Description
Federal Black Cloud FS Steel has become a workhorse for waterfowl hunters who want reliable performance without breaking the bank. This 2-3/4" load rides the line between affordable and serious—the kind of ammunition that works season after season without drama.
What Makes Black Cloud FS Different
The FLITECONTROL FLEX wad is the real story here. The rear-deploying petals and side-mounted vents are engineered to separate the shot at precisely the right moment, which translates to tighter, denser patterns whether your gun has a ported or standard choke. That's not a minor detail when you're trying to put multiple pellets on target at 40-50 yards.
The shot payload itself is a 40/60 split of FLITESTOPPER steel and premium steel pellets. The FLITESTOPPER pellets have a distinctive shape with a sharp band around the middle—they're designed to create larger wound channels than regular round pellets. Mixed with standard steel, you get both the consistency and the stopping power.
Black Cloud FS Steel Runs Clean
One persistent complaint about waterfowl ammunition used to be residue buildup. Federal addressed that by switching to a temperature-stable propellant that burns much cleaner. You'll notice the difference over a long hunting season or during extended range sessions. The Catalyst lead-free primer compounds this benefit. Add in the black nickel-plated head and sealed crimp, and you've got shells that stand up to wet conditions without corrosion issues.
With a muzzle velocity of 1500 fps and 1-1/8 ounces of shot, these shells deliver the energy you need at extended range. Each box contains 25 rounds.
Key Specifications
- Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Shell Length: 2-3/4 inch
- Shot Size: #3
- Shot Type: Steel
- Payload Weight: 1-1/8 oz
- Muzzle Velocity: 1500 fps
- Wad System: FLITECONTROL FLEX
- Shot Composition: 40% FLITESTOPPER steel, 60% Premium steel
- Rounds per Box: 25
- Primer Type: Catalyst lead-free
- Head Type: Black nickel-plated
- Manufacturer: Federal Ammunition
- Manufacturer Part Number: PWBX1473
- UPC: 604544623079
What’s Included
- 25 rounds of Federal Black Cloud FS Steel 12 gauge 2-3/4" ammunition
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between FLITESTOPPER pellets and regular steel pellets?
FLITESTOPPER pellets have a unique oblong shape with a sharp band around the middle, which creates larger, more devastating wound channels on waterfowl compared to round steel shot. Federal combines 40% FLITESTOPPER with 60% premium steel in these shells to get both stopping power and pattern density.
Does the FLITECONTROL FLEX wad work with all waterfowl chokes?
Yes. The FLITECONTROL FLEX wad is specifically engineered to deliver consistent patterns through both ported and standard waterfowl chokes. The rear-deploying petals and side vents allow it to adjust to different choke types, which is a major advantage over older wad designs.
Are these Black Cloud shells clean-burning?
Compared to earlier Black Cloud loads, the FS Steel version burns much cleaner thanks to the temperature-stable propellant and Catalyst lead-free primer. You'll notice less barrel residue during longer shooting sessions. The clean-burning powder also provides consistent velocities across different temperatures.
Can I use these shells in my shotgun?
Black Cloud FS Steel is designed for 12 gauge shotguns rated for steel shot. Always consult your shotgun's manual to confirm it's compatible with steel ammunition before firing these shells. The 2-3/4" length requires a shotgun chambered for standard or longer shell lengths.





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