The Federal Premium Ultra Steel 12 Gauge 3-inch 1-1/4 oz Duplex #3 & #5 Shot 25-round box is an advanced non-toxic steel shotshell engineered specifically for waterfowl hunting, duck blinds, and marshland goose hunting where steel shot compliance is mandated. A primary friction point when hunting fast-moving waterfowl with standard steel loads is sparse pattern coverage and hollow void gaps in the downrange shot cloud, which leads to missed birds or non-lethal hits. Federal Premium resolves this operational challenge by introducing a layered duplex payload—stacking smaller #3 and #5 zinc-plated steel pellets—to maximize pattern density while delivering hard-hitting kinetic energy to fold birds cleanly.
The technical advantage focuses on optimized spatial pellet density paired with advanced wad technology. Launching its high-mass 1-1/4 oz mixed steel payload at a high muzzle velocity of 1,450 FPS, this load minimizes lead distance on long-passing waterfowl. Mechanically, the smaller #5 pellets nest neatly into the interstitial voids between the larger #3 pellets, packing more overall shot into the payload to eliminate pattern gaps. Combined with the rear-deploying FLITECONTROL FLEX wad, the column releases smoothly from the muzzle without forward gas disruption—maintaining tight pellet alignment and uniform pattern distribution across all choke designs, including ported chokes.
Slinging its 1-1/4 oz duplex steel payload at 1,450 FPS, this specialized 3-inch waterfowl load is optimized for flawless mechanical operation across modern semi-automatic and pump-action waterfowl shotguns. Assembled with zinc-plated steel shot, the pellets actively resist rust and surface corrosion caused by wet, salty marsh environments, ensuring smooth payload movement and structural integrity. The durable 3-inch high-brass hull features weather-sealed crimps and clean-burning propellants, guaranteeing dependable chamber sealing, smooth magazine tube feeding, and positive ejection during rapid follow-up shots in freezing downpours.
Key Benefits
- Layered Duplex #3 & #5 Steel Payload: Combines pellet sizes to eliminate downrange void gaps and maximize vital pattern fill on ducks and geese.
- FLITECONTROL FLEX Wad System: Rear-deploying wad releases shot column cleanly to deliver exceptionally tight, consistent patterns through ported and non-ported chokes.
- High-Velocity 1,450 FPS Speed: Shortens lead distance and delivers hard-hitting kinetic energy on long-range waterfowl.
- Corrosion-Resistant Zinc-Plated Steel: Protects pellets from rust and pitting in harsh, wet marshland environments.
Technical Specification
- Ballistics: 12 Gauge | 3" Shell Length | 1,450 FPS Muzzle Velocity | Non-Toxic Duplex Waterfowl Profile
- Payload/Shot: 1-1/4 oz Payload | Duplex #3 & #5 Shot Layering | Zinc-Plated Non-Toxic Steel
- Hull/Primer: High-Brass 3-Inch Reloadable Hull | FLITECONTROL FLEX Wad | All-Weather Primer & Propellant
- Logistics: 25 Rounds Per Box | Federal Premium Ultra Steel Series
- Dimensions: 12 Gauge 3" Chamber Geometry | Semi-Auto, Pump, & Break-Action Configuration | SKU: PWUX1422
- Application: Waterfowl Hunting, Ducks, Geese, Marshland Hunting, and Non-Toxic Steel Mandatory Zones
- Standards: USFWS Non-Toxic Approved | SAAMI Compliant | Federal Premium Quality Benchmarks
Federal Premium Ultra Steel provides a mechanically optimized solution for pattern density and penetration in non-toxic hunting environments, and SMKW remains a trusted source for consistent inventory and verified ammunition performance.
