First Look: Federal 28-Gauge Black Cloud

by
posted on September 25, 2023
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
MAIN28 Gauge Black Cloud

Federal Ammunition has added two 28-gauge, 3-inch, ¾-ounce loads in shot sizes No. 3 or 4 to its Black Cloud product lineup. 

“When first approached for developing a 28-gauge, 3-inch waterfowl load, Black Cloud was the obvious first choice out of all our product lines” said Federal Shotshell product director Dan Compton. “Black Cloud’s technology blend of Flitestopper Steel, zinc plated Premium steel and Flitecontrol Flex wad really shines in these smaller but highly effective loads. They pattern very tight and hit hard. We are extremely happy with the results.”

That Flitecontrol Flex wad is designed to deliver better pattern density and consistency through both ported and standard waterfowl chokes. This improved density is part of what allows this sub-gauge Black Cloud to shine alongside its full-sized counterparts, keeping its payload together at distances well beyond typical.

“Our Flitestopper steel pellets make up a full 40 percent of the payload, and really help the terminal performance of any sub-gauge,” said Compton. “A raised cutting ridge encircling the exterior gives the pellets an unparalleled ability to slice through feathers and flesh. These specialized pellets create significantly larger wound channels than standard round pellets or other designs, devastating game on impact.”

Other features of the 28-gauge Black Cloud include a 1,400 fps muzzle velocity for ample downrange energy, provided by a clean-burning and temperature stable propellant. Black Cloud's payload is made up of 40-percent Flitestopper steel pellets and 60-percent Premium steel. Finally, a plated head helps inhibit corrosion in damp environments, while a sealed crimp stops moisture in extreme weather. This means Black Cloud will still fire, even if it happens to go for a quick swim while you're fumbling in your blind bag between flights of cupping greenheads. For more information on all products from Federal, visit federalpremium.com. MSRP: $40.99/25-round boxes

 

Latest

W H2026 09 F Elk Tactics EB355, Elk Bull, Copyright Mark Kayser Edt Jb
W H2026 09 F Elk Tactics EB355, Elk Bull, Copyright Mark Kayser Edt Jb

Elk Tactics: It’s Not All About the Bugles

It’s hard not to return the bugle of a bull in the wild. But the author is convinced tactics he uses with calling help seal the deal on public land.

Savage Arms Donates Five 250th Anniversary Rifles to IHEA-USA

Savage Arms has donated five Axis 2 Pro 250th Edition rifles to the International Hunter Education Association–USA (IHEA-USA) in recognition of the 250th anniversary of American independence. Only 60 of the rifles were produced.

5 Things I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before My First Elk Hunt

I grew up hunting whitetails in the Midwest, and while I thought I was in “elk shape” on my first western hunt, I quickly learned that chasing elk at high elevation requires an entirely different level of fitness. You’ll likely hike for hours, oftentimes at high elevation, and many of trails you’ll follow are filled with deadfall and uneven rocks. If you’re fortunate enough to fill your tag, the real work starts. 

Ruger Halts Production of Several Models

On Oct. 13 Ruger issued a memo to distributors informing them that after an exhaustive internal review of its product portfolio—that weighed demand, manufacturing expense and complexity—production of four revolvers has been halted. Pending orders were cancelled. 

Head to Head: The 6.5 PRC vs. the 7mm PRC

Hornady's Precision Rifle Cartridge series has been a hit among hunters and target shooters alike, and within the lineup, the 6.5 PRC and the 7mm PRC have proven to be extremely popular. Let’s take a closer look into what makes this pair tick, and which might make the best choice for you.

Arizona Asks Public to Look Out for New World Screwworm

On Sept. 17 the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)—working with the New Mexico Livestock Board and New Mexico Department of Agriculture—announced that a horse was identified with a New World screwworm (NWS) infested wound in Grant County, N.M, which borders southern Arizona.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.