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

Lead Photo H2H
Lead Photo H2H

Head to Head: The 9.3x62 vs. 9.3x74R

A battle of 9.3mms. While this particular caliber never really caught on here in the states, it may be time for this old safari favorite to find its way into a few more gunrooms. Check out more about them here.

RCBS Released 7mm Backcountry Reloading Die

RCBS has announced the launch of its new 7mm Backcountry Die Set. Engineered specifically to meet the demands of reloading this high-performance cartridge, the RCBS 7mm Backcountry Die Set is a unique three-die system that includes a neck sizer die, expander die and bullet seater die. The set delivers enhanced control, consistency and accuracy when reloading the 7mm BC and the patented Peak alloy cartridge case.

Hodgdon Launches Accurate High Country Powder for 7mm Backcountry

Hodgdon Powder Company have introduced Accurate High Country, an all-new spherical rifle propellant engineered for the performance demands of today's modern magnum cartridges, including Federal's new 7mm Backcountry.

IWC and Guidefitter Honor 2026 Game Warden of the Year

International Wildlife Crimestoppers (IWC), in partnership with Guidefitter, named Senior Conservation Officer Meghan Roos of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game the recipient of the 2026 IWC Guidefitter Game Warden of the Year Award. Officer Roos received the award during International Wildlife Crimestoppers’ annual conference in July.

#SundayGunday: Chiappa USA Rhino 60DS

On this week's #SudnayGunday, we’re checking out the Chiappa Rhino 60 DS. All it takes is once glance to tell this is not your granddad’s revolver. Chiappa has flipped the script on wheelguns quite literally, aligning the barrel with the bottommost chamber of the cylinder, rather than the top. This low bore axis makes the gun recoil directly back into the hand, rather than pulling the muzzle up and away from your grip. Learn more about it in this exclusive video.

Shooting Close: How to Play the Short Game

The trend these days is to “go long” but the truth is, if you’re doing it right, most shots taken by hunters are anything but long range. You’re better off practicing your short game.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.