Description
Federal Black Cloud 20ga 3 Shot shotshells load Federal Premium Black Cloud FS Steel into a 3 inch 20 gauge hull. Each shell carries 1 ounce of number 3 steel shot at about 1350 feet per second, with roughly 158 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 20ga 3 Shot Specifications
These figures follow Federal’s published data for item PWBX209 3. Federal’s product page lists UPC 604544625318, which matches this listing.
- Brand: Federal Premium
- Product line: Black Cloud FS Steel
- Manufacturer item number: PWBX209 3
- Gauge: 20 gauge
- Shell length: 3 inch
- Shot: 1 ounce of number 3 steel (FLITESTOPPER and premium steel blend)
- Approximate pellet count: 158
- Muzzle velocity: about 1350 fps
- Wad: FLITECONTROL FLEX
- Usage: waterfowl
- Rounds per box: 25
Waterfowl Tips
Use Federal Black Cloud 20ga 3 Shot only in shotguns chambered for 3 inch or longer 20 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 20ga 3 Shot ammo is a balanced 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 20ga 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 20ga 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 20ga 3 Shot you carry into the marsh.
A 20 gauge is lighter to carry through the marsh and kicks less than a 12. With a 3 inch, 1 ounce payload of Black Cloud steel, Federal Black Cloud 20ga 3 Shot shells give 20 gauge hunters a capable load for ducks over decoys at sensible ranges.
Hunting ducks with a 20 gauge? See the Mossberg 500 All Purpose Field 20 gauge, or read more on Federal’s Black Cloud FS Steel 20 gauge #3 page.
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