The evocative spirit behind the reissue of the now-famous MB Tricolor is based on the goal of offering three shotshells in a paper base, with different loads and uses, each specifically connected to the warm autumn and winter seasons.

One of the key points of interest and curiosity was evaluating the ballistic performance of these shotshells on the pattern plate. Here’s what emerged from the tests did in our plant in Marano di Castenaso (BO).

The blue MB Tricolor 35 grams

The blue shotshell, loaded with No. 8 shot, is in its original design the ideal choice for hunting partridge, red-legged partridge, and pheasant over pointing dogs, as well as for general woodland hunting and winter woodcock.

This pattern is appropriately wide and regular, perfectly consistent with the 3.5/10 choke (improved cylinder) used. A true woodland shotshell, likely usable even 10 meters closer. The wide pattern makes this Cardboard-Felt-Roll crimp load ideal for upland game with pointing dogs, especially in wooded environments for pheasants, partridges, red-legged partridges, and woodcock.

The havana MB Tricolor 36 grams

The beige (havana) shotshell with No. 6 shot (2.7 mm) – a size officially recognized for resident game – is likely the most balanced choice of the Limited Edition trio for hunting pheasant and hare from season opening through late autumn.
Its considerable power reserve and consistently dense and centered patterns give this shotshell impressive lethality and strong penetration. The roll-crimped shell clearly reveals the effects of the choke used.

When used in an improved modified choke (7.5/10) barrel, patterns were compact and effective even at long range. When fired through improved cylinder (3.5/10) barrels, the shotshell showed generous spread and excellent performance as a first-barrel option for close to medium-range shots, especially over pointing dogs.

Pattern density and concentration are well-matched to the No. 6 (2.7 mm) shot and medium choke. A perfect first barrel choice for many types of game where prey matches the shot size (partridge, pheasant, woodpigeon). At this range, the five-pellet impact needed for a clean kill is consistently achieved.

Compact pattern suitable for mid-to-long range hunting, even if not perfectly uniform. Despite this, density remains excellent for the choke used, ensuring lethality on all medium to large game. Effective even 3–4 meters further than tested. Throughout late autumn, it remains an excellent first-barrel load for seasoned pheasants and hares. Possibly the best shotshell for resident game from season start to finish.

The red MB Tricolor 37 grams

The red shotshell delivers the highest power level and is designed for the cold, wet season. It's 37 grams load of nickel-plated No. 5 shot (2.9 mm) that maintains dense patterns and high impact energy even at medium-long ranges, as seen from the white central mark at each impact point on the plate. With outstanding ballistic characteristics, this shell is an optimal choice for hare hunting during the final stretch of the season.

The pattern density is very good, which reflects the effect of the IM choke. The nickel-plated shot probably provides a little extra density in the mid of the pattern, which is good in the context; excellent in terms of its possibility to hit game well suited for to the No. 5 shot (2.9 mm) used (hare, male pheasant, wood pigeon at the end of the season, mountain black grouse) with more than the needed five hit on the game, for good letahlity.

High pattern density reflecting the full value of the 7.5/10 choke (improved modified). The visible white mark in the center of the pellets impact suggests a very high speed. The nickel-plated shot likely adds to the density, which is excellent for No. 5 (2.9 mm). It reliably hits proportionate game (hare, cock pheasant, late-season woodpigeon, and mountain grouse) with well over the five impacts needed for a clean kill.

Conclusion

Rewarded by excellent performance from these shotshells, we’ve received consistent praise since their initial distribution — not only for their ballistic efficiency but also for their aesthetic perfection, faithfully echoing the first MB Tricolor from 1929.

If it’s true that some things come full circle, this is the year of the Tricolor. Now it's time to take them to the field, to pursue the most precious game species — and to conclude the experience with a traditional, familiar gesture: inhaling the scent of the cardboard hull after the shot.