The Six Million Dollar Shotshell

Fifty years ago ABC debuted one of the most iconic action series in television history. The Six Million Dollar Man. Starring Lee Majors as NASA astronaut USAF Col. Steve Austin, the show chronicled the story of a test pilot who, after a catastrophic crash, was "rebuilt" by the US government using bionic technology. Equipped with state-of-the-art abilities— superhuman strength, speed, vision and hearing—Austin became a one-man force for good, justifying every penny of the $6 million (about $42 million today) spent on his transformation into the ultimate operative.

So what does a 1970s TV superhero have to do with shotgun ammunition? Nothing, except that the colonel's story makes for a perfect analogy: Just as Steve Austin was reengineered with the best components on Earth, so too has UK cartridge maker Gamebore's Black Gold Dark Storm shotshell been designed. Built without compromise, this game load is as bionic as it gets.

Before diving into the details, it's important to understand what sets Gamebore apart as a cartridge maker. Unlike most ammunition brands, Gamebore is a true vertical manufacturer. That means the company controls every aspect of production—from raw materials and components to the cutting-edge machinery and expert technicians behind the scenes. This vertical intergration ensures consistency, quality and resistance to the outside forces that often dilute the quality of premium product lines.

Now, if bionic speed, strength and enhanced senses make the ultimate superhero, what components define the ultimate shotshell? Here's what goes into every Black Gold Dark Storm Cartridge:

• Quad Seal

This revolutionary four-ring seal delivers a new level of ballistic consistency as it reduces recoil, increases striking energy and is 100% enviromentally safe—fully degradable and water-soluble.

• Diamond Shot

Gamebore's superstar proprietary pellet is produced in-house at the only working shot tower in the UK. Graded five times and polished using a unique method for perfect sphericity and size, it delivers superior shot patterns and is the highest-quality lead shot available.

• M92s Powder

Exclusive to Gamebore in the UK, M92s powder offers a longer, progressive burn for maximum velocity without excessive pressure or recoil, resulting in outstanding performance at extreme ranges.

• CX2000 Primer

The CX2000 Primer is the most consistent and reliable primer available. It is used throughout Gamebore's shotgun-cartridge range to ensure shooter confidence and reliability.

• HD Hull

This high-density polymer plastic hull is designed for premium, high-performance loads and is renowned for ensuring easy loading and smooth ejection.

• Nickel Head

Nickel-plated heads are the key to smooth, consistent and reliable ejection in high-performance loads.

• Fiber Wad

The high-quality, one-piece, 100% fiber (no plastic) wad is both non-fragmenting and environmentally friendly while producing an excellent gas seal and pattern consistency.

Put all of the above together, and Black Gold Dark Storm loads are capable of delivering what Gamebore refers to as "ultimate performance"—an optimal synergy between components that produces results greater than the sum of the parts. A shotshell that can be counted on to consistently maximize downrange energy and pattern perfectly for a superior long-range effectiveness and knockdown power. And in addition to that, ammo that is more environmentally friendly than most of what's out there.

It's worth noting that a similar no-compromise philosophy extends across Gamebore's other premium lines. "Regal game 2.5" shells, for example, are also loaded with Diamond Shot. And the White Gold target line—favored by legendary shooter George Digweed—utilizes Gamebore's innovative Wad System.

So can Gamebore ammo save the world from villainy and destruction? That's probably still Col. Austin's territory. But for shooters up against deviously high pheasants or nefarious chandelle targets, Black Gold ammo is here to save the day.