For 2026, B&P introduces the new Legend Gen line, an evolution of the iconic Legend series and the result of a significant ballistic redesign of its 12-gauge target loads. The project was developed to deliver increasingly specialized performance across the various clay target disciplines while maintaining the reliability that has always distinguished the Legend name.

The Legend Gen family includes the 24-gram load, available in No. 7½ shot and No. 9½ shot for Skeet, as well as the new 28-gram Legend Gen-S versions, developed for disciplines requiring either broader pattern coverage or greater pattern density at extended distances.

Despite its higher velocity, the Legend Gen remains remarkably comfortable on the shoulder, generating very little muzzle rise and enabling lightning-fast second shots. Ejection was immediate and energetic in both the Beretta DT11 and the Benelli 828S used throughout the test.

Testing the Legend Gen 24 in the Beretta DT11

The Beretta DT11 is an outstanding next-generation competition over-and-under shotgun. It features Beretta's patented Steelium Pro barrel technology, characterized by a highly specialized bore profile developed and refined by the Brescia-based manufacturer over nearly two decades. The goal of this technology is simple: to maximize the ballistic efficiency of modern shotshell ammunition.

We had the opportunity to evaluate this shotgun thanks to the visit of Isabella Cristiani, a competitive shooter and professional member of the Italian Navy shooting team. During the testing session with her DT11, Isabella allowed us to assess the performance of the new Legend Gen 24 g No. 7½ load through Beretta's Steelium Pro barrels. Coincidentally, this shotshell was specifically developed for the very discipline in which Isabella competes.

The DT11's barrel design is based on an extremely long chamber-to-bore transition featuring a triple-cone profile. This geometry contributes to reduced felt recoil while providing a gradual compression of the shot column, helping pellets maintain their spherical shape. The ballistic advantages of preserving pellet sphericity are well known: reduced aerodynamic drag, higher retained velocity, less deviation from the original flight path, and consequently more uniform, compact and consistent patterns.

The classic competition choke combination of 8/10 and 11/10 constriction delivered excellent patterns at the two engagement distances typically used by Isabella for first- and second-barrel shots: 30 and 36 meters, respectively.

With the first barrel choked at 8/10, the Legend Gen 24 g No. 7½ produced a compact, well-distributed pattern containing approximately 85–87% of the payload within the patterning circle. The pattern was perhaps slightly concentrated in the center, but undoubtedly effective, ensuring decisive and reliable target breaks.

The second barrel, tested at 36 meters with a 10/10 choke, also produced very good results. As expected, pattern density was lower than that of the first barrel due to the increased distance and the relatively light 24 g payload of No. 7½ shot (2.4 mm). Nevertheless, the pattern remained highly effective and fully capable of delivering reliable target-breaking performance at typical second-shot distances.

Testing the Legend Gen 24 grams in the Benelli 828S A.I.

The first shotshell evaluated was the Legend Gen 24 grams loaded with No. 7½ shot, specifically designed for Trap competitions. The load features the proven Gordon case in a bold new green color with a distinctive white wad section. As we shall see throughout the Legend Gen family, Gordon base wad color serves as an immediate visual identifier for the different loads.

The new Olympic Trap version has received a significant increase in performance, with muzzle velocity raised by approximately 10 m/s compared with previous generations. The selected and hardened No. 7½ shot (2.4 mm) exhibits excellent sphericity, a characteristic clearly reflected in the quality of the resulting patterns.

The shotgun used for this test was the versatile version of Benelli’s modern 828S over-and-under. It features a satin silver receiver with tasteful, understated engraving and a barrel selector integrated into the safety catch. The real highlight, however, is represented by the barrels.

The test gun was fitted with 760 mm barrels, interchangeable internal chokes, and Benelli’s Advanced Impact bore technology. This system is characterized by generous bore dimensions and carefully engineered internal profiles designed to optimize ballistic performance—qualities that were clearly confirmed during testing.

The Legend Gen 24 g No. 7½ load was evaluated on the pattern plate at two representative engagement distances corresponding to typical first- and second-barrel Trap shots. The first barrel was fired through a Modified choke (3-star) at 31 meters, our standard average first-shot distance. The second barrel was fired through a Full choke (1-star) at 35 meters, representative of the average second-shot distance, which in practical competition can vary between 33 and 37 meters depending on target angle and trajectory.

The patterns revealed two distinct areas of excellence.

First, the Legend Gen demonstrates remarkable balance despite its elevated velocity, thanks to the quality of its components: the Gordon case, Fiocchi 616 primer, F2x24 powder, pre-slit D2 wad, and highly spherical lead shot that is polished in special tumbling processes and hardened with 4% antimony.

At the 31-meter first-barrel distance, the pattern was exceptional considering the modest 24-gram payload and only moderate choke constriction. Within the 75 cm circle, approximately 82–83% of the pellets were retained. Distribution was uniform and well-balanced, with excellent central density—exactly the type of pattern expected from a shotshell specifically designed for Olympic Trap.

Performance remained equally impressive at 35 meters with the Full choke. The second-barrel pattern displayed excellent regularity and ideal density, providing the pellet concentration required to ensure reliable breaks even on the most demanding targets, particularly those presenting steep angles and therefore exposing less surface area to the shot cloud.

Two shotshells were disassembled for component analysis. Measurements revealed a six-fold star crimp and an overall loaded length of 57.7 mm. The F2x24 powder charge weighed 1.35 grams, while the payload consisted of 23.8 grams of high-quality Locatelli pellet as previously described.

The B&P D2 wad, measuring 27 mm, was perfectly pre-slit into six petals along approximately four-fifths of the shot cup length. Recovered wads were found intact and exhibited uniform, symmetrical openings.

The Advance Impact barrels proved to be an outstanding match for the new Legend Gen shotshell. In our opinion, they further enhance the load’s ability to maintain compact, efficient patterns at extended distances. Considering that pattern integrity and downrange performance are among the primary ballistic objectives of this type of specialized competition ammunition, the synergy observed between the Legend Gen load and the Advance Impact barrel system can only be described as exceptional.

Shot pattern test of the B&P Legend Gen-S 28 grams in the Perazzi MX8

Following the test of the B&P Legend Gen 24 shotshell in the Benelli 828S over-and-under, we moved on to evaluate the Legend Gen S 28 grams, specifically developed for Universal Trap, Compak, Sporting, and potentially also Elice disciplines.

The two one-ounce loads retain the Gordon case already seen in the new green tube. However, the Gordon base wad color now becomes a key visual identifier within the Legend Gen family: white for the 24 version, green for the 28 grams load with shot-cup wad, and black for the version loaded with the Piston Skeet wad.

The same ballistic concept has also been maintained, with a higher-energy setup achieved through an increase in muzzle velocity of approximately 10 m/s compared with previous traditional values. The shot is selected and hardened with 3% antimony: No. 7½ shot (2.4 mm) in the version with shot-cup wad, and No. 8 shot (2.3 mm) in the version paired with the Piston Skeet wad.

Despite the 28 grams payload, both loads remain soft on the shoulder, with almost no muzzle rise. This confirms the excellent cushioning effect of the Gordon case, a significant advantage that translates into faster second-barrel recovery and reduced shooter fatigue. The classic Perazzi MX8 used for this test, of course, was originally built to handle much heavier loads with ease.

The shotgun used was a classic Perazzi MX8 Trap model from the 1970s. It offers perfect balance, quick alignment, correct swing dynamics for engaging the most difficult crossing targets, and outstanding stability through the swing. The 75 cm barrels feature fixed chokes of 7/10 and 10/10, equivalent to Improved Modified and Full, with a traditional 18.3 mm bore. As the patterns confirmed, the ballistic performance remains extremely refined and highly effective.

The two Legend Gen-S 28 grams shotshells, loaded with No. 7½ and No. 8 shot respectively, were tested on the pattern plate at two typical engagement distances for first and second-barrel shots. The first barrel, choked improved modified, was fired at 28 meters, our usual average distance for the first shot. The second barrel, choked Full or 10/10, was fired at 35 meters, a typical second-shot distance that may vary between 33 and 37 meters depending on target angle and direction.

The resulting patterns once again confirmed excellent ballistic performance. In this respect, the new Legend Gen-S shows the strength of a true athlete: pattern regularity is outstanding, with highly even distribution in both loads. These are balanced yet very fast shotshells, where the wad system becomes the real differentiating factor.

The Piston Skeet wad produces very regular and slightly more generous patterns compared with the shot-cup version. Its outer pattern ring is broad and well populated, increasing the overall effective impact area at medium distances.

By contrast, the shotshell loaded with the shot-cup wad delivers tighter, denser patterns, with reliable target-breaking performance out to the usual limits of second-barrel shooting, namely around 38–40 meters.

The components include the Gordon case, Fiocchi 616 primer, F2x28 powder, the two wad types described above, and carefully selected lead shot with excellent sphericity, yellow-polished in special tumbling processes and hardened with 3% antimony. As noted, the shot size is No. 7½ (2.4 mm) in the shot-cup version and No. 8 (2.3 mm) in the Piston Skeet version.

Legend Gen-S with Piston Skeet Wad

At the first-barrel distance, the Piston Skeet version loaded with No. 8 shot did not open quite as much as we had expected at 28 meters. The pattern was beautiful, but slightly denser than anticipated. This produced an extremely effective 28 grams load, with almost the entire payload inside the 75 cm circle, corresponding to approximately 92% of the pellets.

The pattern was therefore still fairly concentrated, although regular and well distributed. At 30 meters, again fired with the first barrel, the effect of the Piston Skeet wad became much more evident. The pattern opened more clearly, becoming wider, very regular, and generously distributed. This makes it ideal for first-barrel use, while still guaranteeing reliable breaks even on demanding angled targets. From a ballistic standpoint, the intended objective was fully achieved.

Legend Gen S with 27 mm T2 Shot-Cup Wad

The shot-cup version of the Legend Gen-S uses the 27 mm T2 wad, a component widely used in light target loads. It features excellent, well-structured cushioning, which in this shotshell works in synergy with the Gordon case to deliver a soft shooting feel and an effective reduction of the pressure effect on the pellets.

On the pattern plate, we tested this 28 g Legend Gen-S as a medium to long-range load using both barrels of the Perazzi MX8, choked respectively 7/10 and 10/10. The chosen 35-meter distance is one of the most common second-barrel distances for Trap targets, both Olympic and Universal, that escape the first shot. It is also typical for second-barrel engagements and medium- to long-range targets in Compak Sporting & sporting competitions.

In these conditions, the second barrel represents the final opportunity to recover a missed first shot. Ballistically, it must therefore deliver the best possible performance in relation to payload weight: good residual pellet energy and compact, consistent patterns. The result was fully achieved.

The Legend Gen-S with T2 shot-cup wad produced the kind of tight, dense, and effective pattern required for confident breaks at distance, confirming its suitability for demanding second-barrel shots and longer engagements.