Federal Premium Prairie Storm FS Lead in 20 Gauge 3" delivers devastating downrange performance on pheasants and upland game birds, combining innovative wad technology with a dual-pellet payload for unmatched pattern consistency and lethality.
- FlightControl wad opens late for tight, consistent edge-to-edge patterns
- Mixed payload: 70% copper-plated lead and 30% FlightStopper pellets
- FlightStopper pellets create larger wound channels for cleaner kills
- 3" shell with 1-1/4 oz of #5 shot maximizes range and knockdown power
- Excellent retained velocity reduces crippled birds and lost game
- 25 rounds per box — ideal for a full day in the field
Who This Is For
Federal Prairie Storm FS Lead is purpose-built for upland hunters who demand more from every shot. Whether you're walking pheasant cover in the Midwest or hunting quail and chukar in open terrain, this load is engineered for hunters who can't afford to lose birds. The 20-gauge 3" chambering makes it an excellent choice for lightweight field guns where reduced recoil and maneuverability matter just as much as stopping power.
Specifications
| Brand | Federal Premium |
|---|---|
| Product Line | Prairie Storm FS Lead |
| Gauge | 20 Gauge |
| Shell Length | 3 Inches |
| Shot Size | #5 |
| Payload Weight | 1-1/4 oz |
| Pellet Type | Mixed — Copper-Plated Lead & FlightStopper Lead |
| Wad System | FlightControl Wad |
| Rounds Per Box | 25 |
| Intended Use | Upland Game, Pheasant, Chukar, Quail |
| Part Number | PFEPFX258FS5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Prairie Storm FS Lead different from standard upland loads?
Prairie Storm FS Lead uses Federal's patented FlightControl wad, which delays opening until the shot charge clears the muzzle, delivering significantly tighter and more uniform patterns than conventional wads. The mixed payload — 70% copper-plated lead for density and 30% FlightStopper pellets for terminal expansion — means more pellets on target and bigger wound channels, translating to fewer crippled birds and more clean kills at typical upland hunting distances.
Is this load compatible with my 20-gauge shotgun's choke?
Federal recommends using Improved Cylinder or Modified chokes with FlightControl wad loads, as the wad's delayed opening can produce overly tight patterns through tighter constrictions like Full choke. Always verify your specific shotgun manufacturer's choke recommendations before use, especially with ported or aftermarket chokes.
Is #5 shot the right choice for pheasant and upland birds?
#5 shot strikes an excellent balance between pellet count and individual pellet energy, making it one of the most popular choices for ringneck pheasants and larger upland birds. At typical flushing distances of 20–40 yards, #5 shot delivers sufficient energy for clean, ethical kills while still maintaining a dense enough pattern for effective coverage. For smaller birds like quail or woodcock, #6 or #7.5 may be preferred.
- Caliber:
- 20 GA
- Shell Length:
- 3"
- Shot Size:
- 1 1/4 oz
- Bullet Weight:
- #5
- Type:
- Shotgun Ammunition
- Box Quantity:
- 25
- Case Quantity:
- 250
- Lead Free:
- No