Description
Federal's Shorty shotshells are the kind of compact ammunition that doesn't ask you to compromise. At 1.75 inches long, these shells deliver similar patterns, energy, and accuracy to standard 2.75-inch rounds while taking up considerably less space. That compact footprint means you can fit extra rounds in your magazine tube without any special modifications or adapters.
What Makes Shorty Shells Stand Out
The real draw here is the combination of reduced recoil and increased capacity. The 15/16 ounce payload of #4 buckshot travels at 1200 fps, providing plenty of effectiveness for range shooting. Felt recoil drops noticeably compared to full-size buckshot loads, which matters more than people realize if you're putting in time at the range or if you're sensitive to recoil. The reduced powder charge and lighter payload work together to make these shells genuinely pleasant to shoot all day.
Reliable Performance Out of the Box
Federal loaded these with their standard quality: lead shot, non-corrosive primers, and consistent powder charges. The 15 #4 buckshot pellets deliver an effective pattern for target practice and range work. Muzzle velocity sits at a measured 1200 fps, keeping velocities consistent shot-to-shot. Each box contains 10 rounds, making them practical for casual shooting sessions where you're burning through ammo and want to manage both your shoulder and your magazine capacity.
A Word on Feeding
Shorty shells feed most reliably in pump-action shotguns, particularly Mossberg 500 series and similar models. Some semi-automatic shotguns and older Remington 870s may experience feeding issues out of the box. If you're running one of those platforms, check your shotgun's compatibility before purchasing or look into aftermarket feeding adapters designed for short shells.
Key Specifications
- Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Shell Length: 1.75 inches
- Shot Size: #4 Buckshot
- Payload Weight: 15/16 ounce
- Pellet Count: 15 pellets
- Muzzle Velocity: 1200 fps
- Rounds Per Box: 10
- Shot Material: Lead
- Primer Type: Non-corrosive
- Application: Sport shooting, range practice
- Manufacturer: Federal Ammunition
- Model Number: SH1294B
- UPC: 604544651430
What’s Included
- 10 Federal Shorty shotshell rounds (1 box)
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Federal Shorty shells fit in my shotgun's magazine tube?
Shorty shells are 1.75 inches long compared to standard 2.75-inch shells, so they fit in most magazine tubes. The real question is feeding reliability—pump-action shotguns, especially Mossberg 500 series, handle them best. Older semi-automatics and some 870s may have feeding issues. Your best bet is checking your specific shotgun's compatibility before committing to a box.
How much recoil reduction are we talking about?
The reduction is noticeable without being dramatic. You're looking at similar recoil reduction to what you'd get from reduced-recoil full-size loads, maybe slightly better. The 15/16 ounce payload and reduced powder charge definitely make them more comfortable for long shooting sessions or for folks who are recoil-sensitive.
Can I really fit more rounds in my magazine with these?
Yes, the compact size does allow extra capacity in most tubular magazines. A typical pump shotgun that holds four 2.75-inch shells might take six or seven Shorty shells. The exact number depends on your shotgun model, but the capacity boost is one of the main reasons people use these shells.
Are Shorty shells as effective as full-size #4 buckshot?
Federal designed these to deliver similar patterns and energy to standard loads, and testing confirms they perform comparably at typical range distances. For general target and sport shooting, they work just fine. Keep in mind they're slightly underpowered compared to full-power buckshot, but for plinking and practice, that's rarely an issue.








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