Description
If you've got a 28 gauge in the cabinet and want ammunition specifically engineered for upland hunting, Federal Upland Steel checks all the boxes. These are built around steel shot at 1350 fps, which matters when you're working with the modest payload a 28 naturally carries. The 5/8 ounce of number 7.5 shot stays consistent through the air, giving you tight patterns where you need them for doves and smaller upland birds.
Why 28 gauge for upland hunting? The gauge fits light shotguns that stay comfortable across a full day of walking fields. These shells keep recoil manageable without sacrificing the velocity you need to maintain energy downrange. The plastic hulls and high brass casings are built to cycle reliably through semi-auto and pump shotguns, and the one-piece wad and non-corrosive primers take any guesswork out of performance.
Federal Upland Steel Shell Construction
The brass-plated steel head works with that one-piece plastic wad to maximize what the hull can deliver, so you get reliable ignition and consistent shot placement on every trigger pull. Premium powders and primers do the heavy lifting on the backend, giving you shells that pattern tight and perform the same whether you're in your first box or your fifth.
Best Uses for 28 Gauge Steel
These load up cleanly for areas where non-lead shot is required, and the 7.5 shot size strikes a balance between pattern density and energy. You'll find them work well on doves at reasonable ranges, and anyone hunting quail, woodcock, or other small upland game benefits from the soft recoil and manageable report. The shells come loaded hot enough to handle what the 28 gauge can do, without overshooting the capabilities of smaller frames.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Federal Ammunition
- Model Number: USH2875
- UPC Code: 604544661330
- Gauge: 28 Gauge
- Shell Length: 2.75 inches
- Shot Type: Steel (Lead-Free)
- Shot Size: #7.5
- Shot Weight: 5/8 oz (0.625 oz)
- Muzzle Velocity: 1350 fps
- Hull Type: Premium Plastic
- Primer Type: Non-Corrosive
- Wad Type: One-Piece Plastic
- Rounds Per Box: 25
- Application: Hunting
What’s Included
- 25 rounds of 28 gauge shotgun shells
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes 28 gauge steel shot a good choice for dove hunting?
The 28 gauge with number 7.5 steel shot provides enough pattern density for doves while keeping recoil manageable in lightweight shotguns. At 1350 fps, these shells maintain consistent velocity to hold patterns at reasonable hunting ranges. Steel shot is required in some areas, and Federal's Upland Steel load is specifically designed for upland birds rather than general-purpose loads.
Can I use Federal Upland Steel 28 gauge shells in any 28 gauge shotgun?
These 2.75-inch shells work in any shotgun chambered for standard 2.75-inch 28 gauge ammunition, including semi-auto and pump-action guns. Always verify your shotgun's chamber specifications before shooting. Some older guns or specialized models may have different requirements, so check your manufacturer's documentation.
Why is the shot size #7.5 instead of #6 or #8?
Number 7.5 shot splits the difference between pattern density and individual pellet energy. The #7.5 size works well for doves and other small upland game where you need enough pellets in the pattern but still want adequate penetration. It's the most versatile option when you're working within the payload limits of a 28 gauge shell.
Are these shells reloadable?
Federal Upland Steel shells come with premium plastic hulls and brass casings that can be reloaded if you're into handloading ammunition. The one-piece wad design may limit your options compared to some competitor loads, so check reloading manuals for specific recommendations.





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