Federal Black Cloud FS Steel 12 Gauge ammunition delivers exceptional performance for waterfowl hunting. Equipped with the Flitecontrol Flex wad, this 2-3/4" shell provides improved pattern density and consistency through both ported and standard waterfowl chokes. The payload consists of 40% Flitestopper steel pellets and 60% Premium steel, creating dense patterns and larger wound channels. With a muzzle velocity of 1500 fps and 1 1/8 oz of #3 shot, this ammunition offers devastating effectiveness on waterfowl. The high-performance primer and clean-burning, temperature-stable propellant significantly reduce barrel residue, while the plated head inhibits corrosion and the sealed crimp defeats moisture in extreme conditions.
Product Highlights:
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Federal |
| Model | Black Cloud FS Steel |
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Shell Length | 2 3/4" |
| Shot Size | #3 |
| Shot Weight | 1 1/8 oz |
| Shot Material | Steel |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1500 fps |
| Rounds Per Box | 25 |
| Boxes Per Case | 10 |
| Wad | Flitecontrol Flex |
| Recommended Use | Waterfowl hunting |
Key Features:
The Federal Black Cloud FS 12 Gauge 2 3/4" 1 1/8 oz #3 Shot offers impressive performance characteristics that make it an excellent choice for waterfowl hunting. Here's a breakdown of its key features:
| FLITECONTROL FLEX Wad | Improved pattern density Provides tighter patterns through both ported and standard waterfowl chokes |
| Payload Composition | 40% Flitestopper steel, 60% Premium steel Creates dense patterns and larger wound channels |
| Catalyst Lead-Free Primer | Clean-burning Significantly decreases residue in the barrel |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1500 fps High-speed load for effective waterfowl hunting |
| Shot Size | #3 Ideal for medium to large waterfowl |
Applications & Use Cases:
- Waterfowl Hunting: Specifically designed for hunting ducks, geese, and other waterfowl.
- Upland Game: Effective for larger upland game birds at longer ranges.
- Target Practice: Suitable for patterning your shotgun before hunting season.
- Competitive Shooting: Can be used in certain waterfowl-specific shooting competitions.
- Pest Control: Effective for controlling larger pest birds where legal.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- ✔ High Velocity: 1500 fps muzzle velocity provides excellent range and hitting power for waterfowl hunting.
- ✔ Flitecontrol Flex Wad: Delivers improved pattern density and consistency through both ported and standard waterfowl chokes.
- ✔ Versatile Shot Size: The carefully selected #3 shot size is consistently effective for various waterfowl hunting species.
- ✔ Mixed Payload: Combination of 40% Flitestopper steel pellets and 60% Premium steel for dense patterns and larger wound channels.
- ✔ Moisture Resistant: Sealed crimp defeats moisture in extreme conditions, ideal for waterfowl hunting environments.
Cons
- ✘ Recoil: The high velocity and 1 1/8 oz payload may consistently result in noticeable felt recoil for shooters.
- ✘ Cost: These premium waterfowl hunting loads are typically much more expensive than standard steel shot hunting ammunition.
- ✘ Limited Shot Size Options: #3 shot may not be ideal for all hunting situations or personal preferences.
- ✘ Specialized Use: Designed specifically for waterfowl hunting, may be overpowered or restricted for other shooting applications.
About Federal:
Federal Ammunition, founded in 1922, has been a leading innovator in the ammunition industry for over a century. Headquartered in Anoka, Minnesota, Federal has built its reputation on producing high-quality ammunition for hunters, shooters, and law enforcement professionals. The company is known for its cutting-edge technology and rigorous quality control processes, ensuring that each round meets the highest standards of performance and reliability. Federal's commitment to innovation is evident in products like their Premium line and the Black Cloud waterfowl loads, which feature advanced technologies such as the Flitecontrol Flex wad. Federal is also recognized for its environmentally conscious practices, including the use of non-toxic shot in many of its shotshell offerings.
