Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, competitive shooter.
The Federal Top Gun Steel Target 12 gauge steel shot shell meets non-toxic range requirements without the upcharge you’d see on premium waterfowl loads. Federal builds these for clay target shooters who need consistent steel performance at practice volumes — 1-1/8 oz of #7 steel leaving the muzzle at 1145 fps through a 2-3/4″ hull. The load balances pellet count (475 per shell) with pattern density for reliable orange-dust breaks on standard trap, skeet, and sporting clays presentations. Federal’s proprietary wad column cushions the steel payload and shapes patterns that hold their core out to 35 yards, giving you margin on crossing targets and second-station skeet doubles.
Built for the Box
Federal engineers this load around an eight-segment crimp that seats consistently in automated crimpers — if you reload, the Boxer primer and reloadable hull let you recycle these cases with standard 12 gauge steel data. The steel shot itself is plated to reduce barrel wear compared to bare steel, and the smooth-bore designation means you can run these through any standard choke constriction (improved cylinder through full). Federal manufactures Top Gun Steel Target in the United States, sourcing components domestically for lot-to-lot consistency. Each case ships as 10 boxes of 25 rounds, totaling 250 shells at approximately 25.6 pounds — plan your freight accordingly if you’re stacking multiple cases.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Shell Length | 2-3/4″ |
| Shot Type | Steel Shot |
| Shot Weight | 1-1/8 Ounce |
| Shot Size | #7 |
| Velocity | 1145 Feet Per Second |
| Pellet Count | 475 |
| Wad/Hull | Eight-segment crimp, proprietary wad column |
| Buffered | No |
| Rounds/Box | 250 Round (10 Boxes of 25) |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Intended Use | Target |
| Non-Toxic | Yes |
| Barrel Type | Smooth Bore |
| Country of Origin | United States of America |
| Manufacturer | Federal |
You’re looking at a purpose-built non-toxic load for clay disciplines where lead shot is restricted or where you prefer to eliminate exposure altogether. The #7 steel pellet size approximates lead #8 in pellet count and downrange energy, giving you the pattern density needed for 16-yard trap and close-range skeet without the recoil spike of larger steel shot. If your range mandates steel or if you shoot multi-discipline events with mixed lead/steel requirements, this load simplifies your kit. Find more non-toxic options in our steel shot shells category.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Federal law requires purchasers to be at least 18 years old for rifle and shotgun ammunition, and at least 21 for handgun 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.
- Observe the four rules of firearm safety at all times when handling firearms and ammunition.
- Verify current state and local ammunition purchasing and possession laws before ordering — some jurisdictions restrict steel shot or impose additional storage requirements.
- Steel shot produces higher chamber pressures than lead shot of equivalent weight — confirm your barrel is rated for steel shot and adjust choke constriction if shooting tighter than modified to prevent barrel damage.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.