Federal Black Cloud FS Steel in 12 GA 3.5" with 1-1/2 oz of #4 shot is engineered for serious waterfowl hunters who demand devastating patterns and reliable performance in the harshest field conditions.
- FlightControl wad delivers tight, consistent patterns through ported and standard chokes
- Rear-opening wad petals and side vents time payload separation for maximum pattern density
- High-performance primer ignites reliably in cold, wet waterfowl hunting conditions
- Clean-burning, temperature-stable propellant dramatically reduces barrel fouling and residue
- Sealed crimp construction locks out moisture in rain, snow, and marsh environments
- 25 rounds per box of non-toxic steel shot, fully approved for migratory bird hunting
Who This Is For
Federal Black Cloud 3.5" #4 Steel is purpose-built for dedicated duck and goose hunters targeting birds at extended ranges. The 3.5" magnum hull and heavy 1-1/2 oz payload make it especially effective for late-season geese and high-flying mallards where extra energy and pattern density are critical. Whether you're hunting flooded timber, open water, or field blinds, this load delivers the knockdown power and pattern consistency that experienced waterfowlers rely on.
Specifications
| Brand | Federal |
|---|---|
| Product Line | Black Cloud FS Steel |
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Shell Length | 3.5 Inches |
| Shot Weight | 1-1/2 oz |
| Shot Size | #4 Steel |
| Shot Type | FS Steel (Non-Toxic) |
| Wad | FlightControl Rear-Opening |
| Rounds Per Box | 25 |
| Recommended Use | Waterfowl / Migratory Birds |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the FlightControl wad and why does it matter for waterfowl hunting?
The FlightControl wad is Federal's proprietary wad system featuring rear-deploying petals and side-mounted vents that control how and when the shot payload separates from the wad after leaving the muzzle. This precision separation produces significantly tighter, more uniform patterns compared to conventional wads — meaning more pellets on target at longer ranges. Crucially, the FlightControl design maintains these tight patterns through both ported and non-ported waterfowl chokes, giving hunters consistent performance regardless of their choke setup.
Is #4 steel shot the right choice for ducks and geese?
#4 steel shot is a versatile and highly effective choice for medium to large ducks such as mallards, pintails, and divers at ranges up to about 40 yards, and can also be used on smaller geese with the added payload and velocity of a 3.5" magnum load. For larger Canada geese at extended ranges, some hunters prefer larger shot sizes like BB or BBB steel; however, the heavy 1-1/2 oz payload of this Federal Black Cloud load gives #4 shot excellent energy retention and pellet count for a lethal combination on most waterfowl species.
How should I store Federal Black Cloud ammunition to maintain reliability?
Federal Black Cloud ammunition features a sealed crimp specifically designed to resist moisture intrusion, making it more resilient than standard shells in wet conditions. For long-term storage, keep your ammunition in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and temperature extremes. An ammo can or sealed container with a desiccant pack is ideal. Properly stored, factory shotgun ammunition can remain reliable for many years. Always inspect shells before use and discard any that show signs of corrosion, swelling, or crimp damage.
- Caliber:
- 12 GA
- Shell Length:
- 3.5"
- Shot Size:
- 1 1/2oz
- Bullet Weight:
- #4
- Type:
- Shotgun Ammunition
- Box Quantity:
- 25
- Case Quantity:
- 250
- Lead Free:
- No