold, damp, or adverse weather conditions. This design ensures consistent performance even when temperatures drop and moisture is present, making it an excellent choice for late-season waterfowl hunts.

Q: What's the best way to pattern my shotgun with this load?
A: To pattern your shotgun effectively, use large paper or cardboard targets placed at realistic hunting distances (e.g., 30-40 yards). Fire several shots, then analyze the distribution of pellets within a 30-inch circle. This will show you your shotgun's most effective range and preferred choke for this specific ammunition. Remember to use a choke suitable for steel shot, generally Modified or Improved Cylinder.

Q: Where can I reliably purchase Remington Sportsman Hi-Speed Steel ammunition?
A: You can find Remington Ammunition Sportsman Hi-Speed Steel and a wide selection of other trusted hunting supplies at DEGuns.com, a reputable retailer known for its comprehensive inventory and customer service.

When you're preparing for your next waterfowl or upland hunt, choosing the right ammunition can make all the difference. Remington Sportsman Hi-Speed Steel 12 Gauge offers an optimized blend of features designed to deliver consistent, ethical, and reliable performance, ensuring that your time in the field is as productive as it is enjoyable.

Product Specifications

Attribute	Value
Brand	Remington Ammunition
Category	Shotshell Steel Loads
Series	Hi-Speed Steel
Model	Sportsman
Gauge	12 Gauge
Shot Material	Steel
Shot Size	2
Rounds Per Box	25
Muzzle Velocity	1400 fps
Game Type	Waterfowl
Length	3"
Application	Hunting
Ounces	1 1 / 4 oz
Boxes Per Case	10
UPC	047700331003