Kent Ammo
Kent Cartridge Ammo: In Depth
Since its inception in 1996, Kent Cartridge has been at the forefront of innovation in the ammunition industry, especially known for its high-performance, non-toxic hunting loads. This pioneering spirit was born from a group of passionate sportsmen responding to the North American ban on lead for hunting migratory birds. Their mission was clear: to develop affordable, quality ammunition that meets the needs of hunters and shooters alike.
Kent Cartridge has a rich heritage, with its manufacturing heartland in West Virginia and a significant presence in Ontario, Canada, through a sales and distribution office. This North American footprint is complemented by an international connection through the Gamebore Cartridge Company in the U.K., furthering its reach and influence in the ammunition market.
A key hallmark of Kent's commitment to excellence is its membership in the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI), ensuring adherence to the highest quality controls and industry standards. Their premium custom blended, double-based smokeless powders are designed for optimal performance in North America's unique temperature extremes, pushing the limits of velocity within safe boundaries.
Kent Ammo History
Kent Cartridge quickly became a leader in shotgun ammunition , responding to environmental concerns with innovative solutions. Their initial breakthrough, Tungsten Matrix, offered hunters a non-toxic alternative to lead shot, matching its density and softness for effective, environmentally friendly use.
In 1998, Kent introduced the original Fasteel load, revolutionizing the industry by increasing steel shotshells' velocity to 1400 to 1500 fps, enhancing knockdown power while maintaining safety. This innovation established Fasteel as a flagship product, demonstrating Kent's commitment to high-performance, environmentally conscious ammunition.
Continuing their innovative streak, Kent developed a superior bismuth waterfowl load to address the rising costs and environmental impacts of tungsten. Introduced in the mid-2010s, this bismuth load combined proprietary shot-making technology with a mix of bismuth and tin, solving issues of pattern uniformity and pellet brittleness.
The introduction of Fasteel 2.0 in 2019 marked another advancement, adapting to the changing landscape of hunting equipment. It ensured compatibility with a broad range of firearms and offered various velocity and payload options, maintaining Kent's position at the forefront of ammunition innovation.
Kent Ammunition Products Overview
HUNTING SHOTSHELLS
Fasteel® 2.0 Precision Plated Steel™ Waterfowl
- Use-case: Waterfowl hunting in wetland environments.
- Unique feature: Precision-plated steel shot ensures high velocity and consistent patterns.
Tungsten Matrix®
- Use-case: Hunting where non-toxic shots are required; mimics traditional lead shot performance.
- Unique feature: Non-toxic and safe for older guns, offering a density and flexibility similar to lead.
BISMUTH® Waterfowl
- Use-case: Waterfowl hunting with classic shotguns that cannot use steel shot.
- Unique feature: Bismuth shot is softer than steel, reducing barrel wear and providing denser patterns.
TealSteel® Precision Steel™
- Use-case: Targeting small, fast-flying waterfowl like teal.
- Unique feature: Optimized for speed and pattern density, perfect for agile birds.
Bismuth® Upland
- Use-case: Upland game hunting where lead is restricted or for use in classic shotguns.
- Unique feature: High-density bismuth shot offers superior lethality at range without damaging older barrels.
Ultimate Fast Lead®
- Use-case: Upland bird hunting requiring quick shots for fast-moving targets.
- Unique feature: High-velocity lead shots ensure rapid target acquisition and clean kills.
Upland Fasteel® Precision Steel™
- Use-case: Upland hunting in areas where non-toxic shots are mandatory.
- Unique feature: Steel shot alternative with fast speeds and reliable patterns for upland game.
Ultimate® Turkey
- Use-case: Turkey hunting, designed for maximum penetration and range.
- Unique feature: Dense patterns and deep penetration ensure ethical kills at longer distances.
Steel Dove™
- Use-case: Dove hunting, suitable for environments where lead is restricted.
- Unique feature: Balanced load for effective range and shot pattern, optimizing dove hunting success.
Fasteel® + Precision Plated Steel™ Waterfowl
- Use-case: Enhanced performance for waterfowl hunting, with emphasis on speed and accuracy.
- Unique feature: Advanced formulation for higher velocity and tighter shot patterns.
TARGET SHOTSHELLS
Kent Elite™ Pro Target
- Use-case: Competitive clay shooting.
- Unique feature: Engineered for consistency and precision to meet the demands of competitive shooters.
Kent Elite™ Low Recoil/Training
- Use-case: New shooter training and extended shooting sessions.
- Unique feature: Reduced recoil formulation for a more comfortable shooting experience without sacrificing performance.
Kent Elite™ Steel Target
- Use-case: Target shooting in lead-restricted areas.
- Unique feature: Offers an environmentally friendly alternative with performance akin to traditional target loads.
TRAINING SHOTSHELLS
ProTrial® Field Blanks
- Use-case: Dog training and field trials, simulating hunting conditions.
- Unique feature: No projectile, but creates a realistic gunfire sound for training purposes.
Kent Elite™ Low Recoil/Training (repeated under training for emphasis)
- Use-case: Ideal for training new shooters and for those sensitive to recoil.
- Unique feature: Low recoil for comfortable learning and practice sessions, facilitating skill development.
Where is Kent Ammo Made?
Kent Cartridge specializes in manufacturing a wide array of shotgun shells and operates out of a primary factory located in West Virginia . This facility is responsible for loading various shotgun shells that cater to different shooting needs, emphasizing Kent's commitment to quality and innovation in shotgun ammunition. Beyond their manufacturing activities in the United States, Kent Cartridge also extends its presence to Ontario, Canada, with a sales and distribution office. This Canadian office ensures that Kent's products are accessible to shooting enthusiasts in North America, showcasing the brand's effort to serve a broad audience. Although the specific details about the production volume, number of employees, and distinct lines of ammunition produced at the West Virginia factory are not mentioned, it's clear that this location plays a crucial role in Kent Cartridge's operations, contributing significantly to the brand's reputation in the shooting sports industry