Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
Federal Upland Steel 12 gauge ammunition serves dove hunters and upland shooters who need non-toxic shot performance without lead-load pricing. This 2-3/4″ shell pushes 1-1/8 ounce of #6 steel shot to 1400 fps, delivering 354 pellets per shell for dense patterns on crossing birds at 20 to 35 yards. The Boxer primer and reloadable plastic hull let you reclaim brass and reload cases when you need volume, while the 8-point star crimp meters consistent ignition across temperature swings. Federal manufactures this load in the United States with non-corrosive components, rated for smooth-bore barrels and chokes rated for steel shot.
Built for the Box
Steel shot requires higher velocity than lead to match downrange energy — the harder pellet transfers less momentum on impact, so Federal runs this load at 1400 fps to compensate. The #6 shot size sits between #7.5 dove loads and #4 duck steel, striking a balance for birds 10 to 16 ounces. Buffering is omitted to hold cost down; steel pellets don’t deform like lead, so buffering adds expense without meaningful pattern improvement. The 1-1/8 ounce payload matches traditional dove loads in shot count (354 pellets versus 410 for lead #7.5), closing the gap on pattern density without punishing your shoulder on a 200-round day.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Shell Length | 2-3/4″ |
| Shot Type | Steel |
| Shot Weight | 1-1/8 Ounce |
| Shot Size | #6 |
| Velocity | 1400 Feet Per Second |
| Number of Pellets | 354 |
| Crimp | 8-Point Star |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Intended Use | Upland, Dove & Small Game |
| Rounds/Box | 25 Round |
| Manufacturer | Federal |
Compare this load to other non-toxic upland options in our steel shot shells collection, where you’ll find #4, #5, and #7 shot sizes for dove, quail, and pheasant.
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.
- Treat every firearm as if it is loaded; keep muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times.
- Verify your state and local regulations regarding non-toxic shot requirements for upland game before hunting.
- Steel shot requires chokes rated for steel use — full chokes rated only for lead may split or bulge under steel shot pressures.
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