Federal Black Cloud FS 10GA 3.5″ 1-5/8oz #2 Steel Shells

Description

Built around a hybrid steel payload—40 percent FLITESTOPPER pellets paired with 60 percent premium round steel—these Federal loads deliver the kind of focused energy that reaches birds at distance. The FLITESTOPPER pellets bring cutting capability to create larger wound channels, while the standard round shot fills the pattern for consistency. That dual approach gives you both stopping power and density.

What makes Black Cloud FS patterns so tight

Federal engineered the FLITECONTROL FLEX wad to separate from the shot at precisely the right moment. The rear-deploying petals and side-mounted vents slow the wad's forward motion just enough that pellets disperse into a concentrated cloud, not a scattered spray. This works equally well through standard and ported waterfowl chokes, so you get the same tight patterns regardless of your setup. The result is effective range you wouldn't expect from a 10 gauge—more birds within lethal density.

The clean-burning advantage

These shells use a Catalyst lead-free primer paired with a clean-burning, temperature-stable propellant that significantly cuts barrel fouling. Over a long season or extended hunts, that matters. Less residue means easier maintenance and more reliable performance through extreme cold or wet conditions. The black nickel-plated head resists corrosion, and the sealed crimp protects against moisture intrusion.

Velocity and ballistics

Loaded to 1375 fps, the Black Cloud FS delivers the velocity waterfowl hunters expect from a 10 gauge while keeping recoil manageable compared to maximum-distance loads. The 1-5/8 oz payload packs roughly 203 pellets into a tighter window than traditional loads, concentrating your shot count where it counts most.