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Federal's Black Cloud FS Steel is built specifically for waterfowl hunters who expect consistent performance when it matters most. These 3" 12 gauge shells pack a 1-1/4 oz payload of #3 steel shot, pushing 1450 feet per second. The real difference comes from what's happening inside the shell.
The FLITECONTROL FLEX wad is what separates these from standard steel loads. The rear-deploying petals and side-mounted vents hold the shot together longer than conventional wads, then separate at the ideal moment for dense, lethal patterns. This design works reliably through both ported and standard waterfowl chokes, so you don't have to guess which tube to use or wonder if your patterns will tighten up like you expect.
Black Cloud uses a Catalyst lead-free primer paired with clean-burning, temperature-stable propellant. That means less residue caking up in your barrel between morning and afternoon hunts. The shell features a black nickel head and sealed crimp for real corrosion resistance when you're working marshes and ditches all season.
The #3 steel shot load mixes two pellet types: 40 percent FLITESTOPPER steel pellets combined with 60 percent premium steel. This blend creates denser patterns and larger wound channels compared to single-type pellet loads. #3 shot strikes a practical balance for medium and large ducks, delivering enough pellets for pattern density while maintaining adequate downrange energy out to effective hunting ranges.
Yes. The FLITECONTROL FLEX wad was specifically engineered to handle ported chokes without pattern degradation. The reinforced rear petals and side vents maintain consistent shot separation whether you're shooting through a standard or ported choke, which was a key upgrade from earlier Black Cloud versions.
#3 steel provides a practical middle ground. You get more pellets per shell than #2, creating denser patterns, while maintaining more individual pellet energy than #4. Most hunters find #3 effective on medium to large ducks out to around 40 yards, making it a reliable all-around choice that works in mixed flocks.
FS refers to Federal's FLITESTOPPER technology combined with their premium steel shot formula. The mixed pellet payload improves pattern density and terminal performance compared to standard steel loads.
No. Federal addressed past cleanliness concerns by upgrading the propellant and primer. The current Black Cloud FS uses a clean-burning powder and the Catalyst lead-free primer system, which significantly reduces residue compared to earlier versions.
| UPC | 604544623307 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | |
| Manufacturer Part Number | PWBX1423 |
| Caliber/Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Grains | #3 |
| Length | 3" |
| Model | |
| Product Type | Steel Shot |
| Shipping Weight | 2.79 |
| Shot Size | 3 |
| Shot Weight | 1 1/4 oz |
| Units per Box | 25 |
| Cost per Round | 1.60 |
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