First Look: Federal Premium Ultra Steel Waterfowl

by
posted on August 5, 2024
** 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. **
Lede Federal Premium Ultra Steel

Federal Ammunition has launched Ultra Steel, a new shotshell line designed specifically for waterfowlers.

“Waterfowlers live for those moments when the birds do it right. And in those moments, they want a shell that does the rest,” said Federal Shotshell product manager Josh Vickers. “Our new Federal Premium Ultra Steel will exceed expectations. It blends the rear-opening Flitecontrol Flex wad with a payload of our best zinc-plated steel, producing extremely tight patterns for even deadlier performance.”

Federal Premium Ultra Steel loads are available in various standard payloads and double-stack loads that feature two sizes of shot: smaller pellets that create fuller patterns and larger ones that deliver better lethality. They feature reliable primers and clean-burning propellant with 12- or 20-gauge options. They are packaged in 25-count boxes.

“Our spherical, zinc-plated steel shot creates denser core patterns; the results in the core 15-inch circle are quite impressive,” continued Vickers. The new double stack payloads make it great for multispecies hunts, such as using BB & 2 blends on field hunts when either honkers or mallards could be coming in at any time.”

Part No. / Description / MSRP

  • PWUX142 BB / 12-gauge 3-inch 1 1/4 ounce BB 1450 FPS Ultra Steel. MSRP: $42.99
  • PWUX142 2BB / 12-gauge 3-inch 1 1/4 ounce BB & 2 1450 FPS Ultra Steel. MSRP: $42.99
  • PWUX142 2 / 12-gauge 3-inch 1 1/4 ounce 2 1450 FPS Ultra Steel. MSRP: $42.99
  • PWUX142 24 / 12-gauge 3-inch 1 1/4 ounce 2 & 4 1450 FPS Ultra Steel. MSRP:  $42.99
  • PWUX142 35 / 12-gauge 3-inch 1 1/4 ounce 3 & 5 1450 FPS Ultra Steel. MSRP: $42.99
  • PWUX209 2 / 20-gauge 3-inch 1 ounce 1400FPS 2 Ultra Steel. MSRP: $38.99
  • PWUX209 24 / 20-gauge 3-inch 1 ounce 1400FPS 2 & 4 Ultra Steel. MSRP: $38.99
  • PWUX209 35 / 20-gauge 3-inch 1 ounce 1400FPS 3 & 5 Ultra Steel. MSRP: $38.99

For more information on all products from Federal, visit federalpremium.com.

Latest

W H2026 08 Firstlight Beretta Italy Factory 1880
W H2026 08 Firstlight Beretta Italy Factory 1880

Beretta’s 500th Birthday Bash

Beretta has operated in the village of Gardone since 1526. By the 1880s it was the heart of the Val Trompia.

Moultrie Updates Metal Feeder Lineup for 2026

Moultrie has introduced its all-new lineup of heavy-duty metal feeders, available exclusively at Bass Pro Shops. The new lineup includes the 350-Pound Sled, 300-Pound Broadcast and 600-Pound Broadcast metal feeders, all engineered to put bucks on a daytime feeding pattern.

IEDs Found in the Carson National Forest

Between April 2, and May 8, 2026, multiple suspected destructive devices were recovered in Carson National Forest, near the Tres Piedras Ranger Station in Tres Piedras, N.M. On Aug. 10, 2026, an additional device was turned into the Canjilon Ranger Station in Canjilon, N.M. by a citizen who found it.

Black Bear Hunt: A Second Chance Down East

After striking out on a bait hunt for black bears in Maine, the author returns to strike paydirt with the same Ruger Super Blackhawk he used decades earlier to take his first bear.

Kent Cartridge Reintroduces Fasteel Classic Limited Edition for 2026

Kent Cartridge is bringing back one of its most requested waterfowl loads with the return of Fasteel Classic Limited Edition for 2026.

Head to Head: .17 HMR vs. .17 Hornet

Is the centerfire worthwhile? Or does rimfire take the gold? Find out in this installment of Head to Head.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.