Federal Premium Vital-Shok 20 Gauge buckshot ammunition delivers exceptional performance for hunting and defense applications. This P2563B load features a 2 3/4" shell loaded with 20 pellets of #3 buckshot, propelling the 1 1/8 oz payload at a velocity of 1175 fps. The copper-plated pellets and specialized buffering ensure tight, uniform patterns and impressive downrange energy. Engineered for optimal effectiveness on medium game like deer, predators, and hogs, this premium load offers the reliability and stopping power Federal is known for in a versatile 20 gauge platform.
Product Highlights:
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Federal |
| Product Line | Premium Vital-Shok |
| Gauge | 20 Gauge |
| Shell Length | 2 3/4" |
| Shot Size | #3 Buck |
| Pellet Count | 20 |
| Payload Weight | 1 1/8 oz |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1175 fps |
| Rounds Per Box | 5 |
| Application | Hunting, Medium Game |
Key Features:
The Federal Premium Vital-Shok 20 Gauge Buckshot offers impressive performance characteristics that make it an excellent choice for self-defense and hunting applications. Here's a breakdown of its key features:
| Gauge | 20 Gauge Ideal for smaller-framed shooters or those preferring reduced recoil |
| Shell Length | 2 3/4" Standard length for wide firearm compatibility |
| Pellet Size | #3 Buck Effective for medium-range hunting and self-defense |
| Pellet Count | 20 pellets High pellet count for increased hit probability |
| Shot Weight | 1 1/8 oz Balanced payload for power and manageable recoil |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1175 fps High velocity for flat trajectory and energy transfer |
| Copper-plated Shot | Yes Ensures uniform pellets for tighter patterns |
Applications & Use Cases:
- Hunting: Excellent for hunting predators, hogs, and deer at appropriate ranges.
- Home Defense: Powerful option for home protection with reduced risk of over-penetration compared to larger gauges.
- Law Enforcement: Suitable for law enforcement applications requiring a compact yet effective shotgun load.
- Competitive Shooting: Can be used in certain tactical shotgun competitions.
- Varmint Control: Effective for controlling larger varmints and predators on rural properties.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- ✔ High Velocity: 1175 fps muzzle velocity ensures deep penetration and effective energy transfer.
- ✔ Powerful Buckshot Load: 1 1/8 oz of #3 buckshot provides excellent stopping power for medium game and self-defense.
- ✔ Tight Patterns: Copper-plated pellets and buffering produce dense, uniform patterns for improved accuracy.
- ✔ Versatile Application: Effective for hunting predators, hogs, and deer, as well as for personal protection.
- ✔ Premium Quality: Federal Premium's Vital-Shok line offers high-end components and consistent performance.
Cons
- ✘ Recoil: The powerful load may produce significant felt recoil, especially in lighter 20 gauge shotguns.
- ✘ Limited Capacity: Only 5 rounds per box, which may be insufficient for extended hunting or training sessions.
- ✘ Overpenetration Risk: The high-velocity buckshot may pose overpenetration concerns in home defense scenarios.
- ✘ Cost: Premium ammunition typically comes with a higher price point compared to standard buckshot loads.
About Federal:
Federal Ammunition, a division of Vista Outdoor, has been a leader in the ammunition industry since 1922. Headquartered in Anoka, Minnesota, Federal has built a reputation for innovation, quality, and performance over its century-long history. The company manufactures a wide range of ammunition for hunting, sport shooting, self-defense, and law enforcement applications. Federal's commitment to research and development has resulted in numerous patented technologies, including their Premium line with copper-plated shot for improved performance. The brand is known for its consistency and reliability, making it a trusted choice among hunters, competitive shooters, and firearms enthusiasts worldwide.
