HEVI-Metal HS38004 Hevi-Metal Longer Range 12 Gauge 3" 1 1/4 oz 1500 fps 4 Shot 25ea

The HEVI-Metal Longer Range 12 gauge shotshell pairs bismuth-steel hybrid pellets with tight patterns to extend effective range on waterfowl. These 3-inch loads deliver 1 1/4 ounces of shot at 1500 fps, engineered for hunters who need consistent, hard-hitting performance on ducks and geese beyond typical shotgun distances. The blend of high-density bismuth and corrosion-resistant steel gives you payload density without the price or complexity of premium alternatives.

What sets these shells apart is the layered shot design: 30 percent of the payload is HEVI-Bismuth (9.6 g/cc density), while the remaining 70 percent is corrosion-resistant steel. This mix boosts downrange energy roughly 16 percent compared to traditional steel alone, meaning flatter trajectories, denser patterns at distance, and cleaner, more ethical kills on moving targets. You get better cold-weather reliability too—these cycles smoothly in all shotgun actions, whether you're hunting frozen marshes or open water in mild conditions.

Pattern Density Technology keeps the shot column tight longer, which matters when you're stretching your effective range. That translates to higher pellet counts in vital zones at distances where standard loads start to fail. Each box contains 25 rounds, so you have plenty for scouting, practice, and real hunting conditions.

Key Features

• HEVI-Bismuth and steel blend for 16 percent more downrange power than steel alone
• Denser, tighter patterns for extended range effectiveness
• Corrosion-resistant steel shot stays intact in wet conditions
• 1500 fps velocity optimized for 3-inch 12 gauge shotguns
• Reliable cycling in all shotgun actions
• 4 shot size ideal for waterfowl

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Will these shells work in my older 12 gauge shotgun?

Yes. HEVI-Metal Longer Range loads cycle reliably in all shotgun actions, including older and newer models. The layered pellet design doesn't require special modifications or adaptations.

What's the difference between size 4 shot and smaller shot sizes?

Size 4 shot (the pellets in this load) strikes a balance between pellet count and individual energy, making it effective for waterfowl hunting. Shot size selection depends on your target and preferred balance between pattern density and knockdown power; size 4 is popular for ducks and geese at moderate to extended ranges.

Why use bismuth mixed with steel instead of all steel?

The 30/70 bismuth-to-steel ratio boosts downrange energy and pattern density significantly without the cost of pure bismuth or non-toxic alternatives. Steel alone lacks the density to maintain that energy at distance; the bismuth layer concentrates payload weight in the same shot column, giving you tighter patterns and better terminal performance farther out.

Are these good for cold-weather hunting?

Yes. HEVI-Metal Longer Range shells are designed with improved cold-weather performance, so they cycle smoothly even in frozen conditions when reliability matters most.