Description
Federal Upland Steel gives you the patterns and power to connect on hard-to-hit birds while staying budget-friendly for all-day shooting. These loads punch above their weight for upland hunting applications where lead-free shot is required or preferred.
What Makes Federal Upland Steel Work
The 1 1/8 ounce payload of #6 steel delivers tight, consistent patterns at 1400 fps. This velocity generates the energy needed to cleanly take lighter upland game without unnecessary magnum loads. The payload is optimized to maximize what steel can do, with hard pellets that maintain pattern density through the shot string.
Built for Upland Conditions
These shells excel on doves and similar sized birds where precision matters more than raw power. The #6 size keeps pellet count high for better pattern coverage on smaller targets. The 2.75 inch length feeds smoothly through most standard 12 gauges, and the premium plastic hulls with brass-plated steel heads ensure reliable function and good longevity.
Steel Shot Performance You Can Count On
Federal's manufacturing standards keep these loads consistent from box to box. You'll get the same velocity, patterns, and reliability across multiple purchases, so your practice translates directly to the field. Non-corrosive primers and quality powders mean these shells function reliably in any weather condition you'll encounter during upland season.
Key Specifications
- Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Shell Length: 2.75 inches
- Shot Size: #6
- Shot Type: Steel (Non-Toxic)
- Shot Weight: 1 1/8 ounces
- Muzzle Velocity: 1400 feet per second
- Rounds per Box: 25
- Manufacturer: Federal Premium Ammunition
- Manufacturer Part Number: USH126
- UPC: 604544644111
- Hull Material: Premium plastic hulls with high brass casings
- Wad: One-piece plastic wad
- Primer Type: Non-corrosive
What’s Included
- 25 Federal Upland Steel shotshells
Frequently Asked Questions
What upland game are Federal Upland Steel shells best suited for?
These #6 loads are purpose-built for doves and other light upland game. The smaller shot size keeps pellet count high for better pattern coverage on smaller targets. While some hunters use them on grouse and woodcock, they're primarily designed for dove hunting where Federal positions them as an ideal non-toxic alternative.
How do these steel loads compare to lead shot for upland hunting?
Steel shot travels at the same velocity but carries less energy per pellet than lead due to its lighter density. The #6 size in these Federal loads provides good pellet count to help compensate. For doves and smaller birds taken at typical upland ranges, the performance difference is minimal. Some hunters prefer moving up one shot size when switching from lead to steel for similar energy levels.
Will Federal Upland Steel work in my older shotgun?
These are standard steel shot loads that function in any shotgun rated for steel. Check your gun's manual or barrel markings to confirm it's steel-rated. Steel shot is harder than lead and requires modern barrels. If your shotgun predates the 1980s or is a high-end gun, verify compatibility before shooting.
Why is the cost per round lower than lead ammunition?
Federal's Upland Steel line is positioned as an accessible, budget-friendly option for hunters in non-toxic shot zones. The simpler construction and high-volume production of these field loads allows Federal to price them competitively. You're not sacrificing reliability or consistency, just getting a no-frills hunting load rather than a premium product.








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