Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, lifelong hunter.
Federal Black Cloud 12 gauge steel shot delivers 1-1/8 ounces of #4 steel at 1635 fps in a 3-inch hull — built for waterfowl hunters who need reach and pattern density over flooded timber and open water. Each shell combines 40 percent FLITESTOPPER pellets with 60 percent premium steel, creating larger wound channels and faster stops. The FLITECONTROL FLEX wad opens from the rear, keeping pellets together longer through flight and delivering consistent patterns through both ported and standard waterfowl chokes.
Load Profile
Federal Premium loads each Black Cloud High Velocity shell with a Catalyst lead-free primer and a clean-burning, temperature-stable propellant that reduces barrel residue and maintains velocity across temperature swings. The 6-point star crimp seals the hull against moisture in blind conditions, and the black nickel head inhibits corrosion during wet-season carry. Boxer primers allow reloading of the once-fired hulls.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Shell length | 3″ |
| Shot type | Steel (40% FLITESTOPPER / 60% premium steel) |
| Shot weight | 1-1/8 oz |
| Shot size | #4 |
| Velocity | 1635 fps |
| Wad | FLITECONTROL FLEX (rear-opening) |
| Choke | Ported and standard waterfowl chokes |
| Rounds/box | 25 |
| Intended use | Waterfowl |
| Primer | Boxer (Catalyst lead-free) |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Crimp | 6-point star |
| Lead-free | Yes |
| Manufacturer | Federal Premium |
This load works in smooth-bore barrels chambered for 3-inch 12 gauge and cycles reliably in gas and inertia semi-automatics. Verify your firearm’s chamber length before loading. Match this high-velocity load to an improved cylinder, modified, or full waterfowl choke rated for steel shot. For additional steel shot shells across gauges and shot sizes, review the full category inventory.
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.
- Follow the four rules of firearms safety: treat every firearm as loaded, never point at anything you do not intend to destroy, keep your finger off the trigger until sights are on target, and know your target and what lies beyond it.
- Verify chamber length and choke constriction before loading steel shot — consult your firearm’s manual for steel-safe chokes and maximum shot size ratings.
- This product contains lead in the primer and may contain other chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm — see www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
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