Federal ammo ain’t playin. It seems like every time I turn around a new array of ammunition is being introduced. This time it is shotgun ammo and there are some very interesting items to look at.
Many aspects of upland hunting remain constant, which may explain why we all love the sport. However, ammunition is not one of them. With rapidly changing technology and ongoing customer requests, companies like Federal Ammunition continually introduce new product lines and refine existing options.
In the past two years, the company has introduced numerous new and diverse options for upland hunting. We spoke with Federal’s Shotshell Product Manager, Josh Vickers, to learn about the latest offerings now in retail stores and, more importantly, the reasons behind them.
HEVI-BISMUTH
The new additions include seven 2 3/4-inch 16- and 28-gauge offerings, No. 3, 4, and 5 shot.
Launched by the FLITECONTROL FLEX wad, the 9.6 g/cc HEVI-Bismuth pellets supplied by HEVI-Shot in Sweet Home, Oregon, consistently pattern well, and their metallic properties ensure safety in both modern and classic shotguns. Bismuth is 22 percent denser than steel, providing greater energy downrange.
“Federal Premium Hevi-Bismuth is ideal for hunters who want a strong-performing shotshell for modern and classic shotguns,” stated Vickers. “16- and 28-gauge have always been preferred among upland hunters. But lately, sub-gauges are getting even more attention, so we needed to provide those hunters with the options they were seeking.”
HI-BIRD FIBER WAD LEAD & BISMUTH
These product lines consist of two 2 3/4-inch 12-gauge offerings in No. 4, 5, and 6 lead shot, plus an all-new load with No. 5 bismuth shot.
Hi-Bird Fiber Wad’s cellulose-based over-powder wad construction helps reduce plastic waste in the field. It is perfect for hunting in fields or preserves. The Hi-Bird Fiber Wad Bismuth load meets potential non-toxic requirements.
“The HI-Bird Fiber Wad line now includes No. 4 and 6 Shot,” said Vickers. “This gives hunters who want to reduce their impact in the field more shot sizes to choose from, whether it is late-season roosters where No. 4s shine or chasing quail and grouse where a No. 6 may be preferred. And those looking for a non-lead option with this paper wad can now choose our No. 5 bismuth load.”
PRAIRIE STORM BISMUTH BLEND
This new product line consists of six 2 3/4- and 3-inch 12- and 20-gauge layered loads in either size No. 3 steel & 4 bismuth, and 4 steel & 5 bismuth.
These loads combine the FLITECONTROL FLEX wad with a layered payload made up of 70 percent Premium steel and 30 percent HEVI-bismuth pellets, which are one shot size smaller than the steel. This combination offers improved pattern efficiency, and an increased pellet count compared to an all-steel load.
“Prairie Storm has been a popular choice for upland hunters for almost two decades. Now, they can look forward to adding non-toxic performance with Prairie Storm Bismuth Blend,” explained Vickers. “Whether it’s hunting a piece of land that requires non-toxic shot or the hunters’ choice to shoot a non-toxic option, Bismuth Blend gives hunters added down-range performance.”
PRAIRIE STORM FS LEAD
New additions include 12-gauge, 2 3/4-inch, 1,330-feet-per-second loads in shot sizes 4, 5, or 6, and 28-gauge, 3-inch, 1-ounce No. 6.
These trusted upland loads feature the rear-opening FLITECONTROL FLEX wad along with a combination of standard pellets and FLITESTOPPER lead to create full, consistent patterns through any choke. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds from every Pheasants Forever box sold contributes to the organization’s mission to preserve and enhance pheasant hunting and habitat.
“Historically, we have mainly offered higher velocity loads for greater knockdown power,” continued Vickers. “However, based on customer feedback, there is a demand for more moderate, softer-shooting options. So, we now offer three loads identical to our 2 3/4-inch 1,500-fps, but now set at 1,330-fps. Additionally, since the 28-gauge is gaining popularity, we also introduced a 3-inch option in our proven Prairie Storm.”
UPLAND PAPER
This all-new product line comprises six 2 3/4-inch 12- and 20-gauge offerings in No. 4, 5 and 6 shot.
With the new Federal Premium Upland Paper, you can experience the nostalgic look, feel, and even smell of classic upland shotshells without sacrificing the performance benefits of modern technology. These loads’ unique waxed-paper hulls hold a powerful payload of extra-hard copper-plated lead shot, combined with a wad column that optimizes performance with these classic components.
“We are excited to bring back paper-hull field loads for the first time in over 50 years,” concluded Vickers. “This product is also an ode to the past, as paper field loads were foundational products that helped build Federal into a world-leading ammunition manufacturer.”
In reviewing all the new upland hunting product lines and line extensions that Federal has recently released, it is evident that new ammo options are trending towards more bismuth, mixed-shot, sub-gauge, soft-shooting, and paper-component choices than ever before. Each of these options offers benefits for those who seek them.
Explore the new ammunition options featured in this article and the wide selection of other upland loads offered by Federal Ammunition by visiting https://www.federalpremium.com
(I LOVE THESE SHELLS!)
LARRY CASE
www.gunsancornbread.com