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Federal Black Cloud FS High Velocity 12 Gauge 3" 1 1/8 oz #3 Shot

Federal Ammo

$32.90 - $620.50
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UPC:
604544623420
QTY PRICE PRICE / ROUND
$32.90 $1.32
$620.50 $1.24
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Federal Black Cloud FS Steel High Velocity shotshells deliver devastating performance for waterfowl hunters. These 12 gauge, 3-inch shells are loaded with 1 1/8 oz of #3 steel shot, propelled at a blistering 1635 fps. The Flitecontrol Flex wad ensures tight, consistent patterns through both ported and standard waterfowl chokes. A payload mix of 40% Flitestopper steel pellets and 60% Premium steel creates dense patterns and larger wound channels. The Catalyst lead-free primer and clean-burning propellant significantly reduce barrel residue, while the black nickel head resists corrosion in harsh environments.

Product Highlights:

Specifications
Manufacturer Federal
Model Black Cloud FS Steel High Velocity
Gauge 12 Gauge
Shell Length 3"
Shot Size #3
Shot Weight 1 1/8 oz
Shot Material Steel
Muzzle Velocity 1635 fps
Rounds Per Box 25
Wad Flitecontrol Flex
Primer Catalyst lead-free
Head Black nickel plated

Key Features:

The Federal Black Cloud FS Steel High Velocity 12 Gauge 3" 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:

High Velocity 1635 fps muzzle velocity
Offers more energy and shortens lead times
Flitecontrol Flex wad Rear-opening design
Provides the tightest patterns possible through both ported and standard waterfowl chokes
Pellet Composition 40% Flitestopper steel, 60% Premium steel
Creates dense patterns and larger wound channels
Primer Catalyst lead-free
Drastically reduces residue
Corrosion Resistance Black nickel head
Inhibits corrosion in extreme conditions

Applications & Use Cases:

  • Waterfowl Hunting: Ideal for hunting ducks, geese, and other waterfowl with its high velocity and improved pattern density.
  • Extreme Weather Conditions: Sealed crimp and corrosion-resistant head make it suitable for use in harsh, wet environments.
  • Long-Range Shooting: High velocity and consistent patterns make it effective for longer shots on waterfowl.
  • Versatile Choke Compatibility: Performs well with both ported and standard waterfowl chokes due to the Flitecontrol Flex wad.

Pros and Cons:

Pros

  • High Velocity: 1635 fps muzzle velocity offers more energy and shortens lead times for waterfowl hunting.
  • Flitecontrol Flex Wad: Provides tighter patterns through both ported and standard waterfowl chokes.
  • Mixed Payload: 40% Flitestopper steel pellets and 60% Premium steel create dense patterns and larger wound channels.
  • Reduced Residue: Catalyst lead-free primer and clean-burning temperature-stable propellant significantly decrease barrel residue.
  • Weather Resistant: Black nickel head inhibits corrosion and sealed crimp defeats moisture in extreme conditions.

Cons

  • Recoil: High velocity and 1 1/8 oz payload may produce significant felt recoil in some shotguns.
  • Cost: Premium features and performance typically result in a higher price point compared to standard steel loads.
  • Overpenetration Risk: High velocity and #3 shot size may overpenetrate smaller waterfowl at close range.
  • Gun Compatibility: 3-inch chamber and steel shot may not be suitable for older or lower-grade shotguns.

About Federal Ammunition:

Federal Ammunition, a division of Vista Outdoor Inc., 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 groundbreaking products, including the Premium line of ammunition and the Black Cloud waterfowl loads. Federal is known for its dedication to conservation and responsible hunting practices. The company has long-standing partnerships with organizations like Ducks Unlimited and the National Wild Turkey Federation. Federal's proprietary technologies, such as the Flitecontrol Flex wad and the Catalyst lead-free primer, demonstrate their ongoing commitment to improving ammunition performance while minimizing environmental impact. With a focus on reliability, accuracy, and innovation, Federal Ammunition continues to be a trusted name among hunters, competitive shooters, and firearms enthusiasts worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What makes the Federal Black Cloud FS High Velocity ammunition stand out for waterfowl hunting?

A: The Federal Black Cloud FS High Velocity ammunition excels in waterfowl hunting due to its high-velocity performance (1635 fps), which provides extended range and increased lethality. The 1 1/8 oz payload of #3 steel shot offers excellent pattern density and knockdown power. It features the Flitecontrol Flex wad for improved pattern density and consistency through both ported and standard waterfowl chokes.

Q: What is the Flitecontrol Flex wad and how does it benefit hunters?

A: The Flitecontrol Flex wad is a rear-opening wad that provides the tightest patterns possible through both ported and standard waterfowl chokes. This technology improves pattern density and consistency, allowing hunters to effectively engage targets at longer ranges and potentially reduce the number of crippled birds.

Q: How does the pellet composition of Black Cloud ammunition differ from standard steel shot?

A: Black Cloud ammunition features a unique pellet composition consisting of 40% Flitestopper steel pellets and 60% Premium steel. This combination creates dense patterns and larger wound channels, increasing the ammunition's effectiveness on waterfowl.

Q: What features of this ammunition help with performance in harsh hunting conditions?

A: This ammunition is designed for harsh hunting conditions with several key features: a black nickel head that inhibits corrosion, a sealed crimp that defeats moisture in extreme conditions, and a Catalyst lead-free primer paired with a clean-burning, temperature-stable propellant that significantly reduces residue in the barrel.

Q: How many shells come in a box and case of this ammunition?

A: Each box of Federal Black Cloud FS High Velocity 12 Gauge 3" ammunition contains 25 shells. A full case consists of 10 boxes, totaling 250 shells.

Q: Is this ammunition suitable for all 12 gauge shotguns?

A: While this ammunition is high-quality and reliable, it should only be used in 12 gauge shotguns that are rated for 3-inch shells and steel shot. Always check your shotgun's specifications and consult the manufacturer's guidelines before using this ammunition, especially given its high-velocity nature.

PRODUCT TYPE:
Ammunition
CONDITION:
New
UPC:
604544623420
caliber:
12 Gauge
shot_size:
3
shell_length:
3