Description
Federal Ultra Steel shotshells handle the workload in serious waterfowl hunting situations. These loads combine everything that matters for tight patterns and extended effective range in a 3-inch 12-gauge shell.
The rear-opening FliteControl Flex wad does the heavy lifting here. Its redesigned brake fins separate the shot pellets at exactly the right moment, creating dense core patterns that really shine in that critical 15-inch circle where lethal hits count. The wad's flexible rear fins are reinforced with gussets that keep them deployed consistently regardless of pressure differences, so performance stays uniform from shell to shell.
What Makes Ultra Steel's Steel Different
The zinc-plated steel shot sets this load apart from cheaper offerings. This premium steel resists corrosion and produces the denser core patterns that waterfowlers depend on. Unlike some alternative shot materials that sacrifice velocity or add cost, zinc-plated steel gives you straightforward performance without the complications. The #3 and #5 combination gives you small pellets for consistent pattern fill and larger shot that carries energy farther out, making it useful when you don't know if ducks or geese are coming.
Federal's Powder and Primer Setup
The propellant package in Ultra Steel strikes a balance most hunters appreciate. Federal chose clean-burning powders that keep your gun running smoothly while maintaining a consistent 1,450 feet per second. The reliable primer ignition means no click-and-wonder moments in cold weather or tough conditions. You get manageable recoil without sacrificing the velocity that matters for distance.
Key Specifications
- Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Shell Length: 3 inches
- Shot Weight: 1-1/4 ounces
- Shot Size: #3 and #5
- Muzzle Velocity: 1450 FPS
- Rounds per Box: 25
- Shot Material: Zinc-Plated Steel
- Wad Type: FliteControl Flex (Rear-Opening)
- Manufacturer: Federal Ammunition
- Manufacturer Part Number: PWUX14235
- UPC: 604544698831
What’s Included
- 25 Federal Ultra Steel shotshells
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the #3 and #5 in this double-stack Ultra Steel load?
The #3 pellets are larger and carry more energy at distance, while the #5 pellets are smaller and create a denser, more complete pattern. Mixing them gives you pattern fill from the smaller shot plus the knock-down power of the larger pellets, making it good for mixed-species hunts where you might face both ducks and geese.
Will Federal Ultra Steel work in my older shotgun?
You'll need a shotgun proofed for steel shot since steel is harder than lead. Most modern shotguns manufactured in the last 20-30 years handle steel just fine, but check your owner's manual to be sure. The zinc-plating on these pellets does help with corrosion resistance, which protects barrels over time.
How does the FliteControl Flex wad actually improve patterns?
The wad's rear brake fins open as the shot leaves the barrel, creating air resistance that slows the wad and lets the pellets separate cleanly. This happens at just the right moment for a tight core, which means more hits in the kill zone at typical waterfowl distances. Federal's testing shows this design produces dense patterns regardless of choke or gun variation.
Is 1-1/4 ounce enough shot for late-season geese?
1-1/4 ounces is solid for ducks and reasonable for geese when you're using the larger #3 pellets and good shot placement. Some hunters prefer the 3-1/2 inch loads for maximum pellet count when targeting bigger birds, but these Ultra Steel shells will handle geese at reasonable distances with the right choke.






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