Description
Federal Gold Medal Paper shotshells have been the go-to round for serious clay target shooters for decades. These 12 gauge loads bring together everything that makes Federal's reputation stick: clean-burning propellants, reliable primers, and precision-engineered components that work together to deliver the consistent performance you need on the range or in the field.
What Makes Gold Medal Paper Stand Out
You'll notice the difference when you shoot these. The paper hull design combined with a high-quality brass head creates a classic feel that many shooters prefer over plastic, with reliable extraction every shot. The real engineering magic lives in the two-piece SoftCell wad. This cushioning technology reduces felt recoil by creating an air pocket that softens the force hitting your shoulder, making it more comfortable to shoot round after round. Beyond recoil reduction, the wad design also improves pattern uniformity compared to single-piece alternatives, giving you tighter, more predictable shot clusters downrange.
The Shot That Gets Results
Each round fires 1-1/8 ounces of extra-high-antimony lead shot. Federal engineers the hardness and density of this shot specifically to resist deformation in flight, which means you get even patterns and maximum energy when the pellets reach their target. The #8 shot size makes these loads ideal for clay work and general upland applications where you need dense, uniform coverage. At 1235 fps muzzle velocity, you get the classic Gold Medal ballistics that have proven reliable through competitive matches and casual shooting alike.
Built for Serious Shooters
These aren't casual range rounds. From the clean-burning powder to the Boxer-primed, reloadable hull, every element was designed with the competitive shooter in mind. The 25-round box format keeps you stocked efficiently, and the consistent ignition these shells provide means you can focus on your technique rather than worrying about ammunition performance.
Key Specifications
- Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Shell Length: 2-3/4 inch
- Shot Size: #8 Lead
- Shot Weight: 1-1/8 oz
- Muzzle Velocity: 1235 fps
- Hull Material: Paper with Brass Head
- Wad Type: Two-Piece SoftCell Technology
- Rounds per Box: 25
- Primer Type: Boxer Primed
- Reloadable: Yes
- Manufacturer: Federal Premium Ammunition
- Model Number: GMT1718
- UPC: 604544625912
- Intended Use: Competitive and Recreational Target Shooting
What’s Included
- 25 shotshells per box
- Paper hulls with brass heads
- Extra-high-antimony lead shot
- Two-piece SoftCell wads
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the SoftCell wad technology different in Federal Gold Medal Paper loads?
The SoftCell wad features a cushioning air pocket that absorbs recoil energy and delays the compression process, delivering roughly 5 percent less felt recoil than traditional one-piece wads. This design also produces more uniform shot patterns by controlling the separation between the pellets and the barrel. The result is both comfort and consistency downrange.
Are these Federal Gold Medal Paper shells good for clay target sports?
Absolutely. Federal Gold Medal Paper loads are purpose-built for trap, skeet, and sporting clays competitions. These shells have set the standard in competitive clay shooting for decades, with world records and top finishes at prestigious events. The hard shot, consistent patterns, and reliable ignition make them excellent for any clay target application.
Can I reload these Federal Gold Medal Paper shells?
Yes, these are Boxer-primed shells with reloadable hulls, making them a good choice if you reload your own ammunition. The durable paper hull and brass head are designed to withstand multiple reloading cycles, though you should follow Federal's reloading guidelines for best results.
What's the difference between #8 shot and other shot sizes in Gold Medal Paper loads?
The #8 shot size provides a higher pellet count per load, creating denser patterns ideal for clay targets and upland game at typical shooting distances. Federal also loads Gold Medal Paper in #7.5 and other sizes, but #8 is a classic choice for shooters wanting tight, uniform coverage with excellent range and penetration for general-purpose target work.





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