Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, lifelong hunter.
Federal Power-Shok 20 gauge buckshot delivers 18 copper-plated #2 buck pellets in a 3-inch magnum hull, clocking 1100 fps at the muzzle. This is a 20 gauge buckshot load engineered for medium-sized game — whitetail, feral hogs, and antelope at woods ranges where a tight pattern and deep penetration matter more than raw pellet count. The copper plating reduces barrel fouling and maintains pellet integrity through impact, while the buffered shot column resists deformation during setback, keeping your pattern tight past 30 yards.
Built for the Hunt
Federal wraps this load around its Triple Plus wad — a three-petal design that grips the shot column through acceleration and releases cleanly at the muzzle. The result: less flier pellets, more pellets on target. The 3-inch hull accommodates a full 18-pellet payload without stacking pellets in ways that invite pattern bloom. Boxer-primed brass and a 6-point star crimp make these shells reloadable, though most hunters treat buckshot as a fire-and-forget proposition. Smooth-bore chokes from cylinder to modified work well; tighter chokes can over-constrict the buffered column and open patterns beyond 40 yards.
The Numbers
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 20 Gauge |
| Shell length | 3″ |
| Shot type | Lead Shot, Copper-Plated |
| Shot size | #2 Buck |
| Number of pellets | 18 |
| Velocity | 1100 fps |
| Wad | Federal Triple Plus (buffered shot column) |
| Barrel type | Smooth Bore |
| Crimp | 6-Point Star |
| Rounds per box | 5 |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Intended use | Big Game (deer, hogs, antelope) |
| Manufacturer | Federal |
This shell sits in the sweet spot for hunters who want a lighter-recoiling platform than 12 gauge but refuse to give up terminal performance. Five-round boxes let you confirm your pattern at the range without committing to a full case. Browse our full selection of 20 gauge shotgun shells for dove, turkey, and upland loads.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Federal law requires purchasers to be at least 18 years old for shotgun ammunition. Ammunition cannot be shipped to certain states, counties, and cities — review our ammunition shipping restrictions before ordering. Store ammunition in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and out of reach of unauthorized users.
- Treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times.
- Lead exposure warning: This product contains lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands thoroughly after handling.
- Verify that your shotgun is chambered for 3-inch shells before loading. Forcing a 3-inch shell into a 2¾-inch chamber can cause dangerous over-pressure.
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