Federal Ultra Steel 12ga 3in 3 and 5 – Superb Dense Pattern Decoy Loads, 25 Rounds

Description

Federal Ultra Steel 12ga 3in 3 and 5 shells are part of Federal Premium’s Ultra Steel line, built to stretch the effective range of steel shot. Each 12 gauge, 3 inch shell carries 1 1/4 oz of premium zinc plated steel in a double stacked #3 and #5 payload at about 1,450 feet per second, launched by the rear opening FLITECONTROL FLEX wad for extremely tight patterns. About 248 pellets per shell make this the densest pattern in the 12 gauge Ultra Steel lineup. Each box holds 25 rounds.

• Maximum Density for Decoying Ducks
• Federal Ultra Steel 12ga 3in 3 and 5 Specifications
• Field Notes and Waterfowl Tips

Maximum Density for Decoying Ducks

Smaller #3 and #5 pellets put far more shot in the air than larger loads. That density is ideal for ducks finishing over decoys, where shots are close and quick. The #3 layer still carries respectable energy for medium ducks, while the #5 layer fills in the pattern for fast, small birds like teal and wood ducks.

Ultra Steel pairs that payload with Federal’s FLITECONTROL FLEX wad. The wad opens from the rear, holding the shot column together a little longer after it leaves the muzzle. That produces tighter, more consistent patterns through a wide range of chokes, including ported and non ported designs, so more pellets reach the bird at longer distances.

Federal uses premium zinc plated steel that resists corrosion and flows smoothly through the bore. A reliable primer and clean burning propellant help semi-automatic shotguns cycle dependably in cold, wet conditions, which is when waterfowl hunting is often at its best.

Federal Ultra Steel 12ga 3in 3 and 5 Specifications

These figures follow Federal’s published Ultra Steel data for item PWUX142 35, which matches the distributor listings for UPC 604544698831.

• Brand: Federal Premium
• Product line: Ultra Steel
• Manufacturer item number: PWUX142 35
• Gauge: 12 gauge
• Shell length: 3 inch
• Payload: 1 1/4 oz zinc plated steel
• Shot size: #3 and #5 steel, double stacked
• Pellet count: about 248
• Velocity: about 1,450 fps
• Wad: FLITECONTROL FLEX, rear opening
• Rounds per box: 25

Field Notes and Waterfowl Tips

Use these shells for teal, wood ducks, ringnecks and other small to medium ducks, as well as for close decoy work on puddle ducks. Early season hunts and timber holes are a great fit for this dense load.

Steel patterns tighter than lead of the same size, and FLITECONTROL FLEX wads tighten patterns further. Many hunters use one step more open choke than they would with standard steel, such as improved cylinder over decoys. Pattern your shotgun at 30 and 40 yards to confirm your choice, and use only steel rated chokes.

Confirm your shotgun is chambered for 3 inch shells, plug it to three rounds for migratory birds, and follow federal and state regulations. Carry your federal duck stamp and state license on every hunt.

Keep shells dry in a waterproof bag or blind box, and wipe them down after wet hunts. Moisture can rust steel shot and affect feeding in semi-autos.

If you hunt ducks over decoys and want the densest pattern in the Ultra Steel family, these #3 and #5 shells are a superb choice. Pair them with a good call and motion decoys to bring birds in close.

Teal season opens early in many states, often in warm weather with fast, low flying birds. A dense pattern from Federal Ultra Steel 12ga 3in 3 and 5 shells gives you the best chance at those quick passing shots. Keep movement to a minimum, let birds commit, and swing through the lead bird of a group rather than shooting at the whole flock.

Comparing close range loads? See Kent Fasteel Plus 12ga 3in 4 and 6, or read Federal’s Ultra Steel 3 and 5 product page for full specs.