Kent Recalls Select 12- and 20-Gauge Shotshells Over Pressure Risk

Kent Cartridge has recalled specific 12- and 20-gauge shotshells because they may produce excessive chamber pressure when fired. Kent warns that the pressure could damage a shotgun, leave it inoperable, and seriously injure the shooter or bystanders. If you have Kent hunting ammunition on the shelf, check the box before taking it out.

The manufacturer’s recall notice covers selected lots of Ultimate Turkey, Fasteel+, Ultimate FastLead, Steel Dove, and TealSteel. It does not cover every load sold under those names. Check the product code and lot number on the box label. Both must match a pair below for the recall to apply.

• Ultimate Turkey: C123TK50-4 (lot IH215); C123TK50-5 (IH216); C203TK36-4 (IH219); C203TK36-5 (IH218).
• Fasteel+: CC203FSP28-3X5 (lots IH137, IH475, IH594, IH707).
• Ultimate FastLead: CC203UFL36-5 (lot IH527); K123UFL50-5 (IH222, IH459); K203UFL36-5 (IH561).
• Steel Dove: K20SD24-6 (lots IH497, IH535).
• TealSteel: KTS20328-6 (lots IH196, IH220, IH304, IH537, IH630, IH717).

Kent’s notice includes a box-label diagram showing where to find both identifiers. A matching lot number on a different product code does not count. The company says all other code-and-lot combinations are outside this recall.

What to do with a matching box

Stop using the ammunition. Kent says to keep affected shells separate from unaffected ammunition and not to sell, distribute, or transfer them. Call 844-951-6098 or email [email protected] for return instructions. The company says it will arrange the return and explain replacement or reimbursement options as applicable.

If you no longer have the original box and cannot confirm the numbers, contact Kent rather than guessing from the shells’ appearance. Don’t fire suspect ammunition to see whether it behaves normally; the pressure risk is the reason for the recall. Also wait for Kent’s return instructions before shipping anything.

The notice gives no retail sale-date range, so purchase date alone cannot rule a box in or out. If either identifier is missing or unreadable, ask Kent for help before using the shells.