Kent Bismuth issue - always verify what you’re purchasing.

[ID2NM]

Just a quick reminder to always verify that what you buy is actually what you’re getting.

I ordered a case of #5 upland bismuth shells from Kent recently to give them a try instead of my usual steel loads. Like most folks, switched from steel to bismuth because I wanted to increase my pattern density, and according to Kent's website I should be getting around 248 pellets per shell in the configuration I ordered. Upon receiving the case I went ahead and cut a few open to confirm pellet counts.

I opened Three shells from three different boxes and all came in 20% below their advertised pellet counts (I.e. 195 pellets vs 248). I contacted them to initiate an exchange and they sent a return label so they could evaluate my claim. I sent them off immediately.

Just received the replacement case from “a recent production lot”, and the pellet counts are still 20% low. I’m now working on getting a refund of my money.

I spent a lot of money on these shells and it’s unacceptable that they are this far from the advertised counts. I don’t expect each shell to have exactly 248 pellets, but holy hell, 20% low is a giant f***-up on their end.

Long story short, trust but verify. Also, maybe pick a different ammo company (Boss, Federal) if you want to jump to bismuth shotshells. Kent appears to either have some serious issues with their production line or they are outright lying about their product specs.

 

[bigbassfish]

Kent's Marketing Team: Surely no one is going to cut these open and count out the pellets just throw a number on there to make it look good.

ID2NM: Hold my beer...

 

[MThuntr]

what did the total pellet count weigh?

 

[mullet dredge]

This is disappointing. I purchased a case of Kent Bismuth Waterfowl 20ga 3" 1oz #5s recently and have shot thru a couple boxes so far. No complaints but I will be cutting one open this afternoon to confirm.

 

[KurtR]

what did the total pellet count weigh?

That was exactly what i said to my self at first.

 

[Jesse Jaymes]

I bought the exact same shells (I think). And I patterned a few through my O/U and counted pellets. I had 197 in a 30" circle at 40 yards...so I had at LEAST that many in my shell.

Rather certain this is the EXACT same ammo you bough. 2 3/4 #5s Bismuth.

Had several in the 187 pellet count range as well.

 

[ID2NM]

That was exactly what i said to my self at first.

These were 2 3/4 inch, 1.25 oz, #5 shot. Advertised at 248 pellets per shell per their website. They weren’t even close to their advertised count.

Unfortunately I don’t have a sensitive enough scale to weigh them out to the Quarter oz. Not that it matters, either way they screwed up.

 

[ID2NM]

Kent's Marketing Team: Surely no one is going to cut these open and count out the pellets just throw a number on there to make it look good.

ID2NM: Hold my beer...

I spend $300 plus on anything and you bet your ass I’m gonna get what I paid for. That’s a lot of money these days, my guy.

 

[KurtR]

These were 2 3/4 inch, 1.25 oz, #5 shot. Advertised at 248 pellets per shell per their website. They weren’t even close to their advertised count.

Unfortunately I don’t have a sensitive enough scale to weigh them out to the Quarter oz. Not that it matters, either way they screwed up.

Actually it does matter as they are loaded by weight not pellet count. If the shot is a fraction bigger than the original shot that could throw it off. A powder scale would weigh it just fine. That would tell you the truth if they are shorting you or not. It’s like rifle ammo it’s factory you want to be that picky it’s time to roll your own.

 

[ID2NM]

Actually it does matter as they are loaded by weight not pellet count. If the shot is a fraction bigger than the original shot that could throw it off. A powder scale would weigh it just fine. That would tell you the truth if they are shorting you or not. It’s like rifle ammo it’s factory you want to be that picky it’s time to roll your own.

So is it not a big deal they are sending me 4 shot when I ordered 5 shot? That’s a pretty significant fraction to be “off” by. I paid for 5 shot, I should get it.

If I pay for a gallon of milk and it says 1 gallon on the bottle, but there’s only 3 quarts in there, do I not have the right to be pissed off?

I’m not being picky. I don’t expect perfection. If they are off by a few pellets, sure, that’s to be expected given the manufacturer process like you stated. Being off by 20% of their claimed counts is far beyond what’s acceptable, though. If that’s within their tolerances then they are screwing people over.

 

[bigbassfish]

I get it man, just giving you a hard time. If you live near a harbor freight, you can pick up a 1000 gram scale for less than 20 bucks that would weigh it out for ya.