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Innovation has swept across every facet of hunting, but perhaps none more relevant to making us more effective bird hunters than the rapid advancements in modern shotshells. Following the USFWS imposed lead ban in 1991, waterfowl hunters griped about the terminal performance, or lack thereof, of steel-loaded shotshells. Fast forward 31 years, steel still has its limitations, but thanks to rapidly advancing technology and modern manufacturing processes, the terminal gap between steel and lead has been drastically reduced. Kent Cartridge’s newest release, Fasteel+ , is a prime example of a modern steel load delivering deadly, dense patterns at neck-breaking speeds.
Kent Cartridge originally addressed the downfall of steel by diving headfirst into speed technology and manipulating powder blends to safely increase velocity and terminal performance. In 1998, Kent launched their original Fasteel line of non-toxic shotshells which pushed payloads north of 1,500 FPS and became a flagship load for die-hard waterfowl enthusiasts for 21 years. In 2019, Kent revamped the Fasteel lineup with the launch of Fasteel 2.0 . These loads utilized many of the same technologies and powder blends as the original Fasteel, but the payload now consisted of zinc-plated steel and the shotshell received an upgraded nickel-plated head, both of which were designed to combat corrosion. Kent’s new Fasteel+ is the next generation in the trusted Fasteel line, combining 25 years of innovation and experience into the best steel load that Kent Cartridge has ever produced—and that is saying something.
The new Fasteel+ utilizes a layered, binary payload that consists of two different shot sizes for an increased pellet count with amazing downrange performance. (Photo courtesy of Colton Heward) From the Field to the Factory Inspiration often comes from simple conversations. The foundation of Fasteel+ originated from an exchange between Jeff Barry, Vice-President of Kent Cartridge, and an experienced waterfowl guide while hunting sea ducks along the Maryland seaboard. “My friend and I were discussing effective shot sizes, leaning towards #1 and #2 shot for hearty sea ducks, when our guide piped in on the discussion. Based on his extensive experience, he preferred smaller shot sizes to increase pellet count and subsequently increase the likelihood of knocking that bird out of the sky,” said Barry. “Coming from him, I knew there was merit to his opinion.”
Barry continued, “You can’t discount the energy that a larger pellet gives, so we set out to develop a new load that would accomplish both a dense, high pellet count pattern, while still maintaining sufficient down-range energy.” With a lofty goal set, engineers at Kent went to work and Fasteel+ was born.
Kent incorporated many of the same technologies and features used in the Fasteel 2.0 line into Fasteel+ with one major difference: Fasteel+ utilizes a layered, binary payload consisting of two different shot sizes to accomplish their goal of increased pellet count and down-range performance. Through extensive testing, engineers at Kent figured out that the larger shot in the layered payload produced a drafting effect for the smaller shot and subsequently delivered incredibly tight and uniform patterns, even at extended distances.
Field Testing Kent Fasteel+ With the promise of increased pattern densities, I was anxious to do some testing of my own. One thing that Barry stressed when I visited with him is that they wanted to produce a shotshell that delivered impressive pattern performance regardless of the choke being used. With that in mind, I left my after-market chokes at home and threaded in the factory modified choke from Benelli into my Super Black Eagle 3 . My test loads were 3-inch shotshells loaded with 1 1/4 oz. 2x4 shot. As advertised, the pattern results were impressive. At 40-yards, 154 pellets were evenly distributed across the 30-inch circle, resulting in a 78 percent pattern density. The results at 50-yards were equally as notable, with a pattern density of 61 percent, and not a single hole big enough for a sparrow to make it through, let alone a teal.
Along with the premium pattern performance, Fasteel+ delivers plenty of downrange energy with an advertised muzzle velocity of 1,450 fps. Fasteel+, loaded with a 2x4 payload, achieves equivalent down range energy of a straight payload of #2 pellets, while increasing the number of pellets being sent downrange by 20 to 25 percent. More pellets on target equals less cripples, more birds in the bag, and extremely happy hunters.
No matter your waterfowl pursuit, Kent created a Fasteel+ load that will deliver devastating results. The 4x6 payload is ideal for flighty, early-season teal or fluttering mallards in the timber while the 2x4 loads thrive on late-season mallards and a wide variety of densely plumed divers. For the serious goose hunter, the BBx2 loads pack the necessary punch to penetrate the dense down and break bones of honkers fluttering overhead or skirting your decoy spread. Kent also released a 2x4 and 4x6 20-gauge option for the sub-gauge fanatics like myself.
There has never been a better time to be a waterfowl hunter than now with a smorgasbord of impressive flight stopping non-toxic shotshells to choose from. I plan on utilizing the Fasteel+ loads this winter on big greenheads and will report back on how they perform in the field. However, based on the pattern results and extensive field-testing that Kent has put them through over the past two years, I have zero doubt that Fasteel+ will live up to their slogan of “Next Level Lethal.”