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Estate Cartridge

Estate Cartridge Ammo: In Depth

Estate Cartridge, established in the early 1960s, has built a reputation for producing top-notch shotgun shells. Based in Anoka, Minnesota , this brand brings over six decades of expertise to the ammunition market, specializing in options for hunters and competitive shooters alike.

Focusing on shotgun ammunition , Estate Cartridge offers a diverse range of shells tailored for various shooting activities such as bird hunting and clay target shooting. Among their standout products is the Estate Dove Load, renowned for its consistent performance and affordability. This makes it an ideal choice for both experienced hunters and newcomers to the sport.

Estate Cartridge is particularly noted for balancing quality with cost-effectiveness. They deliver reliable shotgun shells that are economically priced, catering to both hobbyists and dedicated shooters who need dependable ammunition for frequent use.

Furthermore, Estate Cartridge is part of the Vista Outdoor Inc. family, alongside other prestigious brands in the ammunition and firearms industries like Remington , CCI , Speer, Federal , Hevi-Shot, and Alliant Powder. This connection supports Estate Cartridge in upholding rigorous standards in production and innovation. It ensures that customers receive superior products tailored to meet their shooting requirements, backed by a legacy of trust and continuous improvement.

For anyone planning a hunting trip or participating in shooting sports, Estate Cartridge provides ammunition that guarantees performance and reliability, backed by a strong tradition of excellence in the shooting industry.

Estate Cartridge Ammo History

Estate Cartridge was established in 1960, marking its beginning as a significant player in the ammunition industry. The brand was initially known for its high-quality shotshells, catering to both hunting and sport shooting enthusiasts. Estate Cartridge's main appeal lies in its commitment to producing reliable and affordable ammunition that meets the diverse needs of shooters.

Throughout its history, Estate Cartridge has undergone several major changes, particularly in ownership. In 2000, the brand was acquired by Alliant Techsystems Inc. (ATK), a significant move that brought Estate Cartridge under the umbrella of a major player in the defense and sporting goods industry. This acquisition helped broaden Estate's market reach and enhanced its technological capabilities.

Under ATK's stewardship, and later Vista Outdoor, which spun off from ATK in 2015, Estate Cartridge expanded its product line. They continued to innovate, particularly in the development of shotshells that provide consistent performance for both competitive shooters and hunters. The introduction of advanced loading techniques and better quality control measures ensured that Estate cartridges offered improved reliability and performance.

Estate Cartridge is known for its comprehensive range of shotshell offerings. These shotgun shells are available in various gauges—including 12 , 20 , 28 , and .410 —each tailored for specific activities such as clay target shooting, upland game hunting, and waterfowl hunting. Their products are favored by a wide range of customers, including recreational shooters and small game hunters.

While Estate Cartridge does not exclusively supply ammunition to military or police forces, its products are widely recognized in the civilian market for their quality and affordability. The brand has maintained a strong presence in the shooting community by focusing on the needs of its customers and adapting to market changes.

The company’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has helped it maintain a loyal customer base and a respected position in the ammunition industry. Despite the competitive nature of the market, Estate Cartridge continues to thrive by sticking to its roots of providing dependable and affordable ammunition for shooters across the United States.

Estate Cartridges Product Lines Overview

Promotional Game and Target Loads

  • Use-Case: These shells are versatile for both hunting small game and recreational target shooting. Ideal for those who need affordable, yet effective ammunition for casual practice and hunting.
  • Unique Features: Available in various gauges including 12, 20, and .410, with shot sizes ranging from #6 to #9. These loads provide a good balance of velocity and shot hardness, making them suitable for multiple uses in different settings.

High Velocity Hunting Loads

  • Use-Case: Designed for hunters seeking maximum performance and knockdown power at greater distances. These loads are perfect for hunting waterfowl and other game birds.
  • Unique Features: These shells come in a range of gauges with high velocity and magnum hardness, ensuring deep penetration and effective shots. Shot sizes are versatile, covering #4 to #8, suitable for various hunting scenarios.

Upland Hunting Loads

  • Use-Case: Specifically crafted for upland bird hunting, these cartridges provide excellent patterns and penetration for hunting in dense cover.
  • Unique Features: Extra hard shot ensures that pellets maintain their integrity for effective kills without causing excessive harm to the game. Available in common gauges and shot sizes ideal for birds such as pheasants and quail.

Super Sport Competition Target Loads

  • Use-Case: These are high-quality loads designed for competitive shooting, including events like trap, skeet, and sporting clays.
  • Unique Features: Features extra hard shots to maintain tight patterns and ensure consistency. Available in multiple gauges and shot sizes, these loads help shooters maintain high performance in competitive scenarios.

High Velocity Magnum Steel Loads

  • Use-Case: Tailored for waterfowl hunting where non-toxic shot is required. These steel loads are effective at long ranges and comply with environmental regulations.
  • Unique Features: High velocity and a variety of shot sizes including BB, #1, #2, #3, and #4. These shells are designed to perform under challenging conditions, ensuring high penetration and effectiveness against tough waterfowl.

Where is Estate Cartridge Ammo Made?

Estate Cartridge, known for producing a wide range of affordable shotgun ammunition, manufactures its products in the United States. Specifically, the production takes place at the Federal Premium plant located in Anoka, Minnesota . This facility is notable for being a significant production site not only for Estate Cartridge but also for other brands under the Vista Outdoor Inc. umbrella.

The Anoka plant is a major employer in the area, with several hundred employees dedicated to the manufacturing of ammunition. The facility is capable of producing millions of rounds of shotgun ammunition each year, including the various lines offered by Estate Cartridge. This includes their popular range and target loads, as well as hunting shotgun shells.

This detailed focus on manufacturing in Anoka allows Estate Cartridge to maintain strict quality control and efficient distribution to markets throughout the United States.

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