Federal PWBX2853 Premium Black Cloud 28 Gauge 3" 3/4 oz 3 Shot 25 Per Box/ 10 Cs

Federal Premium Black Cloud 28 gauge ammunition is a non-toxic steel load engineered for serious waterfowl hunters who demand tight, consistent patterns from their shotgun. This 3-inch shell carries 3/4 oz of #3 shot at 1400 fps, delivering the payload density and down-range energy needed to cleanly take ducks and geese without relying on lead. Each box contains 25 rounds, and the case holds 10 boxes—enough to stock up for a full season of early-morning duck blinds.

The real innovation here is the FLITECONTROL FLEX wad, Federal's answer to inconsistent patterning through different choke tubes. The wad's rear-deploying petals and side vents separate the payload from the wad at the critical moment in flight, creating denser, more uniform patterns whether you're shooting through ported or standard waterfowl chokes. That consistency matters when a greenhead is cupping over the decoys at 35 yards. The shot itself is a blend of 40 percent FLITESTOPPER steel pellets and 60 percent premium steel, designed to stack those pellets where they count and create larger wound channels on impact.

These rounds run clean and reliable in cold conditions. The Catalyst lead-free primer and temperature-stable propellant burn efficiently and leave less fouling in the barrel than conventional loads—a genuine quality-of-life improvement during long duck days. The black nickel hull head resists corrosion, and the sealed crimp stands up to wet conditions and rough handling. At 28 gauge, Black Cloud gives you a lighter-recoiling option than 12 gauge without sacrificing the ballistics you need for waterfowl.

Key Features

• FLITECONTROL FLEX wad delivers tight, consistent patterns through both ported and standard chokes
• Dual-steel payload (40% FLITESTOPPER + 60% premium steel) for denser patterns and larger wound channels
• Catalyst lead-free primer and clean-burning propellant reduce barrel fouling
• Black nickel head inhibits corrosion in wet conditions
• Sealed crimp keeps moisture out in extreme weather
• 1400 fps velocity from a 28-gauge platform

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Federal Black Cloud pattern well through my ported choke?

Yes. The FLITECONTROL FLEX wad is specifically designed to deliver tight, consistent patterns through both ported and standard waterfowl chokes, so you won't sacrifice performance even with aftermarket choke tubes.

Is this ammunition non-toxic and legal for waterfowl hunting?

Yes. Federal Black Cloud uses steel shot (non-lead) and is manufactured as a waterfowl load, making it compliant with non-toxic ammunition regulations for duck and goose hunting.

How much recoil does the 28 gauge load produce compared to 12 gauge?

The 28 gauge produces noticeably less recoil than 12 gauge loads, making it a lighter-recoiling option for all-day hunting. We don't have exact recoil figures, but most shooters find 28 gauge significantly more comfortable than 12 gauge while still delivering effective waterfowl ballistics.

Will Black Cloud ammunition foul my barrel in cold conditions?

Federal engineered Black Cloud with a clean-burning, temperature-stable propellant and Catalyst lead-free primer specifically to reduce residue buildup. You'll see less fouling than with conventional loads, which is especially valuable during extended cold-weather duck hunts.