First Look: Federal Hi-Bird Fiber Wad

by
posted on October 6, 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. **
Mainhi Bird Fiber Wad

Federal Ammunition announces a new line extension to its Hi-Bird upland-game-hunting product line. Hi-Bird Fiber (Paper) Wad’s cellulose wad construction helps minimize plastic left in the field, yet still promises to offer the same hard-hitting performance as the original. It does this by utilizing two-piece, SoftCell construction, which decreases recoil while still maintaining patterns at distance.

“The patented design of the fiber over-powder wad creates an effective gas seal, and the paper shot cup is designed to prevent barrel/shot contact and improve pattern performance,” said Dan Compton, Federal shotshell product line director. “Additionally, the overall fiber/paper wad system design helps reduce a shooter’s environmental impact on high-volume shoots.”

The 12-gauge, No. 5 load’s high velocity (1,330 fps) and specially formulated lead shot—blended for optimal hardness—produce downrange energy and pattern density that efficiently takes down birds at most any commonly shootable distances. The 2 3/4-inch shotshells propel a 1 1/4 ounce load to devastating effect, particularly on pigeons, doves and upland game. Five-shot lead in particular provides a good balance between hard-hitting performance for larger birds like pheasants, and pellet count for larger patterns overall.

“This new product was motivated by a customer need, because certain ranges and areas are beginning to require plastic-free wadding,” continued Compton. “We also offer the paper wad in cartridges tailored for the dove hunting and sporting target market, such as our Upland Steel and Top Gun loads.”

While currently only available in 12-gauge, there is room for Federal to expand its offerings, much as they have done with other upland loads like Upland High Velocity and Upland Pheasants Forever, so sub-gauge enthusiasts should keep a weather eye. For more information on Federal Hi-Bird Fiber Wad, available in boxes of 25, visit federalpremium.com, where these and other Federal products are also available for purchase. MSRP: $24.99

Latest

Savage Lede Image
Savage Lede Image

Behind the Bullet: The .250-3000 Savage

Curious about a chambering seemingly made for, and certainly popularized by the mythical Savage 99? Let's delve into the history of the .250-3000 Savage, a revolutionary cartridge for its time, that will still bring home the bacon today.

Sierra Presents 3 New Rifle Bullets

Sierra Bullets has announced three new rifle bullet offerings, including the .25-caliber 135-grain Tipped MatchKing, 7mm 185-grain Tipped MatchKing and .22-caliber 77-grain MatchKing X, developed in response to continued demand for high-ballistic-coefficient, heavy-for-caliber offerings.

North Carolina to Hold First Elk Hunt in Decades

On July 7, North Carolina’s governor signed legislation authorizing two elk hunting permits to be issued in 2027—the first since the animal was reintroduced 25 years ago. Elk vanished from The Tarheel State nearly 200 years ago, but today biologists estimate the state is home to roughly 250.

4 Tasks All Hunters Should Complete Now for the Upcoming Season

Each year, hunters know when opening day is, but few of us are truly ready for it. This year that changes. Here is your guide!

New for 2026: Federal Fit Firearms Covers

Federal Ammunition is shipping two series of firearm covers, the Federal Fit Coil Rifle Cover and Federal Fit Quick Strike Muzzle/Scope Cover. Each is available in medium, large, and extra-large.

Anti-Hunting Oregon Voter Petition Fails To Make Ballot

The proposed petition in Oregon that would ban all hunting and fishing, as well as ranching and more, failed both its signature checks to get on the November ballot, according to the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.