Give 'em Federal Premium's 3rd Degree

by
posted on December 24, 2014
** 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. **

Earlier this year, Federal Premium—inventor of the turkey load—announced its latest gobbler-specific shotshell, titled 3rd Degree.

Using a multi-shot, three-stage payload to deliver lethal patterns, 3rd Degree is the company's answer to consumer demands for tighter patterns and longer ranges. The
leading section of the payload—20 percent of the total pellet count—is made up of No. 6
nickel-plated Flitestopper lead. The next 40 percent of the load is copper-plated No. 5 lead shot, which creates a dense, even pattern at moderate ranges. The final 40 percent of 3rd Degree’s payload consists of No. 7 Heavyweight pellets.

The Flitestopper portion is designed for close-range shots, the No. 5 lead shot for mid-range and the No. 7 Heavyweight for long-range. And it's all under one roof, so to speak. As you might have figured out, the three-layer system is what gave birth to the new shotshell's name.

“Its name represents its three stages of payload," Mike Holm, Federal Premium Product Manager, said. "Each stage is made up of different types of shot which are different sizes and different densities. This variety combines to create optimal patterns for three ranges—close, mid and long. ”

Features:

• Three-stage payload creates optimal patterns for the entire range spectrum
• 1,250 fps muzzle velocity
• A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this product will be donated to the National
Wild Turkey Federation

To learn more about the new turkey load, check out the video embedded below.

 

Latest

LEDE Composite Image
LEDE Composite Image

Standout New Hunting Guns of 2026

This year’s standout hunting firearms reveal an industry focused on refining proven ideas. Manufacturers are increasingly embracing features once reserved for premium models and including extras that a few years ago were considered aftermarket additions. Whether you’re chasing game close to home or venturing deep into the backcountry, today’s new hunting guns arrive more capable than ever before.

Massive Expansion of Hunting and Fishing Opportunities

The Department of the Interior recently announced the largest expansion of hunting and sport fishing opportunities in the history of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Service is also making more than 1,000 modifications to existing regulatory provisions, reducing complexity and making it easier for hunters and anglers to understand and comply with applicable rules. 

Behind the Bullet: The .25 WSSM

Quarterbores are back, so let's take a look at a fan favorite released just after the turn of the millennium: the .25 WSSM.

Henry Repeating Arms Introduces the Founding Fathers Collection

Henry Repeating Arms has introduced the Founding Fathers Collection, a series of seven Tribute Edition rifles honoring the men who shaped the American republic: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, James Madison, John Jay, and Alexander Hamilton.

Rethinking Ragù: Venison Ragù Bianco

In Italy, ragù simply refers to a slow-cooked meat sauce. Bolognese—ragù alla Bolognese—is just one regional variation that originated in Bologna and traditionally incorporates tomatoes, wine, milk, and finely minced meat simmered low and slow until deeply rich and complex. But some of the most beautiful ragù dishes in Italy contain little or no tomato at all. This version uses axis deer simply because that’s what I happened to have in the freezer, but this sauce works beautifully with almost any species of venison.

USFWS Releases 2026 Waterfowl Population Survey Results

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has released its 2026 Waterfowl Population Status Report. This report contains results from surveys and population estimation methods conducted by the USFWS, Canadian Wildlife Service and numerous state and provincial partners.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.