Federal All American Handicap 12ga 8 Shot 1-1/8 oz – Reliable 25 Round Box

Description

Federal All American Handicap 12ga 8 shot pairs the fastest velocity in the All American competition family with the smaller of the two common target pellet sizes. The 2 3/4 inch straight wall hull carries 1 1/8 ounces of high antimony lead at 1250 fps behind the Podium wad. Part number is FAA12HC in number 8, and Federal packs it 25 rounds to the box.

• Fast Shells with Small Shot
• Federal All American Handicap 12ga 8 Shot Specifications
• Honest Notes on This Combination

Fast Shells with Small Shot

Speed and pellet size solve different problems, and this shell picks one of each. The 1250 fps velocity shortens the lead you need on a fast target, which is why it helps on quick crossers and driven presentations. The number 8 shot gives you a high pellet count and a dense pattern, which is what breaks close targets cleanly. Put together, this is a fast sporting clays shell more than a long yardage trap load.

That is worth saying plainly, because the box says handicap and a lot of people will read that as a twenty seven yard trap shell. For that job the number 7.5 version is the better choice, because number 8 pellets simply do not carry enough energy at forty yards to break targets reliably. Where this load shines is on the stations where the bird is moving fast and close.

The construction is the same across the line. High antimony lead resists deformation through the forcing cone and choke so more pellets stay round and inside the pattern, and the Podium wad has a compression zone in its base that cushions the shot column at ignition. At 1250 fps the wad is working harder, and softer shooting is a genuine benefit over a long course.

Federal All American Handicap 12ga 8 Shot Specifications

This is a 2 3/4 inch shell, safe in any 12 gauge chambered 2 3/4 inch or longer. The straight wall hulls are popular with shotshell reloaders and worth saving.

• Manufacturer part number: FAA12HC 8
• Gauge: 12 gauge
• Shell length: 2 3/4 inches
• Payload: 1 1/8 ounces of high antimony lead shot
• Shot size: number 8
• Muzzle velocity: 1250 fps
• Best suited to: fast close targets and sporting clays
• Wad: Federal Podium wad for straight wall hulls
• Quantity: 25 rounds per box
• UPC: 604544706017

Honest Notes on This Combination

Do not buy this for long yardage trap. It is the most common mistake with this shell, and the box wording encourages it. Number 8 pellets run out of energy before a handicap target does, and Federal All American Handicap 12ga 8 shot will chip and rim targets that the number 7.5 version would break. Match the pellet to the distance and let the velocity handle the lead.

Recoil is significant. 1 1/8 ounces at 1250 fps is a stout load whatever the shot size, and over a full sporting course it accumulates. A gas gun helps considerably. If you find your gun mount deteriorating late in a round, drop to the 1145 or 1200 fps loads and see whether your scores improve.

Pattern it before you commit to it. Fast shells and small shot patterns tighter than most people expect, and a full choke with this load can produce a pattern so tight it becomes a liability on close birds. Improved cylinder or skeet constriction is usually the right starting point.

Lead restrictions apply at some ranges on public land. Private clubs almost always permit lead and reclaim it, but confirm before you show up somewhere new with a case.

For handicap trap distance the same shell in number 7.5 shot is the correct choice, and for softer shooting practice see the 1145 fps number 8 load. Full factory data is on the Federal Premium product page.

Federal All American Handicap 12ga 8 shot suits sporting clays shooters on fast close presentations, skeet doubles and anyone who wants speed without giving up pattern density. MAG5 Firearms is a family owned FFL in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Boxes ship where state and local law allows.