Description
Federal Premium Ultra Steel represents a solid choice for 20-gauge waterfowl hunters who want consistent patterns without breaking the budget. These shells pack a 1-ounce payload of zinc-plated steel shot at 1400 fps, built around the proven rear-opening FLITECONTROL FLEX wad. That wad design is what really sets these apart from standard loads, deploying from the back to create a clean separation between the shot charge and wad at exactly the right moment. This timing is critical for pattern density, which is what kills birds cleanly.
Pattern Consistency in 20 Gauge Ultra Steel
The zinc-plated steel used throughout these shells creates denser core patterns than you'll find in some competing loads. You're looking at improved results in that critical 15-inch core circle where the decisive hits matter most. Number 2 shot sits in the sweet spot for versatility across different duck species when you're staying inside reasonable ranges. Smaller teal and wood ducks fall to these loads, and when big mallards decoy right, you've got the pellet energy to anchor them. The 3-inch case capacity lets Federal fit this payload with room to optimize burn rate and velocity.
Why the Wad Design Matters for Ultra Steel
The FLITECONTROL FLEX wad isn't new technology, but Federal fine-tuned it for this line. The redesigned rear-opening fins flex and deploy consistently, supported by reinforced gussets that keep them open. Side-mounted vents help equalize pressure inside the wad, which actually promotes cleaner separation from the shot. Unlike older designs, this works smoothly through both ported and standard waterfowl chokes. You don't have to guess whether your barrel will play nice with these shells.
Reliable primers and clean-burning propellant round out the package. Consistent ignition and velocity hold up in wet marsh conditions, and the cleaner powder means less fouling in your barrel at the end of the day. Twenty-five rounds per box gives you enough for an honest morning in the blind or a solid practice session before the season opens.
Key Specifications
- Gauge: 20 Gauge
- Shell Length: 3 inches
- Shot Weight: 1 ounce
- Shot Size: #2
- Shot Material: Zinc-plated steel
- Muzzle Velocity: 1400 fps
- Wad Type: FLITECONTROL FLEX rear-opening wad
- Rounds Per Box: 25
- Model: Ultra Steel
- Manufacturer: Federal Ammunition
- Manufacturer Part Number: PWUX209 2
- UPC: 604544698886
- Primary Use: Waterfowl hunting
- Primer Type: Reliable factory primer
What’s Included
- 25 rounds of Federal Ultra Steel 20 Gauge 3" #2 shot
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Federal Ultra Steel and regular steel loads?
Federal Ultra Steel uses zinc-plated steel instead of standard plating, which creates denser core patterns. The FLITECONTROL FLEX wad also deploys from the rear to provide cleaner wad-to-shot separation, promoting tighter patterns than many standard steel loads at comparable distances.
Will Federal Ultra Steel work through ported chokes?
Yes. The FLITECONTROL FLEX wad is specifically designed to handle both ported and standard waterfowl chokes. The redesigned rear-opening fins deploy consistently regardless of the muzzle pressure differences you get with ported barrels.
What duck species and ranges work best with #2 shot?
Number 2 shot handles the full spectrum of ducks decently. Smaller species like teal and woodies work fine, but number 2 really shines when you're targeting mallards, pintails, and divers in the 30 to 45-yard window. Keep shots within realistic ranges for your choke and gun combination.
How do these compare to bismuth or tungsten loads?
Steel is less expensive than premium alternatives like bismuth or tungsten. Ultra Steel loads give you solid performance at standard shotgun range without the extra cost. If you're hunting tight patterns with modern chokes, these deliver results comparable to pricier options in most scenarios.






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