Apex Ammunition Adds Dove Stratified Loads in Lead and Steel
Dove season sneaks up fast, and Apex Ammunition has a new answer for those fast, high-crossing birds. The company is extending its Stratified line into dedicated dove loads, offered in both L3 high-antimony lead and S3 steel, in 12 and 20 gauge.
The Stratified concept is layered shot. Apex stacks shot sizes inside the shell so the pattern does different work at different distances, with dense close- and mid-range coverage and more retained energy out where the highfliers try to get away from you. President and CEO Jason Lonsberry said the move into lead and steel dove loads came from steady demand from retailers and upland hunters who wanted Apex quality in loads built for smaller, more fragile birds like dove and quail.
The full spread of loads and pricing, per 25-round box:
- 12 Ga, 2¾”, 1¼ oz, #7 and #8 L3 Lead, MSRP $19.99
- 12 Ga, 2¾”, 1⅛ oz, #7 and #8 L3 Lead, MSRP $18.99
- 20 Ga, 3″, 1⅛ oz, #7 and #8 L3 Lead, MSRP $18.99
- 20 Ga, 2¾”, 1 oz, #7 and #8 L3 Lead, MSRP $16.99
- 12 Ga, 2¾”, 1 oz, #6 and #7 S3 Steel, MSRP $18.99
- 20 Ga, 2¾”, ¾ oz, #6 and #7 S3 Steel, MSRP $16.99
The L3 lead is high-antimony for a harder, rounder pellet that patterns tighter, while the S3 steel is zinc-plated for consistency and gives hunters a non-toxic option for fields and public land that require it. Layering #7 and #8 in the lead loads is a sensible dove choice, since you want enough pellets in the air to catch a darting bird but enough size to reach the ones that flare wide.
Apex has built its name on heavy waterfowl and turkey payloads, so a lighter upland offering at these prices is a notable direction for the brand. Everything runs through Apex’s tightened quality-control process for shot-to-shot consistency.
Are you running lead or making the switch to steel for dove this year? Hit us up on social and tell us what is in your vest. We always appreciate the feedback.
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