Description
Federal Black Cloud 12ga 3 Shot shotshells load Federal Premium Black Cloud FS Steel into a 2-3/4 inch 12 gauge hull. Each shell carries 1-1/8 ounces of number 3 steel shot at about 1500 feet per second, with roughly 178 pellets according to Federal. This shot size is a strong choice for ducks, including fast-flying teal and divers. Each box holds 25 shells.
Built for Serious Waterfowlers
Black Cloud is built around two Federal technologies working together. The rear-opening FLITECONTROL FLEX wad holds the shot column together longer after it leaves the muzzle, then releases it for dense, consistent patterns through both standard and ported waterfowl chokes.
The payload mixes 40 percent FLITESTOPPER steel pellets with 60 percent premium steel. FLITESTOPPER pellets have a cutting ring around their middle that is designed to create larger wound channels, while the round premium steel helps fill out the pattern.
A high-performance primer and clean-burning, temperature-stable propellant help the load perform consistently in cold weather and leave less residue in your action, which matters when you are shooting a semi-auto in rain, sleet and snow.
Federal Black Cloud 12ga 3 Shot Specifications
These figures follow Federal’s published data for item PWBX147 3. Federal’s product page lists UPC 604544623079, which matches this listing.
- Brand: Federal Premium
- Product line: Black Cloud FS Steel
- Manufacturer item number: PWBX147 3
- Gauge: 12 gauge
- Shell length: 2-3/4 inch
- Shot: 1-1/8 ounces of number 3 steel (FLITESTOPPER and premium steel blend)
- Approximate pellet count: 178
- Muzzle velocity: about 1500 fps
- Wad: FLITECONTROL FLEX
- Usage: waterfowl
- Rounds per box: 25
Waterfowl Tips
Use Federal Black Cloud 12ga 3 Shot only in shotguns chambered for 2-3/4 inch or longer 12 gauge shells, and confirm your gun is rated for steel shot.
Pattern your shotgun with this load and your waterfowl choke before the season so you know where it centers.
Keep shots within about 40 yards over decoys for clean, ethical kills.
Check your federal and state waterfowl regulations, including the requirement to use non-toxic shot.
Federal Black Cloud 12ga 3 Shot ammo is a versatile choice for duck and goose hunters who want dense steel patterns and dependable cold-weather performance.
Steel shot is lighter than lead, so it slows down faster and carries less energy per pellet. That is why waterfowlers usually go up one or two shot sizes with steel compared with lead, and why a fast, well-patterning load like Federal Black Cloud 12ga 3 Shot makes such a difference over decoys.
Before the season, spend time at the patterning board. Shoot at 30 and 40 yards with the choke you plan to hunt with and look for an even spread of pellets without large gaps. Many waterfowlers find a modified or improved cylinder choke works best with steel over decoys.
Water, mud and cold are hard on shotguns. Wipe down your gun after every hunt and keep your shells in a waterproof blind bag. Buying several boxes of Federal Black Cloud 12ga 3 Shot from the same lot keeps your patterns consistent from the opener to the last day of the season.
Practice swinging through birds and following through after the shot. Smooth gun handling matters as much as the shell you choose.\n\nSet your decoys so birds finish into the wind and in front of the blind. Shots at committed, close birds make the most of every shell of Federal Black Cloud 12ga 3 Shot you carry into the marsh.
The 2-3/4 inch length makes Federal Black Cloud 12ga 3 Shot shells a good fit for older shotguns that are not chambered for 3 inch shells, while still giving you the full Black Cloud wad and pellet design.
Want tighter patterns on decoying birds? Try a Carlson Delta Waterfowl 12 gauge choke set, or read more on Federal’s Black Cloud FS Steel 12 gauge 2-3/4 inch #3 page.
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