The Federal Game-Shok Upland 28 Gauge 2-3/4 inch #5 1oz Lead Heavy Field Shotshell 25-round box is an upgraded centerfire shotshell engineered specifically for upland bird hunting, pheasant pursuit, grouse management, and extended-range field shooting. A primary limitation when shooting traditional 28 gauge loads is lightweight payload mass, which often results in thin, sparse pattern density and reduced knockdown energy past moderate distances. Federal resolves these small-bore energy constraints by stuffing a heavy 1-ounce payload of extra-hardened lead shot into a standard 2-3/4 inch hull, delivering dense pattern coverage, higher pellet counts, and reliable terminal penetration on tough upland game.
The primary technical advantage centers on the quality and formulation of Federal's #5 hardened lead shot. Specially treated to resist flattening and deformation under high chamber pressures and barrel acceleration, the spherical lead pellets preserve their crisp round profile to minimize wind resistance and eliminate stray flyers. The internal architecture utilizes a custom one-piece wad system that fully protects the shot column during ignition and barrel transit, preventing bore-wall scrubbing and ensuring a clean, uniform release of the shot string as it leaves the muzzle to eliminate pattern voids.
Launching its heavy 1-ounce shot charge at a factory-rated 1,220 FPS muzzle velocity, this Game-Shok Heavy Field loading strikes an ideal balance between high kinetic energy, deep feather penetration, and tight pattern cohesion. Assembled using high-quality plastic hulls, smooth brass heads, clean-burning propellants, and non-corrosive primers, the cartridge guarantees uniform ignition and clean extraction across break-action over/unders, side-by-sides, and sub-gauge semi-automatic shotguns. It stands as a top-tier selection for wild pheasant, chukar, sharp-tailed grouse, and heavy cover upland birds.
Key Benefits
- Heavy 1-Ounce Payload: Maximizes pellet volume in a 28-gauge shell to fill gaps in the pattern and increase downrange hit probability.
- Hardened Lead Shot: Resists compression and deformation upon firing to maintain aerodynamic spherical flight and tighter groupings.
- One-Piece Plastic Wad: Protects shot column from barrel friction, ensuring uniform pattern release and fewer stray flyers.
- 1,220 FPS Velocity: Delivers deep momentum transfer and hard-hitting penetration through heavy feathers and bone.
Technical Specification
- Ballistics: 28 Gauge | 2-3/4 Inch Shell Length | 1,220 FPS Muzzle Velocity
- Shot Charge: 1 Ounce Payload | #5 Shot Size | Hardened Lead Shot | Custom One-Piece Wad
- Hull/Primer: Precision Plastic Hull | High Brass Head | Non-Corrosive Primer
- Logistics: 25 Rounds Per Box | Federal Game-Shok Series
- Dimensions: Standard 28Ga 2-3/4" Chamber Geometry | Fixed & Screw-In Choke Compatible | SKU: H2895
- Application: Upland Game Hunting, Pheasant, Chukar, Grouse, and Small Game Field Shooting
- Standards: SAAMI Compliant | Federal Factory Quality Control Benchmarks
If you're running a 28-gauge platform and need consistent pattern density without stepping up to a larger gauge, this load addresses sub-gauge performance limitations with a full-weight payload and controlled ballistics. Get dependable field performance backed by proven manufacturing standards—available now from SMKW, a trusted source for shotgun ammunition.
