Description
The Golden Pheasant line from Fiocchi has been a proven choice for upland hunters for decades, and this 20 gauge 3-inch load keeps that tradition going strong. The nickel plating on the shot keeps pellets rounder as they travel down the barrel and through the air, which translates to tighter patterns downrange and deeper penetration when they connect. That hardness makes a real difference on late-season birds with thicker feathers that give you less margin for error.
Engineered for consistency
What sets these Golden Pheasant shells apart is the combination of nickel-plated shot with Fiocchi's engineered wads. The wads protect the shot column through the barrel to maximize pattern density while keeping everything organized. Loaded to 1200 fps with 1 1/4 ounces of number 5 shot, this load hits the balance between effectiveness and recoil that makes sense in the field. You get enough pellets on target without the unnecessary punishment that comes with over-magnum loads.
Real-world performance
The number 5 shot size is versatile enough to handle early-season birds that hold tight as well as later in the season when roosters get more cautious. Upland hunting means a lot of walking and shooting, so the Golden Pheasant's proven track record for consistent patterns matters when you're out there putting in the work. Fiocchi has over 140 years of ammunition manufacturing experience backing these loads, with production facilities in both Italy and the USA maintaining consistent quality.
Key Specifications
- Gauge: 20 Gauge
- Shell Length: 3 inches
- Shot Weight: 1 1/4 ounces
- Shot Size: #5
- Shot Type: Nickel-Plated Lead
- Muzzle Velocity: 1200 fps
- Rounds Per Box: 25
- Hull Color: Yellow
- Intended Use: Upland bird hunting
- Manufacturer: Fiocchi Munizioni
- Model: 203GP5
- UPC: 762344702490
What’s Included
- 25 rounds of Fiocchi Golden Pheasant 20 gauge 3-inch shells
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes nickel-plated shot better than standard lead shot?
Nickel plating hardens each pellet and keeps them rounder as they travel through your barrel and through the air. This results in denser, more consistent patterns at hunting ranges and better penetration when pellets reach your target. The harder shot deforms less, which is especially valuable on late-season pheasants with thicker feathers.
Is #5 shot good for pheasant hunting?
Number 5 shot is versatile for pheasant hunting across the season. Early on when birds are less wary and hold tight, it delivers plenty of pellets. Later in the season when roosters get more cautious and require more convincing, the #5 still patterns consistently enough to get the job done. Most experienced upland hunters find it a solid choice for 20 gauge pheasant loads.
Will these shells work in my 20 gauge shotgun?
These are standard 3-inch 20 gauge shells that will function in any shotgun chambered for 20 gauge 3-inch ammunition. Always verify your shotgun's chamber length before purchasing, as some older 20 gauges are chambered for 2.75 inches only. If you're unsure, check your firearm's manual or markings.
What's the recoil like with these loads?
The 1200 fps velocity and 1 1/4 ounce payload are designed to balance effectiveness with manageable recoil. The 20 gauge is inherently lighter-recoiling than 12 gauge, and these Golden Pheasant loads won't leave you sore after a day of walking and shooting. That makes them practical for extended upland hunting sessions.





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