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Hevi-Shot Ammo

Hevi-Shot Ammo: In Depth

Founded in the late 1999, Hevi-Shot has quickly established itself as an innovative leader in high-performance shotshell ammunition. Based in Sweet Home, Oregon, Hevi-Shot has revolutionized the shotgun ammunition industry with its unique tungsten-based pellet technology, serving hunters, competitive shooters, and wildlife management professionals with exceptional products designed for superior performance.

Hevi-Shot is renowned for its premium non-toxic shotshell ammunition that consistently outperforms traditional lead and steel alternatives. Their product lineup includes specialized shotshells for waterfowl hunting, turkey hunting, upland game, and defensive applications. Each shell is meticulously crafted using their proprietary tungsten-alloy pellets, which are significantly denser than lead, providing enhanced downrange energy, improved pattern density, and superior terminal performance.

A landmark achievement in Hevi-Shot's history was the development of their original tungsten-iron-nickel pellet material, which was approximately 10% denser than lead and 50% denser than steel. This groundbreaking technology allowed hunters to achieve lethal performance at extended ranges while complying with non-toxic shot regulations, fundamentally changing how waterfowl hunters approach their sport.

In addition to their technological innovations, Hevi-Shot has continuously expanded their product offerings to address specific hunting scenarios and shotgun platforms. Their specialized loads, such as Hevi-13, Hevi-X, and Hevi-Hammer, are each engineered with unique pellet compositions and performance characteristics to maximize effectiveness for particular game species and hunting conditions.

For those who demand the ultimate in shotshell performance, environmental responsibility, and ethical harvesting capabilities, Hevi-Shot stands out as the premium choice. With over two decades of innovation, Hevi-Shot continues to lead the non-toxic shotshell market, providing hunters with ammunition that delivers consistent, reliable performance in the field. Whether you're pursuing waterfowl in flooded timber, chasing spring gobblers, or defending your home, Hevi-Shot offers superior ammunition designed to give shooters the confidence that comes with using the best tools available.

History and Development

Hevi-Shot emerged at the turn of the millennium as a response to significant challenges facing the hunting community. The company was founded in 1999 by Ralph Nauman and a small team of innovative thinkers in Sweet Home, Oregon , with a mission to develop superior non-toxic shotshell ammunition that would outperform the limitations of steel shot alternatives that had become mandatory for waterfowl hunting.

The driving philosophy behind Hevi-Shot was straightforward yet revolutionary: create a non-toxic shot that performs as well as or better than traditional lead, providing hunters with the ethical harvesting capability they had lost due to environmental regulations. This focus on performance without compromise became the cornerstone of the brand's identity and success.

In its formative years, Hevi-Shot operated as a small, specialized manufacturer, but its groundbreaking tungsten-iron-nickel pellet formulation quickly attracted attention throughout the hunting community. The original Hevi-Shot pellets were approximately 10% denser than lead and delivered devastating terminal performance that dramatically improved hunters' effectiveness, particularly at extended ranges where steel shot had proven inadequate.

The ownership of Hevi-Shot has evolved over time. After its initial success, the company was acquired by ENVIRON-Metal, Inc., which continued to develop and expand the product line. In 2018, Hevi-Shot was acquired by Copper Industrial, bringing new resources and manufacturing capabilities to the brand while maintaining its commitment to quality and innovation.

Hevi-Shot's influence extends well beyond its commercial success; it sparked a revolution in the non-toxic shotshell market, forcing competitors to develop their own premium alternatives and raising the bar for performance across the industry. The company's willingness to challenge conventional wisdom has benefited hunters worldwide, giving them access to ammunition that allows for more ethical and effective harvests.

Throughout its history, Hevi-Shot has been at the forefront of innovation in shotshell technology. The company has continuously refined its pellet formulations, introducing products like Hevi-13 (with pellets 13% denser than lead) and Hevi-Shot Magnum Blend (featuring multiple pellet sizes in a single shell for improved pattern performance). These innovations exemplify Hevi-Shot's ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in shotshell performance.

Today, Hevi-Shot remains a leader in premium non-toxic shotshell ammunition, with its products highly regarded by serious waterfowl hunters, turkey enthusiasts, and competitive shooters. The company continues to innovate and expand its product offerings, maintaining its position as the gold standard for hunters who demand the very best ammunition for their pursuits in the field.

Complete Timeline of Hevi-Shot's Development:

Year Event
1999 Ralph Nauman founds Hevi-Shot in Sweet Home, Oregon, introducing the original tungsten-iron-nickel non-toxic shot formulation that was approximately 10% denser than lead.
2003 Hevi-Shot gains significant market recognition as waterfowl hunters discover its superior performance compared to steel shot alternatives, particularly at extended ranges.
2005 Introduction of specialized turkey hunting loads, quickly gaining popularity among serious turkey hunters for their exceptional pattern density and lethality.
2007 Launch of Hevi-13 shotshells featuring a new pellet formulation that is 13% denser than lead, setting a new standard for non-toxic shotshell performance.
2010 Introduction of Hevi-Metal, a hybrid load combining steel and Hevi-Shot pellets to offer improved performance at a more accessible price point.
2012 Development of Hevi-Shot Magnum Blend, featuring a mix of #5, #6, and #7 shot sizes in a single shell for improved pattern distribution and terminal performance on turkeys.
2015 Introduction of Hevi-Shot Speed Ball, featuring perfectly round tungsten pellets designed for improved aerodynamics and velocity retention at extended ranges.
2017 Launch of Hevi-X, a tungsten-composite pellet offering superior performance to steel at a more moderate price point than traditional Hevi-Shot products.
2018 Hevi-Shot is acquired by Copper Industrial, bringing new resources and manufacturing capabilities to the brand.
2020 Introduction of Hevi-Hammer, a line of high-performance steel shot ammunition designed to provide excellent performance at a more affordable price point.
2021 Launch of Hevi-18, featuring tungsten pellets with a density 18% greater than lead, creating the highest-density shotshell pellets commercially available.
2023 Introduction of Hevi-Bismuth, a more affordable non-toxic alternative with performance characteristics between steel and traditional Hevi-Shot, expanding options for hunters in areas with non-toxic shot requirements.
Hevi-Shot Ammunition Products Overview

Hevi-Shot Ammunition Products Overview

Hevi-Shot is a premier manufacturer of high-performance non-toxic shotshell ammunition, renowned for its innovative tungsten-based technology. They offer specialized ammunition tailored for specific hunting pursuits, from waterfowl and turkey hunting to upland game and home defense. Here's a detailed look at each of their specialized product lines:

1. Hevi-13

Use Case: Designed for serious waterfowl hunters who demand maximum effective range and terminal performance on tough birds like geese and ducks.

Unique Features:

  • Features tungsten-iron-nickel pellets that are 13% denser than lead
  • Provides superior downrange energy and penetration compared to steel shot
  • Offers pattern densities up to 50% greater than steel at extended ranges

2. Hevi-Metal

Use Case: Created for waterfowl hunters seeking improved performance over steel with a more moderate price point than premium tungsten loads.

Unique Features:

  • Utilizes a hybrid design with a layer of steel pellets topped with Hevi-Shot pellets
  • Delivers a 30% increase in effective range over conventional steel loads
  • Offers superior value while maintaining high terminal performance

3. Hevi-X

Use Case: Designed for waterfowl hunters who want superior performance to steel while being more affordable than premium Hevi-Shot offerings.

Unique Features:

  • Features tungsten composite pellets that are 20% denser than steel
  • Maintains higher velocities at longer ranges than steel shot
  • Offers improved pattern density and terminal ballistics

4. Hevi-Hammer

Use Case: Developed for high-volume waterfowl hunters who want enhanced steel shot performance at an affordable price point.

Unique Features:

  • Features precision-plated steel shot for improved pattern consistency
  • Incorporates advanced wad technology to protect pellets and optimize pattern efficiency
  • Utilizes clean-burning powders for consistent velocities in all weather conditions

5. Hevi-Turkey

Use Case: Specifically engineered for turkey hunters who demand maximum pattern density, knockdown power, and effective range.

Unique Features:

  • Features ultra-dense tungsten pellets for superior penetration on tough turkey vitals
  • Optimized shot charges and specialized wads for ultra-tight patterns
  • Available in multiple pellet sizes and specialized blends for superior performance

6. Hevi-Bismuth

Use Case: Ideal for hunters using classic or vintage shotguns that can't handle steel shot, and for hunting in areas requiring non-toxic ammunition.

Unique Features:

  • Features bismuth alloy pellets that are safe for use in any shotgun, including fixed chokes and thin-walled barrels
  • Provides 22% more density than steel for improved downrange energy
  • Offers softer shooting characteristics similar to lead loads

7. Hevi-18

Use Case: Designed for the most demanding hunters seeking the ultimate in non-toxic shotshell performance for waterfowl, turkey, and predator hunting.

Unique Features:

  • Contains the highest-density pellets commercially available, 18% denser than lead
  • Delivers devastating terminal performance with superior retained energy at extreme ranges
  • Produces the tightest patterns available in a non-toxic shotshell

Each of Hevi-Shot's product lines is engineered with specific hunting scenarios in mind, making them highly specialized for their intended applications. Whether you're hunting waterfowl, turkeys, upland game, or need a load for home defense, Hevi-Shot offers ammunition choices that deliver superior performance and reliability in the field.

Hevi-Shot Awards and Recognitions

Hevi-Shot has received numerous awards and recognitions for their innovative shotshell technology and superior performance in the field.

Award Product Year
Field & Stream Best of the Best Award Hevi-Shot Original Tungsten Load 2002
Outdoor Life Editor's Choice Award Hevi-13 Waterfowl Loads 2008
SHOT Show Innovation Award Hevi-Metal Hybrid Loads 2011
NWTF (National Wild Turkey Federation) Official Product Hevi-Shot Magnum Blend Turkey Loads 2013
Wildfowl Magazine Reader's Choice Award Hevi-18 Waterfowl Loads 2022

Where is Hevi-Shot Ammo Made?

Hevi-Shot ammunition is proudly manufactured in Sweet Home, Oregon, USA. This location has been the heart of Hevi-Shot's operations since the company was founded in 1999 by Ralph Nauman, and it continues to serve as the primary production facility for their innovative shotshell ammunition.

The Sweet Home facility is a state-of-the-art manufacturing plant where Hevi-Shot produces its proprietary tungsten-based pellets and assembles them into finished shotshells. This facility employs specialized equipment and processes developed specifically for working with tungsten alloys, which require different handling compared to traditional lead or steel shot production.

The Oregon factory is not only significant as a production center but also plays an important role in the local economy as a major employer in the area. The skilled workforce at the Sweet Home facility is instrumental in maintaining the high quality standards that Hevi-Shot is known for in the hunting and shooting sports communities.

Each year, the Sweet Home facility produces millions of shotshells for distribution throughout North America and worldwide. Hevi-Shot's commitment to American manufacturing and quality control ensures that every shell meets the rigorous performance standards expected by hunters who choose their premium ammunition for critical hunting situations.

More Hevi-Shot Ammo Resources:

Frequently Asked Questions About Hevi-Shot

1. What makes Hevi-Shot different from regular shotgun ammunition?

Hevi-Shot is distinguished by its proprietary tungsten-alloy pellets, which are significantly denser than traditional lead or steel shot. These high-density pellets (up to 18% denser than lead) deliver superior ballistics, greater downrange energy, and improved pattern density. The result is more effective terminal performance at extended ranges, allowing hunters to ethically harvest game at distances where conventional ammunition becomes ineffective. This density advantage translates to fewer wounded birds, more clean kills, and improved success rates in the field.

2. Is Hevi-Shot legal for waterfowl hunting?

Yes, all Hevi-Shot ammunition is non-toxic and fully compliant with federal regulations for waterfowl hunting. The company was founded specifically to develop non-toxic alternatives that outperform lead, following the nationwide ban on lead shot for waterfowl hunting in 1991. Hevi-Shot products are approved for use in all areas requiring non-toxic shot, including federal waterfowl production areas, refuges, and wildlife management areas. Their tungsten-alloy formulations have passed all required environmental testing and are certified safe for use in wetland environments.

3. Is Hevi-Shot safe to use in older shotguns?

While traditional Hevi-Shot tungsten loads should only be used in modern shotguns rated for steel shot, their Hevi-Bismuth line is specifically designed for older shotguns. Hevi-Bismuth is safe to use in any shotgun, including fixed-choke guns, thin-walled barrels, and vintage firearms that cannot handle steel shot. The bismuth alloy is softer than steel but denser than steel, providing an excellent compromise between performance and safety for classic firearms. Always check your shotgun manufacturer's recommendations before using any ammunition to ensure compatibility and prevent potential damage.

4. What is the difference between Hevi-13, Hevi-18, and other Hevi-Shot products?

The numerical designation in Hevi-Shot products typically refers to their density relative to lead. Hevi-13 pellets are approximately 13% denser than lead, while Hevi-18 pellets are about 18% denser than lead, making them the highest-density shotshell pellets commercially available. Other products like Hevi-X and Hevi-Metal offer different compositions and price points, with Hevi-Metal being a hybrid of steel and tungsten pellets, and Hevi-X using a tungsten composite that's denser than steel but more affordable than premium tungsten loads. This diverse product line allows hunters to select the optimal balance of performance and cost for their specific hunting situation.

5. What choke constriction works best with Hevi-Shot ammunition?

Generally, Hevi-Shot patterns best with less choke constriction than you would use with lead or steel. For waterfowl hunting with Hevi-Shot, many hunters find improved cylinder or modified chokes deliver optimal patterns, whereas they might use modified or full chokes with steel. For turkey hunting with Hevi-Shot, a modified choke often produces better patterns than a full or extra-full turkey choke. The higher density and hardness of Hevi-Shot pellets resist deformation, maintaining their spherical shape through the barrel and creating tighter patterns naturally. Pattern testing with your specific shotgun is always recommended for best results.

6. What is Hevi-Shot Magnum Blend and why do turkey hunters prefer it?

Hevi-Shot Magnum Blend is a specialized turkey load containing a mix of #5, #6, and #7 tungsten pellets in a single shell. Turkey hunters prefer it because this triple-shot combination creates optimal pattern density with the smaller shot while maintaining the penetration of larger pellets. The smaller #7 shot fills the pattern for better coverage of the turkey's vital area, while the larger #5 pellets provide the penetration needed to reach vital organs at longer ranges. This versatility delivers lethal patterns at both close range and extended distances, increasing the effective range and lethality of turkey shots beyond what can be achieved with single-size loads.

7. Does Hevi-Shot make ammunition for upland game birds?

Yes, Hevi-Shot produces several options suitable for upland game birds. Their Hevi-Bismuth loads are particularly popular for upland hunting, offering excellent performance on pheasants, quail, and grouse while being safe for use in classic side-by-side shotguns often preferred by upland hunters. Additionally, some hunters use their Hevi-Metal or Hevi-X loads for larger upland birds like pheasants, especially in areas requiring non-toxic shot. The higher density of these loads provides improved downrange energy and pattern density compared to steel, making them effective options for upland hunters seeking clean, ethical harvests at reasonable ranges.

8. Can I reload Hevi-Shot shells?

While Hevi-Shot shells themselves can be reloaded like other hulls, the actual Hevi-Shot pellets are not readily available to reloaders. The proprietary tungsten-alloy pellets and their manufacturing process are protected technologies. Reloaders interested in tungsten alternatives can find other non-toxic options like bismuth shot available on the reloading reloading market, though these won't have the same ballistic properties as genuine Hevi-Shot pellets. Some advanced reloaders do save and reuse the actual Hevi-Shot pellets from fired shells, though this practice requires careful cleaning and sorting of the recovered shot for safe reloading.

9. Does Hevi-Shot make defensive ammunition for home protection?

Yes, Hevi-Shot produces personal defense ammunition designed specifically for home protection. Their defensive loads typically feature dense patterns of their tungsten pellets to maximize stopping power while minimizing the risk of over-penetration through walls—a critical consideration for home defense situations. These loads are engineered to deliver reliable patterns through shorter defensive shotgun barrels while providing the terminal performance needed in self-defense scenarios. The higher density of Hevi-Shot pellets allows for smaller shot sizes that create denser patterns while still delivering the necessary penetration, making them effective options for personal protection applications.

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