First Impressions of Federal Premium 20 Gauge 2 3/4in 7/8oz 3 Dram 8 Shot Size Shotgun Ammunition HOA20H 8 $1.10 Off
As an avid sporting clays enthusiast and occasional small game hunter, I’m always on the lookout for reliable and consistent ammunition. When I saw the Federal Premium 20 Gauge 2 3/4in 7/8oz 3 Dram 8 Shot Size Shotgun Ammunition HOA20H 8 $1.10 Off on sale, I figured it was time to give it a try. It promised consistent patterns and reliable performance, two qualities I demand from my shotgun shells.
I was searching for a shotshell that would provide a balance between affordability and performance for target practice. Many cheaper options resulted in inconsistent patterns and more felt recoil.
The Federal Premium packaging was clean and professional, giving an immediate impression of quality. Holding a box of these shells, the weight felt substantial, suggesting a consistent load. Compared to Winchester AA and Remington STS, the Federal Premium shells had a slightly different crimp design, which intrigued me.
My initial feeling was optimistic. The reputation of Federal combined with the “Premium” designation led me to believe these shells would perform as advertised.
Real-World Testing: Putting Federal Premium 20 Gauge 2 3/4in 7/8oz 3 Dram 8 Shot Size Shotgun Ammunition HOA20H 8 $1.10 Off to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Federal Premium 20 Gauge ammunition was at my local sporting clays range. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze, offering ideal conditions for testing. I used my Beretta A400 Xplor Action, a reliable semi-automatic shotgun known for its smooth cycling.
The shells loaded easily into the magazine tube and cycled flawlessly through the action. The recoil felt manageable, definitely milder than some of the hotter loads I’ve used in the past. After the first 25 shots, I inspected the hulls and noted they ejected cleanly with no signs of bulging or splitting.
The patterning board revealed a consistent and even spread of shot at 30 yards. This was a significant improvement over some of the budget loads I had previously used.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of using the Federal Premium 20 Gauge shells, I can confidently say they hold up incredibly well. I’ve put hundreds of rounds through my shotgun with minimal issues.
Durability-wise, I haven’t experienced any duds or misfires. The shells consistently perform as expected, whether in warm or cool weather. Cleaning my shotgun after a day at the range is also easier, as the Federal Premium shells seem to leave less residue compared to some cheaper alternatives.
Compared to my previous experience with Winchester Super-X, the Federal Premium provides a noticeable improvement in pattern consistency and cleaner burning. The slight price difference is absolutely worth the enhanced performance.
Breaking Down the Features of Federal Premium 20 Gauge 2 3/4in 7/8oz 3 Dram 8 Shot Size Shotgun Ammunition HOA20H 8 $1.10 Off
Specifications
The Federal Premium 20 Gauge 2 3/4in 7/8oz 3 Dram 8 Shot Size Shotgun Ammunition HOA20H 8 $1.10 Off boasts several key specifications. It’s a 20 gauge shell with a 2 3/4 inch length, making it compatible with most 20 gauge shotguns. The shot weight is 7/8 oz, propelled by 3 dram of powder, resulting in a muzzle velocity of 1275 ft/s.
The shot size is #8 lead, making it ideal for target shooting and small game hunting. Each shell contains approximately 359 lead pellets, offering a dense pattern at typical engagement ranges. The cartridge case is made of brass, ensuring reliable extraction.
These specifications translate to a smooth-shooting, effective load. The muzzle velocity delivers sufficient energy for breaking clays and taking down small game without excessive recoil.
Performance & Functionality
The Federal Premium 20 Gauge ammunition excels in its core function: delivering consistent and reliable performance. Accuracy is excellent, with tight and even patterns at various distances. I’ve used it for sporting clays, skeet, and even some dove hunting with great success.
The shells cycle reliably in my semi-automatic shotgun, with no feeding or ejection issues to report. The recoil is manageable, allowing for comfortable extended shooting sessions.
While the #8 shot might not be ideal for larger game, it’s perfectly suited for its intended purpose. One minor point for improvement could be offering this load in a variety of shot sizes to cater to different hunting applications.
Design & Ergonomics
The Federal Premium 20 Gauge shells are designed with functionality in mind. The high-quality brass casing ensures reliable extraction. The consistent crimp ensures uniform powder ignition.
The weight of the shell feels balanced, contributing to reduced felt recoil. The packaging is practical and easy to open, making it convenient to load up at the range.
There’s no learning curve associated with using these shells. They’re straightforward and perform as expected, making them suitable for both novice and experienced shooters.
Durability & Maintenance
The Federal Premium 20 Gauge ammunition is designed for single-use. However, the robust construction ensures the shells withstand handling and transportation without damage.
I’ve never experienced any issues with the shells deteriorating over time, even after being stored for several months in a cool, dry environment. Maintaining the shotgun after use is straightforward, as the shells burn relatively cleanly.
Compared to some cheaper brands, the Federal Premium shells seem to produce less fouling in the barrel, reducing cleaning time. This contributes to the overall longevity of the firearm.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Federal Premium 20 Gauge ammunition is compatible with any standard 20 gauge shotgun. While the ammunition itself doesn’t offer customization options, the performance can be tailored by choosing different chokes for your shotgun.
Using a tighter choke will result in a denser pattern at longer ranges. A more open choke will provide a wider spread for close-range targets. The ammunition works well with aftermarket accessories like extended magazine tubes and recoil pads to further enhance the shooting experience.
Pros and Cons of Federal Premium 20 Gauge 2 3/4in 7/8oz 3 Dram 8 Shot Size Shotgun Ammunition HOA20H 8 $1.10 Off
Pros
- Consistent and reliable performance: The shells cycle flawlessly and produce tight, even patterns.
- Manageable recoil: The 7/8 oz load is comfortable to shoot for extended periods.
- Clean burning: The ammunition leaves less residue in the barrel, making cleaning easier.
- High-quality components: The brass casing and consistent crimp contribute to reliable extraction and ignition.
- Versatile application: Suitable for sporting clays, skeet, and small game hunting.
Cons
- Limited shot size options: Only available in #8 shot, which might not be ideal for all hunting applications.
- Price: Slightly more expensive than budget ammunition, although the performance justifies the cost.
Who Should Buy Federal Premium 20 Gauge 2 3/4in 7/8oz 3 Dram 8 Shot Size Shotgun Ammunition HOA20H 8 $1.10 Off?
The Federal Premium 20 Gauge 2 3/4in 7/8oz 3 Dram 8 Shot Size Shotgun Ammunition HOA20H 8 $1.10 Off is perfect for sporting clays enthusiasts and small game hunters who demand consistent performance. It’s also a great choice for recreational shooters looking for a reliable and comfortable load for target practice.
Those primarily hunting larger game, such as turkey or waterfowl, might want to consider a different load with a larger shot size. Shooters on a very tight budget might find cheaper alternatives adequate for occasional use, but the superior performance of the Federal Premium justifies the extra cost for serious shooters.
A must-have accessory is a good quality choke tube set to optimize the pattern for different shooting scenarios. A comfortable recoil pad can further enhance the shooting experience, especially during extended sessions.
Conclusion on Federal Premium 20 Gauge 2 3/4in 7/8oz 3 Dram 8 Shot Size Shotgun Ammunition HOA20H 8 $1.10 Off
In summary, the Federal Premium 20 Gauge 2 3/4in 7/8oz 3 Dram 8 Shot Size Shotgun Ammunition HOA20H 8 $1.10 Off is an excellent choice for shooters seeking consistent performance and reliability. The price is justified by the high-quality components and superior patterning compared to cheaper alternatives.
I would personally recommend this ammunition to anyone looking to improve their shooting experience. The Federal Premium shells have become my go-to choice for sporting clays and small game hunting.
If you’re ready to step up your shotgun game, give the Federal Premium 20 Gauge ammunition a try. You won’t be disappointed.