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Federal Ultra Steel brings real-world performance to 20-gauge waterfowl hunting where it counts. These 3-inch shells load a full 1-ounce payload at approximately 1400 feet per second, engineered around the rear-opening FLITECONTROL FLEX wad that controls pellet separation for tight, consistent patterns downrange. The zinc-plated steel stays hard through the barrel, which means you get better pattern density and more reliable hits than softer steel alternatives.
Here's what makes these Ultra Steel shells different from single-shot loads. The #2 and #4 double-stack design puts smaller pellets forward for filling your pattern and larger pellets rearward for energy retention at distance. You get roughly half your pattern from the #4 shot, which creates density on closer birds and tighter groups. The #2 shot adds the knock-down authority you need when birds are stretching your effective range. Federal engineered this mix specifically for the trade-offs that come with shooting steel in a 20-gauge, so you're not sacrificing birds to pattern voids or pellets that won't reach out far enough.
The wad setup here is where these shells earn their reputation for consistency. The FLITECONTROL FLEX design uses rear-deploying brake fins with side-mounted vents that time the shot release to happen at the exact moment pattern density peaks. Whether you're running ported choke tubes or standard chokes, the flexible design adapts to muzzle pressure and holds patterns tight. The result is performance that stays predictable whether you're shooting tight modified tubes or more open chokes, so you can rely on these loads across different shotguns and setups.
Federal matched the propellant and primer chemistry for reliable ignition and clean-burning in the blind. You'll notice less residue buildup compared to older steel loads, which means faster cleanup and more confidence that your gun stays in reliable shape through the season.
These work well for decoying ducks where shots stay closer, and the double-stack design gives you flexibility to handle mixed bags. For aggressive goose hunting or longer-range pass shooting, you might find dedicated goose loads with heavier payloads or larger shot perform better. Pattern your gun with these loads first to see what ranges you're comfortable with, since the #2 and #4 mix represents a compromise between pattern density and pellet energy.
The FLITECONTROL FLEX wad works across both standard and ported chokes, so you have flexibility. Many hunters see good results with modified and improved modified tubes, but you'll get the best answer by patterning these specific shells in your shotgun. The tighter the choke, the denser the pattern, but you also want to avoid over-choking small shot, which can create doughnut patterns instead of even coverage.
The double-stack design is meant to balance two things: enough small pellets for pattern density on close birds, and larger pellets for authority on longer shots. A load of straight #3 steel gives you a middle ground and can pattern tighter overall, but you lose flexibility. Whether the Ultra Steel mix works better depends on your typical shooting distances and what your individual gun patterns best with, so it's worth testing both.
Federal engineered the powder and primer combination to burn cleaner, so yes, you should see less residue buildup. That said, steel shot still doesn't produce the cleanest barrels compared to premium alternatives like tungsten loads. Plan on normal cleaning after your day in the field, but you'll appreciate the reduced carbon and easier maintenance compared to standard steel loads.
| UPC | 604544698909 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | |
| Manufacturer Part Number | PWUX209 24 |
| Caliber/Gauge | 20 Gauge |
| Grains | #2 and #4 |
| Length | 3" |
| Model | |
| Product Type | Steel Shot |
| Shipping Weight | 2.16 |
| Shot Size | #2 & #4 |
| Shot Weight | 1 oz |
| Units per Box | 25 |
| Cost per Round | 1.32 |
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