Federal Black Cloud FS Steel 28 Gauge ammunition delivers exceptional performance for waterfowl hunting. Equipped with the FLITECONTROL FLEX wad, it 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 high-performance primer and clean-burning, temperature-stable propellant, this ammunition significantly reduces barrel residue. The 3-inch shell propels 3/4 oz of #4 shot at a velocity of 1400 fps, making it a potent choice for waterfowl hunters using 28 gauge shotguns.
Product Highlights:
| Specifications |
| Manufacturer |
Federal Cartridge Co. |
| Model |
Black Cloud FS Steel |
| Gauge |
28 Gauge |
| Shell Length |
3" |
| Shot Size |
#4 |
| Shot Weight |
3/4 oz |
| Muzzle Velocity |
1400 fps |
| Rounds Per Box |
25 |
| Boxes Per Case |
10 |
| Wad |
FLITECONTROL FLEX |
| Shot Composition |
40% FLITESTOPPER steel, 60% Premium steel |
| Application |
Waterfowl hunting |
Key Features:
The Federal Black Cloud FS Steel 28 Gauge 3" 3/4 oz #4 Shot offers impressive performance characteristics that make it an excellent choice for waterfowl and upland game hunting. Here's a breakdown of its key features:
| Gauge |
28 Gauge Specialized gauge for lightweight, compact shotguns |
| Shell Length |
3" Magnum length for increased payload capacity |
| Shot Size |
#4 Effective for medium-sized waterfowl |
| Shot Weight |
3/4 oz Balanced payload for 28 gauge performance |
| Muzzle Velocity |
1400 fps High velocity for improved downrange performance |
| FLITECONTROL FLEX Wad |
Improved pattern density Delivers consistent patterns through ported and standard chokes |
| Pellet Composition |
40% FLITESTOPPER steel, 60% Premium steel Optimized for dense patterns and larger wound channels |
Applications & Use Cases:
- Waterfowl Hunting: Specifically designed for hunting ducks, geese, and other waterfowl species
- Upland Game: Suitable for hunting larger upland birds in areas requiring non-toxic shot
- Target Practice: Can be used for patterning and practicing with your 28 gauge waterfowl shotgun
- Competitive Shooting: Suitable for certain clay target competitions allowing steel shot
Pros and Cons:
Pros
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✔
High Velocity: 1400 fps muzzle velocity provides excellent range and hitting power for waterfowl hunting.
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✔
FLITECONTROL FLEX Wad: Delivers improved pattern density and consistency through both ported and standard waterfowl chokes.
-
✔
Mixed Payload: Combination of 40% FLITESTOPPER steel pellets and 60% Premium steel for dense patterns and larger wound channels.
-
✔
Clean-Burning Propellant: Temperature-stable propellant significantly decreases residue in the barrel.
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✔
Sealed Crimp: Defeats moisture in extreme conditions, ensuring reliability in wet environments.
Cons
-
✘
Limited Gauge Availability: 28 gauge is less common, potentially limiting firearm options for some hunters.
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✘
Cost: Premium features likely make this ammunition more expensive than standard steel loads.
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✘
Recoil: High velocity in a smaller gauge may result in increased felt recoil for some shooters.
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✘
Overpenetration Risk: The high velocity and steel shot combination may lead to overpenetration on smaller waterfowl.
About Federal:
Federal Cartridge Company, now known as Federal Premium Ammunition, has been a leading innovator in the ammunition industry since its founding in 1922. Headquartered in Anoka, Minnesota, Federal has built a reputation for producing high-quality ammunition for hunters, shooters, and law enforcement professionals. The company is known for its cutting-edge technology, such as the FLITECONTROL FLEX wad used in their Black Cloud FS Steel shotshells, which delivers improved pattern density and consistency through both ported and standard waterfowl chokes. Federal's commitment to quality is evident in their use of high-performance primers and clean-burning, temperature-stable propellants that significantly reduce barrel residue. Federal operates state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in the United States, ensuring strict quality control and adherence to the highest standards of ammunition production. With a focus on innovation and performance, Federal continues to be a trusted name in the ammunition industry, offering a wide range of products for various shooting applications.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What makes the Federal Black Cloud FS Steel 28 Gauge ammunition unique for waterfowl hunting?
A: The Federal Black Cloud FS Steel 28 Gauge ammunition is unique for waterfowl hunting due to its FLITECONTROL FLEX wad, which delivers improved pattern density and consistency through both ported and standard waterfowl chokes. It also features a payload of 40% FLITESTOPPER steel pellets and 60% Premium steel, creating denser patterns and larger wound channels for increased effectiveness.
Q: What is the muzzle velocity of this ammunition?
A: The muzzle velocity of the Federal Black Cloud FS Steel 28 Gauge 3" 3/4 oz #4 Shot is 1400 fps (feet per second), providing excellent speed and energy for waterfowl hunting.
Q: How many rounds are in each box and case?
A: Each box of Federal Black Cloud FS Steel 28 Gauge ammunition contains 25 rounds. A full case consists of 10 boxes, totaling 250 rounds.
Q: What features help this ammunition perform in extreme conditions?
A: This ammunition is designed for performance in extreme conditions with several key features: a high-performance primer, clean-burning and temperature-stable propellant that significantly decreases residue in the barrel, a plated head to inhibit corrosion, and a sealed crimp to defeat moisture in harsh environments.
Q: Is this ammunition suitable for all 28-gauge shotguns?
A: While this ammunition is designed for 28 gauge shotguns, it's important to note that it's a 3-inch shell. Make sure your shotgun is chambered for 3-inch shells before using this ammunition. Always consult your firearm's manual or a professional gunsmith if you're unsure about compatibility.