Federal PWBX1342 Premium Black Cloud FS 12 Gauge 3.50" 1 1/2 oz 1500 fps 2 Shot 25ea

Federal Premium Black Cloud FS shotgun ammunition brings a purpose-built steel load to 12-gauge waterfowl hunting. This 3.5-inch magnum round pairs a 1 1/2 oz payload with the FLITECONTROL FLEX wad system, engineered to tighten patterns and deliver consistent shot placement through both standard and ported waterfowl chokes. At 1500 fps, Black Cloud FS delivers the velocity and energy needed for confident passes at ducks and geese in real-world hunting conditions.

The payload itself is thoughtfully constructed: 40 percent FLITESTOPPER steel pellets mixed with 60 percent Premium steel creates a denser pattern than single-steel loads while generating larger wound channels on target. That combination of density and terminal performance is what separates a load you trust from one you hope works. The 2-shot sizing strikes the balance most waterfowlers want—dense enough for pattern confidence, large enough for penetration and energy transfer.

Reload quality and reliability matter in the marsh. Federal backs this round with a Catalyst lead-free primer and clean-burning, temperature-stable powder designed to reduce fouling in your barrel. The black nickel-plated head resists corrosion in wet conditions, and the sealed crimp keeps moisture out when you're working wet ground or late-season ice. These details add up to ammo that functions in harsh waterfowl environments and doesn't leave you scrubbing carbon for hours afterward.

Each box contains 25 rounds—a practical field load for a day of hunting or a trip to the pattern board to dial in your choke and hold.

Key Features

• FLITECONTROL FLEX wad system for tighter patterns through standard and ported chokes
• Mixed steel payload: 40% FLITESTOPPER + 60% Premium steel for density and lethality
• 1500 fps velocity optimized for waterfowl range and penetration
• Catalyst lead-free primer reduces priming residue
• Clean-burning, temperature-stable powder decreases barrel fouling
• Black nickel head resists corrosion in wet field conditions
• Sealed crimp defeats moisture in extreme conditions

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Black Cloud FS pattern tight through my ported or standard waterfowl choke?

Yes. The FLITECONTROL FLEX wad is specifically designed to deliver improved pattern density and consistency through both ported and standard waterfowl chokes, making it versatile across different shotgun setups.

What makes the mixed steel payload different from straight steel loads?

Black Cloud FS combines 40 percent FLITESTOPPER steel pellets with 60 percent Premium steel. This blend delivers denser patterns than single-steel options while generating larger wound channels, giving you both pattern confidence and terminal performance.

Is this ammo appropriate for hunting ducks and geese?

Black Cloud FS is a premium waterfowl load engineered for duck and goose hunting. The 2-shot sizing, velocity, and steel composition support effective performance on waterfowl at typical hunting ranges.

Why does the clean-burning powder matter for waterfowl hunting?

The temperature-stable propellant in Black Cloud FS significantly reduces residue buildup in your barrel. This is especially valuable in extended hunting sessions or harsh conditions, reducing fouling cleanup and keeping your gun functioning reliably throughout the day.