Photo courtesy of Federal Premium
July 08, 2025
By Game & Fish Staff
Technology in hunting ammunition is constantly evolving. Federal Premium’s Shotshell Product Manager Josh Vickers breaks down each of the brand’s newest upland offerings and why they will help you reach your daily bag limit this fall.
HEVI-BISMUTH The new additions include seven 2 3/4-inch 16- and 28-gauge offerings, No. 3, 4, and 5 shot. Launched by the FLITECONTROL FLEX wad, the 9.6 g/cc HEVI-Bismuth pellets supplied by HEVI-Shot in Sweet Home, Oregon, consistently pattern well, and their metallic properties ensure safety in both modern and classic shotguns. Bismuth is 22 percent denser than steel, providing greater energy downrange.
“Federal Premium Hevi-Bismuth is ideal for hunters who want a strong-performing shotshell for modern and classic shotguns,” stated Vickers. “16- and 28-gauge have always been preferred among upland hunters. But lately, sub-gauges are getting even more attention, so we needed to provide those hunters with the options they were seeking.”
HI-BIRD FIBER WAD LEAD & BISMUTH These product lines consist of two 2 3/4-inch 12-gauge offerings in No. 4, 5, and 6 lead shot, plus an all-new load with No. 5 bismuth shot. Hi-Bird Fiber Wad’s cellulose-based over-powder wad construction helps reduce plastic waste in the field. It is perfect for hunting in fields or preserves. The Hi-Bird Fiber Wad Bismuth load meets potential non-toxic requirements.
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“The HI-Bird Fiber Wad line now includes No. 4 and 6 Shot,” said Vickers. “This gives hunters who want to reduce their impact in the field more shot sizes to choose from, whether it is late-season roosters where No. 4s shine or chasing quail and grouse where a No. 6 may be preferred. And those looking for a non-lead option with this paper wad can now choose our No. 5 bismuth load.”
PRAIRIE STORM FS LEAD New additions include 12-gauge, 2 3/4-inch, 1,330-feet-per-second loads in shot sizes 4, 5, or 6, and 28-gauge, 3-inch, 1-ounce No. 6. These trusted upland loads feature the rear-opening FLITECONTROL FLEX wad along with a combination of standard pellets and FLITESTOPPER lead to create full, consistent patterns through any choke. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds from every Pheasants Forever box sold contributes to the organization's mission to preserve and enhance pheasant hunting and habitat.
“Historically, we have mainly offered higher velocity loads for greater knockdown power,” continued Vickers. “However, based on customer feedback, there is a demand for more moderate, softer-shooting options. So, we now offer three loads identical to our 2 3/4-inch 1,500-fps, but now set at 1,330-fps. Additionally, since the 28-gauge is gaining popularity, we also introduced a 3-inch option in our proven Prairie Storm.”
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UPLAND PAPER This all-new product line comprises six 2 3/4-inch 12- and 20-gauge offerings in No. 4, 5 and 6 shot. With the new Federal Premium Upland Paper, you can experience the nostalgic look, feel, and even smell of classic upland shotshells without sacrificing the performance benefits of modern technology. These loads' unique waxed-paper hulls hold a powerful payload of extra-hard copper-plated lead shot, combined with a wad column that optimizes performance with these classic components.
“We are excited to bring back paper-hull field loads for the first time in over 50 years,” concluded Vickers. “This product is also an ode to the past, as paper field loads were foundational products that helped build Federal into a world-leading ammunition manufacturer.”
In reviewing all the new upland hunting product lines and line extensions that Federal has recently released, it is evident that new ammo options are trending towards more bismuth, mixed-shot, sub-gauge, soft-shooting, and paper-component choices than ever before. Each of these options offers benefits for those who seek them.
