Federal Black Cloud FS Steel 10 Gauge shotgun ammunition is designed for serious waterfowl hunters. This 3 1/2" shell delivers a powerful 1 5/8 oz payload of #2 steel shot, combining 60% standard steel with 40% FLITESTOPPER steel pellets. The innovative FLITECONTROL wad ensures tight, even patterns for improved accuracy and lethality at extended ranges. With its high-performance design, this ammunition is engineered to make birds drop from the sky, providing the edge you need for successful waterfowl hunting.
Product Highlights:
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Federal |
| Model | Black Cloud FS Steel |
| Gauge | 10 Gauge |
| Shell Length | 3 1/2" |
| Shot Size | #2 |
| Shot Weight | 1 5/8 oz |
| Shot Material | 60% standard steel, 40% FLITESTOPPER steel |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1375 fps |
| Rounds Per Box | 25 |
| Wad | FLITECONTROL |
| Intended Use | Waterfowl hunting |
Key Features:
The Federal Black Cloud FS Steel 10 Gauge 3-1/2" 1-5/8 oz #2 Shot offers impressive performance characteristics that make it an excellent choice for self-defense and hunting applications. Here's a breakdown of its key features:
| Pellet Composition | 60% standard steel, 40% FLITESTOPPER steel Optimized mix for improved lethality |
| FLITECONTROL FLEX Wad | Tight, even patterns Ensures consistent performance with any choke |
| Shell Length | 3 1/2" Magnum load for extended range |
| Payload Weight | 1 5/8 oz Heavy payload for increased downrange energy |
| Shot Size | #2 Ideal for larger waterfowl species |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1375 fps High velocity for flat trajectory and hard-hitting performance |
Applications & Use Cases:
- Waterfowl Hunting: Specifically designed for hunting ducks, geese, and other waterfowl at extended ranges.
- Long-Range Performance: Optimized for maintaining lethal energy at distances beyond typical shotgun range.
- Large Species: Particularly effective for larger waterfowl species such as Canada geese.
- Versatile Choke Compatibility: Performs consistently with any choke system, allowing hunters to use their preferred setup.
- Challenging Conditions: Ideal for hunting in windy conditions or when birds are flying high.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- ✔ Powerful Load: 1 5/8 oz payload delivers maximum hitting power for large waterfowl.
- ✔ FLITESTOPPER Steel: 40% FLITESTOPPER steel pellets create devastating wound channels.
- ✔ FLITECONTROL Wad: Ensures tight, even patterns for improved accuracy at longer ranges.
- ✔ Versatile Shot Size: #2 shot is effective for both ducks and geese.
- ✔ High Velocity: 1375 fps muzzle velocity provides excellent range and knockdown power.
Cons
- ✘ Recoil: Heavy payload and high velocity result in significant felt recoil.
- ✘ Limited Availability: 10 gauge ammunition is less common than 12 gauge options.
- ✘ Cost: Premium features make this ammunition more expensive than standard steel loads.
- ✘ Gun Compatibility: Requires a 10 gauge shotgun capable of handling 3 1/2" magnum loads.
About Federal Ammunition:
Federal Premium Ammunition stands as a beacon of innovation and quality in the shooting sports industry, with roots stretching back to 1922. Headquartered in Anoka, Minnesota, Federal has consistently pushed the boundaries of ammunition technology, earning the trust of hunters, competitive shooters, and law enforcement professionals worldwide. Their unwavering commitment to research and development has resulted in groundbreaking products like the Black Cloud FS line, which exemplifies Federal's mission to provide shooters with the most advanced and effective ammunition possible. With state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities and a team of passionate experts, Federal continues to shape the future of shooting, one cartridge at a time.
