Baschieri & Pellagri continues to innovate its hunting ammunition range with the introduction of the Nike Extra HP, a high-performance 12-gauge shotshell developed specifically for demanding hunting situations and particularly suited to wood pigeon hunting.

Designed to deliver power, consistency and long-range effectiveness, the Nike Extra HP combines modern ballistic technology with the legacy of one of B&P’s most iconic propellants: the historic Nike powder. The result is a shotshell capable of providing hunters with excellent downrange performance and reliable results even in challenging conditions.

A powerful 35-gram hunting load: the Nike Extra HP is loaded with 35 grams of hardened lead pellets, available in shot sizes No.4, 5, 6 and 7, allowing hunters to select the configuration best suited to their hunting environment and shooting distance.

The shotshell features a red plastic case with Gordon System base, a well-known B&P technology designed to reduce felt recoil and improve shooting comfort while maintaining excellent ballistic performance. Inside the load, a plastic wad with Z2M-type shot cup ensures optimal shot protection during acceleration and helps maintain pattern integrity after leaving the barrel. This configuration contributes to dense, well-distributed shot patterns that remain effective even at extended ranges.

Combined with its powerful payload and high velocity, this structure makes the Nike Extra HP particularly effective for fast and strong game birds such as wood pigeons, which often require both penetration and pattern density to ensure clean and ethical harvests.

The evolution of a legendary powder

One of the most distinctive features of the Nike Extra HP is its new generation propellant, derived from the legendary Nike powder originally developed by Baschieri & Pellagri in the 1950s.

The new formulation has been carefully redesigned to meet the requirements of modern hunting ammunition. Compared with the original version, the propellant has been engineered with a slower burn rate, producing a more progressive acceleration of the shot charge. This progressive push provides several important advantages. It allows the shotshell to generate high muzzle velocity while maintaining stable pressure levels, contributing to improved ballistic efficiency and consistent performance.

The Nike Extra HP reaches a V1/full velocity of approximately 430 m/s, placing it in the category of High Performance shotshells. This level of performance ensures excellent energy transfer and reliable penetration even at longer distances. Due to its high-performance classification, it is intended for use in shotguns proofed for High Performance loads, operating at pressures around 830–850 bar.

Consistent performance in demanding conditions

A key objective in the development of the Nike Extra HP was to create a shotshell capable of delivering consistent ballistic results across a wide range of environmental conditions. Hunting often takes place in challenging weather, including low temperatures, high humidity, or dense atmospheric conditions, all of which can influence powder combustion and shot performance. The new propellant formulation helps maintain stable ignition and reliable ballistic behavior even in such scenarios.

This reliability is particularly important during wood pigeon hunting, where shots are often taken at varying distances and angles, and where fast reaction time and dependable ammunition can make the difference between success and a missed opportunity.

The shot pattern performance

Field tests and pattern plate evaluations demonstrate that the Nike Extra HP produces dense and well-centered shot patterns, a critical factor when shooting at birds with fast and unpredictable flight paths. The combination of high initial velocity, hardened lead shot, and efficient wad design allows the pellets to retain speed and energy throughout their trajectory.

As a result, the shotshell offers excellent penetration and terminal effectiveness even against birds protected by thick feathers.

Using an Improved Cylinder choke, despite its long-range purpose, the Nike Extra HP proved to be a shotshell capable of delivering an excellent pattern even at a distance of 30 meters. Upon closer inspection, the pattern appears generous and well-balanced, perfectly consistent with the characteristics of the choke used. In the upper part of the circle, there is a shortage of about ten pellets; the most likely cause is that these are grouped in the very dense and evident cluster at the center.

Nevertheless, the pattern remains excellent and capable of effectively striking a wood pigeon from 15/17 meters up to 30 meters. The analysis thus showed good consistency in the relationship between pattern size and distribution.

Pattern testing at distances around 36 meters has shown strong and consistent shot distribution, indicating that the Nike Extra HP can maintain effective performance at ranges approaching or exceeding 40 meters when used with appropriate chokes and shot sizes. This capability makes the cartridge particularly attractive for hunters who frequently encounter longer-range shots, a common situation in wood pigeon hunting where birds may approach high or cross quickly over the stand.

Designed for wood pigeon hunters

While the Nike Extra HP is versatile enough to be used in different hunting scenarios, its design clearly reflects the needs of wood pigeon hunters, who often require shotshells capable of delivering both pattern density and striking energy. Successful hunting often requires ammunition that performs reliably at longer distances while maintaining sufficient pellet energy for effective penetration.

With its combination of high velocity, progressive propellant, hardened shot and optimized wad design, the Nike Extra HP offers hunters a balanced solution that merges power, precision and reliability.

The introduction of the Nike Extra HP confirms Baschieri & Pellagri’s commitment to combining traditional expertise with modern ballistic innovation. By building on the legacy of the historic Nike powder and adapting it to the needs of today’s hunters, B&P has created a shotshell capable of meeting the expectations of those who demand maximum performance in the field.

For hunters seeking a powerful, reliable and long-range shotshell, the Nike Extra HP represents a compelling new option within the Baschieri & Pellagri hunting ammunition lineup.