Description
Federal's HEVI-Bismuth loads deliver what many wing shooters have been looking for since the move away from lead. These shells load 1 1/4 oz of bismuth shot at 9.6 g/cc density, which is 22 percent denser than steel. That matters because it means more sustained energy downrange and better performance at distance without jumping to tungsten pricing.
What Makes HEVI-Bismuth Different from Steel
If you've been using steel loads and want to make a switch, the density jump is real. Bismuth pellets hold velocity better than steel and retain enough energy to be effective on birds that hang outside the decoys or require a tighter shot placement. The #5 size in these Federal loads works well for upland birds and waterfowl where you need penetration without the overkill of bigger shot. The softer construction of bismuth is also safe in both classic shotguns and modern semi-autos, giving you flexibility across your gun safe without worrying about barrel damage.
FLITECONTROL FLEX Wad Technology
The FLITECONTROL FLEX wad rear-deploys to keep the shot column together longer. This means tighter, more consistent patterns whether you're shooting through a ported or non-ported choke. The wad separates from the payload at the right moment based on barrel pressure, not choke type, so you get reliable patterns across different shotgun setups. That consistency is what makes these loads dependable in the field.
Velocity and Performance
These shells clock 1350 fps, which is a thoughtful sweet spot for bismuth loads. The design balances pattern density and terminal performance without pushing pellets fast enough to cause brittleness issues. You get solid power delivery while preserving the integrity of each pellet, resulting in cleaner hits on game.
Key Specifications
- Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Shell Length: 2-3/4 inches
- Shot Payload: 1-1/4 oz
- Shot Size: #5 (Bismuth)
- Muzzle Velocity: 1350 fps
- Shot Density: 9.6 g/cc (22 percent denser than steel)
- Wad System: FLITECONTROL FLEX
- Rounds Per Box: 25
- Manufacturer Part Number: PHBX1445
- UPC: 604544687538
What’s Included
- 25 Federal HEVI-Bismuth shotshells
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use HEVI-Bismuth shells in older shotguns?
Yes. Because bismuth is softer and less hard than steel, these shells are safe for use in both modern and classic shotguns. Bismuth won't cause the barrel damage that steel shot can in older guns with tighter tolerances or fixed chokes.
How does #5 HEVI-Bismuth compare to other shot sizes?
The #5 size in bismuth is a solid middle ground for mixed game and waterfowl hunting. If you've used #7 or #8 lead for upland birds, #5 bismuth delivers comparable penetration with better downrange energy. For waterfowl, going two sizes larger than you'd use in steel generally works well with bismuth loads.
Will the FLITECONTROL FLEX wad work with ported or restricted chokes?
The FLITECONTROL FLEX is designed to work reliably with both ported and non-ported chokes because it deploys from the rear regardless of muzzle pressure changes. This gives you consistent patterns across different barrel and choke combinations without worrying about erratic payload separation.
What's the effective range for these shells?
These loads are built for birds at standard to extended range. The combination of denser pellets and the FLITECONTROL FLEX wad keeps your pattern tighter longer than standard steel loads, giving you ethical shooting distances on waterfowl and upland game.





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