Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, lifelong hunter.
For upland hunters working pheasant, chukar, and dove in open terrain, 16 gauge pheasant ammo must deliver both pattern density and pellet energy at ranges where birds flush wild. The Fiocchi Golden Pheasant achieves this with nickel plated lead shot—surface hardness that keeps pellets rounder through choke constriction and flight, reducing flyers and extending effective reach. Each 2-3/4″ shell carries 1-1/8 oz of #5 shot at 1310 fps with a 3-1/4 dram equivalent powder charge, placing 16 gauge velocity and payload between 12 and 20 gauge options for shooters who value the gauge’s handling characteristics.
Load Profile
Fiocchi produces the Golden Pheasant line with powder metered for consistent velocity and Boxer primers that ignite reliably in temperature swings from opening morning frost to midday heat. The nickel plating process hardens shot surfaces, allowing pellets to resist deformation during ignition and barrel travel—critical for maintaining roundness that translates to tighter patterns and deeper penetration on feathered game. Reloadable hulls with 6-point star crimps provide a foundation for handloaders who want to recover once-fired cases for custom loads.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 16 Gauge |
| Shell length | 2-3/4″ |
| Shot type | Nickel Plated Lead Shot |
| Shot size | #5 |
| Shot weight | 1-1/8 oz |
| Velocity | 1310 fps |
| Dram equivalent | 3-1/4 |
| Crimp | 6-Point Star |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Barrel type | Smooth Bore |
| Buffered | No |
| Rounds/box | 25 |
| Intended use | Upland, Dove & Small Game |
| Manufacturer | Fiocchi |
The #5 shot diameter strikes a middle ground for pheasant hunters—pellet count sufficient for pattern coverage on crossing birds while maintaining individual pellet energy for penetration through feathers and into vitals. At 1310 fps, pellets retain velocity through 35-40 yard shots where roosters hold tight to cover edges before flushing. All Golden Pheasant loads chamber and cycle in break-action singles, side-by-sides, and semi-automatic shotguns cut for 2-3/4″ shells—standard for 16 gauge shotgun ammo across most hunting platforms.
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.
- Be certain of your target, what is beyond it, and what is between you and it before firing.
- This product contains lead, known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm under Proposition 65. Wash hands after handling ammunition and components.
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