Kent Bismuth Upland 12ga 2¾" #5
Retail-shelf bismuth — the non-lead pheasant load you can actually find in stock.
Quick specs
| Category | Ammunition |
| Brand | Kent |
| Price | around $32 a box ($$) |
| Beginner score | 4/5 |
| Best for | Pheasant in CDFW non-lead zones when Boss is on backorder. |
The review
Boss owns the bismuth conversation in NorCal upland because they ship direct and their 12 ga #5 is a known quantity. The problem with Boss is that on a Friday afternoon before opening day, when you realize the box you thought was in the truck isn't, you can't get next-day delivery. Kent Bismuth Upland fills that gap — it's the bismuth load you can actually walk into a Sportsman's Warehouse or a Bass Pro and pick up off a shelf.
The load is 1¼ oz of bismuth shot at around 1,350 fps. Pattern density is comparable to a hot lead #5 — bismuth is heavier than steel, softer than lead, and breaks cleanly in the bore so it's safe in any modern fixed-choke or screw-choke gun including older fixed-choke doubles where steel isn't recommended.
The price is real — about $32 per 25-round box, roughly the same as Boss when shipping is factored in. Pattern this through your gun before opening day; bismuth doesn't always pattern identically to lead and you may want to size up to a #4 if your gun throws an open pattern at 35 yards.
Where to buy
- Buy at Sportsman's Warehouse
- Buy at MidwayUSA
- Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- Kent Cartridge product page (brand-direct)
California reminder: check current CDFW non-lead requirements for your hunting unit before buying. Many CA upland zones now require non-lead shot.
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