Description
Federal Top Gun Steel shells are designed from the ground up for target range work, especially if you shoot a lot of clay targets and want a non-lead option that performs reliably. The 1 1/8 ounce charge of #7 steel shot travels at 1145 feet per second, which is a solid velocity that breaks clays effectively without excessive recoil.
What Makes Top Gun Steel Different
These aren't stripped-down budget rounds. Federal uses quality components here, including a consistent Federal primer and a wad column designed to keep your shot patterns tight. The eight-segment crimp ensures smooth feeding and cycling through your shotgun, whether you're running a semi-auto, over-under, or side-by-side. The non-lead steel payload lets you practice at ranges where lead-shot loads may not be permitted, and you can feel good about what ends up downrange.
Top Gun Steel Shot Performance
The #7 steel shot size sits in the sweet spot for clay work. It throws enough pellets to break targets cleanly at typical ranges while staying manageable in terms of recoil. Steel patterns slightly tighter than lead due to the harder, more uniform pellets, so if you're used to adjusting your choke for different ammunition, remember that steel may shoot a touch denser. The 1145 fps load is moderate in speed, making it forgiving on both you and your gun during extended shooting sessions.
Whether you're preparing for competition, working through practice rounds at your local range, or just putting in the work to stay sharp, these 25-round boxes stack up affordably for volume shooting without skimping on the essentials that make for consistent, predictable performance.
Key Specifications
- Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Shell Length: 2-3/4 inch (70mm)
- Shot Size: #7
- Shot Type: Steel (Non-lead)
- Shot Weight: 1 1/8 ounce (31.8g)
- Muzzle Velocity: 1145 feet per second
- Rounds Per Box: 25
- Primer Type: Federal 209
- Hull Material: Polymer
- Use: Target Shooting, Clay Sports
- Manufacturer: Federal Ammunition
- Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): TG1477
- UPC: 029465023867
What’s Included
- 25 rounds of Federal Top Gun Steel shotshells
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Federal Top Gun Steel shells work in my shotgun?
Yes, these are standard 12 gauge 2-3/4 inch shells and will work in any 12 gauge shotgun that handles 2-3/4 inch loads. Steel shot is harder on the barrel walls than lead, so if you have an older shotgun, check that it's rated for steel shot before shooting. Most modern 12 gauge shotguns handle steel ammunition without issue.
How do the patterns compare to lead shot?
Steel patterns tighter than lead because the pellets are harder and more uniform, so they don't deform as much on their way downrange. You may find your patterns are denser than you expect compared to lead loads in the same shot size. This is an advantage at distance but means you might want to try a slightly more open choke if you typically use full.
Are these good for hunting, or are they target-only?
Top Gun Steel is specifically designed and marketed for target shooting and clay sports, not hunting. The velocity and shot size are optimized for breaking clays consistently. If you're looking for a hunting load, Federal makes dedicated upland and waterfowl steel loads with different specifications.
Why would I choose steel over lead shotshells?
Steel is the non-lead option, which makes these shells essential if you're at a range that requires non-lead ammunition. Steel is also environmentally friendly. If your area doesn't mandate non-lead loads, lead target shells will typically offer slightly denser patterns, but Federal Top Gun Steel is reliable and affordable for high-volume practice where non-lead is preferred or required.





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