Last reviewed: 2026-04-19 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, lifelong hunter.
For waterfowl hunters who demand flat trajectories and fast pellet delivery, the Remington HyperSonic 12 Gauge 3.5″ steel load brings 1700 fps muzzle velocity to the marsh. This 12 gauge steel shot shell chambers 1-3/8 oz of #2 steel pellets in a 3.5″ hull, using Remington‘s Xelerator wad — a two-stage ignition system that sequences a small primer charge before the main powder column to boost velocity while holding chamber pressures within safe limits. Non-toxic, lead-free, and made in the USA, HyperSonic shells give you the speed advantage when ducks flare or geese cup their wings at the edge of your pattern.
Load Profile
The Xelerator wad uses a segregated ignition chamber: the primer fires a secondary powder charge first, pre-pressurizing the wad base, then ignites the primary column to accelerate the steel payload to 1700 fps. That two-stage burn reduces the sharp pressure spike typical of high-velocity steel loads, extending hull life and reducing felt recoil compared to single-stage magnum loads at the same velocity. The 6-point star crimp opens cleanly in smooth-bore barrels, and the non-buffered steel column maintains pattern density at 30-50 yards — the engagement envelope where most waterfowl shots happen. Boxer-primed hulls are reloadable, non-corrosive, and DOT-regulated for ground shipping.
The Numbers
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Shell length | 3-1/2″ |
| Shot type | Steel |
| Shot weight | 1-3/8 oz |
| Shot size | #2 |
| Velocity | 1700 fps |
| Wad | Xelerator (two-stage ignition) |
| Crimp | 6-point star |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Lead-free | Yes |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Barrel type | Smooth bore |
| Rounds/box | 25 |
| Intended use | Waterfowl |
| Manufacturer | Remington |
The #2 steel pellet diameter offers better momentum retention than smaller shot at extended ranges, while the 1-3/8 oz payload keeps pellet count high enough for full patterns through modified or improved-cylinder chokes. Browse the full steel shot shells selection for additional gauges and shot sizes.
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.
- Follow the four universal rules of firearm safety at all times — treat every firearm as loaded, keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire, never point at anything you’re unwilling to destroy, and know your target and what lies beyond it.
- Steel shot requires appropriate choke tubes — verify that your barrel is rated for steel shot and select a choke constriction no tighter than Full unless the manufacturer explicitly permits tighter constrictions with steel.
- Store shotshells in their original packaging to prevent mix-ups; mixing 3.5″ magnum loads with standard 2.75″ shells in the same pouch can result in chambering a round in the wrong gun, leading to dangerous over-pressure conditions.
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