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

Frank Interview With Ammo Depot
Frank Interview With Ammo Depot

Ammunition Depot Offers a Way to Help the NRA

Ammunition Depot, one of the nation’s leading online retailers and suppliers of ammunition, firearms, magazines, accessories and tactical gear, has formed a partnership with the NRA to raise funds to support critical Second Amendment litigation across the country.

Member's Hunt: The Dogger’s Window

A dogger’s goal while pushing deer is to drive the prey into a pocket formed by others in his gang, those hunters who are posted about a hundred yards apart along strategic locations up to a half-mile away from the dogger’s starting point. When everyone is in position, the dogger weaves his way through the woods into the wind and pocket formed by the other hunters. The approaching sound of the dogger snapping twigs and crunching leaves alerts unsuspecting deer.

Federal Ammunition Awarded Contracts to Provide Rifle and Shotgun Ammunition to the Canadian Government

Federal Ammunition was recently awarded contracts to supply two Canadian law enforcement organizations with rifle and shotgun ammunition for duty and training purposes. These agreements will supply the Department of National Defense (DND) with .300 Blackout duty and training rounds, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) with 12-gauge slugs and buckshot duty loads.

Hardware Review: Steiner ePredator LRF & ePredator 8 Riflescope

Looking for a surefire solution for long-range shooting? Look no further. Check out our review of the Steiner ePredator line.

Buckmasters’ New Record Book Reveals Hot Spots, Revamped Rankings

Deer hunters will have the rare opportunity to decipher the current state of whitetail deer when Buckmasters releases the ninth edition of its record book this fall. The 600-page tome shows where, when and by what means these world-class whitetails—25,000 in total—came to be included.

Clean 'em Up—Gun Cleaning 101 for Hunters

Ever wonder how often to clean your gun? How about what to clean it with? How about what to clean it with if you're hunting at 40-below? Phil Massaro answers all these questions and more, in this clean-freaks primer.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.