First Look: Hevi-Shot Hevi-Hammer Upland Bismuth-Steel Loads

posted on November 4, 2021
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
hevi-shot-hevi-hammer-upland_lead.jpg

Hevi-Shot has introduced its new Hevi-Hammer Upland loads. The company is offering 12- and 20- gauge options in No. 5 or No. 7 shot size to cover all the needs of hunters targeting large and medium upland game.

Hevi-Hammer loads are manufactured using 15 percent high-density bismuth (9.64 g/cc) and 85 percent precision steel. That small but mighty leading layer of bismuth over steel delivers nearly 50 percent more down range energy than pellets consisting of all steel at 40 yards.

Hevi-Shot Hevi-Hammer Upland Bismuth-Steel Loads Cutaway Illustration


“We know Hevi-Hammer Upland will help hunters achieve more success in the field,” said Hevi-Shot Product Line Manager Scott Turner. “Upland game is such a beloved and traditional sport. The camaraderie of the hunting with others, watching sporting dogs do what they do best, and to enjoy hiking around, not having to sit in silence are all things upland hunters love about their sport. And we at Hevi-Shot love it too.”

Because Hevi-Hammer pellets feature a layer of 9.6 g/cc bismuth, hunters can generally shoot one shot size smaller than steel for the same lethality, but with a much higher pellet count for increased probability of contact. Hevi-Hammer loads are superior nontoxic shotshells for areas where lead is prohibited. The bismuth-enhanced steel loads provide hunters with an option that has more velocity and more power than standard steel shot, yet is the same size as steel respectively. 

“At Hevi-Shot, density is the secret sauce. We have always been about innovation and density, both of which lead to tighter patterns, higher speeds, and more downrange devastation,” said Turner. “Our customers spoke up and we listened. They wanted a highly effective product that was non-toxic to use in areas that restrict the use of lead. We are proud to now introduce our Hevi-Hammer Upland to our product lineup.”

The new loads are available in two 3-inch, 12-gauge options with charge weights of 1⅜ ounces (No. 3) or 1⅛ ounces (No. 5) with velocity of 1350 fps, and two 20-gauge options with charge weights of 1 ounce (No. 3) or ⅞ ounce (No. 5) with velocity of 1325 fps.

Hevi-Hammer Upland loads are available in boxes of 25 or cases of 250 rounds. For more information, visit hevishot.com

Latest

Lededrones For Hunting
Lededrones For Hunting

Drones for Downed Game Recovery

Ready to launch your shiny new Mother’s or Father’s day drone to locate that trophy buck hideout? Doing so nearly anywhere in the U.S. makes you a poacher. There is, however, a growing roster of states that allow the use of drones to locate downed game.

Cartridge Legacies: The .308 Winchester Family Tree

I suppose it is fair to say that if you want to find the true legacy of a cartridge, you could look to its offspring and the successes and/or failures of the family. Let’s look at the .308 Winchester’s family tree, at the instant successes, and those children which have lagged behind over the years.

New for 2026: Primary Arms Optics PLx Compact 1.5-12x36

Primary Arms Optics has released its PLx Compact 1.5-12x36mm FFP RDB, the latest addition to its PLx Compact lineup. The optic pairs Japanese ED glass with a 1.5-12x magnification range and Red Dot Bright diffractive reticle technology, all on a 30mm chassis that measures 9.75 inches long and weighs 19.67 ounces.

Hardware Review: Springfield Model 2020 Boundary

Looking for an accurate bolt action that can tackle just about any sort of terrain? Look no further than the Model 2020 Boundary, from Springfield. Check out David Herman's Hardware Review of the gun here.

New for 2026: MDT HNT Fixed Buttstock and LSS Gen3 Hunting Forend

MDT has released two carbon-fiber components for hunters running XTN-interface chassis systems: the HNT Fixed Buttstock and the LSS GEN3 Hunting Forend.

Gear Roundup: Tech Savvy Hunting

Looking for the latest in high-tech shooting and hunting gear? Look no further, for some of the most cutting-edge equipment sure to make your next range or field session a breeze.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.