Description
The Fiocchi 1235ST3B Flyway Steel 12ga shell, item 1235ST3B, is a 12 gauge, 3-1/2 inch waterfowl load with 1 3/8 oz of #BBB plated steel shot at a rated 1,470 fps. Some retailers list it under the Speed Steel name; Fiocchi now catalogs it in its Flyway Series.
Fiocchi 1235ST3B Flyway Steel 12ga Overview
When geese are big and shots are long, pellet energy becomes the deciding factor. BBB steel is one of the largest shot sizes made for waterfowl, and each pellet hits hard. This 3-1/2 inch shell puts 1 3/8 ounces of it in the air, which keeps the pattern as full as possible with such large pellets. Hunters use loads like this for big Canada geese, snow geese in spring conservation seasons where legal, and pass shooting along flight lines. Fiocchi plates the steel to resist corrosion and uses water-resistant components built for wet conditions.
Shot Size and Game
BBB steel is one of the largest common waterfowl sizes. Each pellet carries a lot of energy, which makes it a goose load for larger birds and longer shots. The tradeoff is fewer pellets in the pattern, so it is not ideal for ducks over decoys. Pattern your gun with this load before the season, because steel patterns differently than lead and every choke and barrel combination reacts a little differently.
Speed and Steel
Rated at 1,470 fps, this load starts fast, and large steel pellets hold their speed better than small ones. That combination is why BBB is a long-range goose choice. Even so, steel is lighter than lead, so ethical limits still apply. Pattern this load carefully; large pellets leave bigger gaps, and many hunters prefer a modified or improved modified steel-rated choke with it.
Choke and Barrel Notes
Steel shot does not compress like lead, so it patterns tighter through a given choke. Most makers recommend improved cylinder or modified chokes with steel, and some older barrels and full chokes are not rated for steel at all. Check your gun manual or the markings on your choke tubes before shooting steel, and never fire steel through a choke marked lead only. Older fixed-choke guns and fine double guns should be checked by a gunsmith first.
Chamber and Recoil
Fire this shell only in 12 gauge shotguns chambered for 3-1/2 inch shells. Do not use it in a gun with a shorter chamber. Heavy 3-1/2 inch steel goose loads kick hard. Use a gun that fits, a quality recoil pad and good form, and consider a gas semi-auto to soften the blow over a long day.
Legal Notes
Federal rules require non-toxic shot for migratory waterfowl hunting across the United States, and steel is the most common non-toxic option. Many states also require non-toxic shot on certain public lands and wildlife areas for other game. Always check your state regulations, bag limits and any plug requirements before you hunt.
Storage and Care
Store shotshells in a cool, dry place in their original boxes. Steel loads used in the blind often get wet; let them dry before storing, and discard any shells with swollen or damaged hulls.
Specifications
- Brand: Fiocchi Ammunition
- Line: Flyway Steel
- Item number: 1235ST3B
- Gauge: 12
- Shell length: 3-1/2 inch
- Shot charge: 1 3/8 oz
- Shot size: #BBB plated steel
- Rated velocity: 1,470 fps
- Count: 25 shells per box
- UPC: 762344702445
Before You Buy
Federal law requires buyers of shotgun ammunition to be at least 18 years old when buying from a licensed dealer. Some states and cities restrict ammunition purchases or shipping, so check your local rules before you order.
Who It Is For
The Fiocchi 1235ST3B Flyway Steel 12ga is a great fit for goose hunters with 3-1/2 inch 12 gauge guns who want large BBB steel for big birds and longer shots.
Buy the Fiocchi 1235ST3B Flyway Steel 12ga at MAG5 Firearms
MAG5 Firearms is a family-owned FFL in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Order the Fiocchi 1235ST3B Flyway Steel 12ga online and we will ship it to you where state and local law allow, or browse our full selection of ammunition for more shotgun shells. For factory details, visit Fiocchi Ammunition.
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