Federal PWBX1474 Black Cloud FS Steel 12 Gauge 2.75 1-1/8 oz 4 Shot 25 Bx/ 10 Cs in.

Federal Black Cloud FS Steel is purpose-built for waterfowl hunters who demand consistent, tight patterns and reliable performance in cold, wet conditions. This 12 gauge ammunition pairs a redesigned FLITECONTROL FLEX wad with a payload optimized for dense shot delivery, making it a serious choice for ducks and geese from timber to open water. Each box contains 25 rounds of 2.75-inch shells loaded with #4 shot at 1500 fps—a proven duck-hunting velocity that balances energy and pattern integrity across both standard and ported chokes.

The engineering behind Black Cloud FS Steel focuses on two things waterfowl hunters care about: pattern consistency and durability in harsh environments. The FLITECONTROL FLEX wad uses rear-deploying petals and side vents to separate the payload at the moment when pattern density matters most, delivering tight, lethal clusters through the chokes you already own. Federal loads each round with a Catalyst lead-free primer and temperature-stable propellant that burns cleanly, reducing fouling in your barrel—especially important when you're shooting multiple rounds in frigid conditions. The black nickel head resists corrosion, and the sealed crimp stands up to the moisture and temperature swings of a serious waterfowl season.

Shot selection balances payload density with terminal performance: 40 percent FLITESTOPPER steel pellets (denser, harder) combined with 60 percent premium steel creates larger wound channels while maintaining the pattern tightness that translates to clean, ethical harvests. With 216 pellets per shell, you're putting a lot of shot downrange—the kind of load count that builds confidence when birds are working and shooting opportunities are limited.

Key Features

• FLITECONTROL FLEX wad with rear-deploying petals for tight, consistent patterns through any choke
• Dual-steel payload: 40% FLITESTOPPER + 60% premium steel for density and terminal effect
• Catalyst lead-free primer and clean-burning propellant reduce barrel fouling
• Black nickel head resists corrosion in wet conditions
• Sealed crimp defeats moisture infiltration
• 1500 fps velocity optimized for waterfowl shooting

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Federal Black Cloud FS Steel work in my standard choke tubes?

Yes. The FLITECONTROL FLEX wad is designed to deliver improved pattern density through both standard and ported waterfowl chokes, so you don't need specialized or aftermarket tubes to get the benefit of this ammunition.

What's the difference between FLITESTOPPER and premium steel in this load?

Federal combines 40 percent FLITESTOPPER steel (a denser, harder steel) with 60 percent premium steel. The mix creates dense patterns while producing larger wound channels for more effective harvests.

Is this ammunition suitable for extreme cold or wet weather?

Yes. The sealed crimp defeats moisture, the black nickel head resists corrosion, and the clean-burning propellant significantly reduces residue buildup—all features designed to perform reliably in harsh waterfowl conditions.

What shot size is best for my hunting situation?

Federal loads Black Cloud FS Steel in #4 shot, which is a versatile size for ducks and geese across a range of distances and conditions. The pattern density from the FLITECONTROL FLEX wad extends effective range, but shot size choice ultimately depends on your local regulations, target species, and personal preference.