First Impressions of Federal Premium 20 Gauge 2 3/4in 7/8oz 3 Dram 9 Shot Size Shotgun Ammunition HOA20H 9 $1.10 Off
For years, I’ve relied on shotguns for everything from upland bird hunting to busting clays at the range, and the right ammunition makes all the difference. When I first came across the Federal Premium 20 Gauge 2 3/4in 7/8oz 3 Dram 9 Shot Size Shotgun Ammunition HOA20H 9 $1.10 Off, I was immediately intrigued by Federal’s reputation for consistent performance and the fine shot size, promising tight patterns. This particular load seemed ideal for refining my skeet shooting and introducing younger shooters to the sport.
I was seeking a reliable, readily available 20-gauge load that would deliver consistent patterns without excessive recoil for target practice. My go-to had been a heavier, more expensive sporting load, and I needed something more economical for high-volume shooting. The promise of a sale price certainly sweetened the deal.
The packaging was standard Federal, clean and functional. The shells themselves looked well-crimped and uniform, inspiring confidence in their quality control. Compared to Winchester AA and Remington Gun Club, the Federal Premium offering felt like a step up in terms of visual inspection, offering a more polished look and feel.
Honestly, I was excited. The combination of Federal’s pedigree, the fine #9 shot, and the promise of reduced recoil for extended shooting sessions had me eager to get to the range. I anticipated consistent patterns and a comfortable shooting experience, perfect for honing my skills and mentoring new shooters.
Real-World Testing: Putting Federal Premium 20 Gauge 2 3/4in 7/8oz 3 Dram 9 Shot Size Shotgun Ammunition HOA20H 9 $1.10 Off to the Test
First Use Experience
My first outing with the Federal Premium 20 Gauge was at my local skeet range. I put it through a Beretta A400 Xplor and a vintage Browning Citori. The weather was mild, with a slight breeze, ideal conditions for shooting.
The ammunition cycled flawlessly in the Beretta, ejecting cleanly with each shot. Recoil was noticeably lighter than my usual 1-ounce loads, making for comfortable shooting over several rounds of skeet. Patterning on paper at 20 yards revealed a dense, even spread, suggesting excellent potential for breaking clays.
There were no immediate issues or surprises. The shells performed exactly as expected, delivering consistent performance and manageable recoil.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Federal Premium has proven to be remarkably consistent and reliable. I’ve run hundreds of rounds through both the semi-auto and the over-under without a single malfunction. The brass has held up well, showing no signs of excessive wear or deformation.
The shells have maintained their consistent performance over time. Even after sitting in my range bag for weeks, they still fire and cycle flawlessly. Compared to some cheaper promotional loads I’ve used in the past, the Federal Premium stands head and shoulders above in terms of reliability and consistency.
Cleaning the shotgun after using the Federal Premium has been relatively straightforward. There’s no excessive fouling or residue, indicating a clean-burning powder. My experience has been excellent overall.
Breaking Down the Features of Federal Premium 20 Gauge 2 3/4in 7/8oz 3 Dram 9 Shot Size Shotgun Ammunition HOA20H 9 $1.10 Off
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Federal. They’re a well-known and trusted name in ammunition.
- Gauge: 20. This makes it suitable for smaller-framed shooters and youth models.
- Shell Length: 2 3/4 inches. This is a standard length for 20 gauge, ensuring compatibility with most shotguns.
- Shot Weight: 7/8 oz. This is a lighter load, reducing recoil and promoting faster follow-up shots.
- Shot Size: 9. The small shot size is ideal for close-range targets such as clay pigeons.
- Dram Equivalent: 3. A measure of power, indicating moderate velocity and recoil.
- Muzzle Velocity: 1275 ft/s. This provides adequate energy for breaking clays and taking small game at reasonable distances.
- Number of Rounds: 25. This is a standard box size for target ammunition.
- Application: Target. It’s specifically designed for target shooting and clay sports.
- Shot Material: Lead. This offers good density and pattern density for the intended purpose.
- Primer Style: Centerfire. Centerfire primers are known for reliability and consistent ignition.
- Shotgun Pellet Count: 292. This indicates a dense pattern for consistent target hits.
- Cartridge Case Material: Brass. Brass is a reliable and durable material for cartridge cases.
- Lead Free: No. Standard lead shot, which is common for target loads.
- Velocity: 1275 fps. A good balance of speed and manageable recoil.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the ammunition’s performance in target shooting. The 7/8 oz load and #9 shot, coupled with a moderate velocity, create a recipe for comfortable shooting and tight, consistent patterns.
Performance & Functionality
The Federal Premium 20 Gauge excels in its intended role: target shooting. The consistent patterns and manageable recoil make it a pleasure to shoot. The small #9 shot ensures plenty of pellets impacting the target, increasing the chances of breaking clays.
The primary strength lies in its consistency. Round after round, the shells deliver predictable performance. I haven’t encountered any duds, squib loads, or other malfunctions.
The only potential weakness is that the #9 shot may lack sufficient energy for larger game birds at longer distances. However, for clay targets, it’s perfect. It definitely meets and exceeds my expectations for a dedicated target load.
Design & Ergonomics
The design is simple and functional, focusing on reliability and consistency. The shells are well-crimped and visually appealing. The bright blue color of the hull makes them easy to distinguish from other loads.
There’s no learning curve involved. The ammunition is straightforward to use, loading and ejecting smoothly in both my semi-auto and over-under shotguns.
Durability & Maintenance
The shells appear to be well-constructed and durable, with no signs of cracking or deformation after being stored in my range bag.
Maintenance is non-existent, beyond keeping them dry and stored in a cool place. They require no special handling or cleaning.
Accessories and Customization Options
There are no specific accessories or customization options for shotgun ammunition beyond choosing different shot sizes or payloads.
However, the Federal Premium 20 Gauge is compatible with any 20-gauge shotgun designed to handle 2 3/4-inch shells. You could pair it with different chokes to further refine your patterns at varying distances.
Pros and Cons of Federal Premium 20 Gauge 2 3/4in 7/8oz 3 Dram 9 Shot Size Shotgun Ammunition HOA20H 9 $1.10 Off
Pros
- Consistent Patterns: Delivers tight, even patterns for breaking clays with confidence.
- Manageable Recoil: The 7/8 oz load reduces recoil, allowing for comfortable extended shooting sessions.
- Reliable Performance: No malfunctions, duds, or squib loads encountered in extensive testing.
- Clean Burning: Minimal fouling, making shotgun cleaning easier.
- Affordable Price: Excellent value for the performance offered, especially with the $1.10 off.
Cons
9 shot might not be ideal for larger game at longer ranges.
- Lead shot is not suitable for areas with lead restrictions.
Who Should Buy Federal Premium 20 Gauge 2 3/4in 7/8oz 3 Dram 9 Shot Size Shotgun Ammunition HOA20H 9 $1.10 Off?
The Federal Premium 20 Gauge is perfect for target shooters, skeet and trap enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a reliable, low-recoil load for clay sports. It’s also a great choice for introducing new or younger shooters to the sport due to its manageable recoil.
This ammunition might not be ideal for hunters targeting larger game birds at extended ranges or in areas with lead shot restrictions. Those shooters would benefit from heavier loads or non-toxic alternatives.
A must-have accessory would be a good quality choke tube designed for target shooting. This will allow you to further fine-tune your patterns based on the distance and type of target.
Conclusion on Federal Premium 20 Gauge 2 3/4in 7/8oz 3 Dram 9 Shot Size Shotgun Ammunition HOA20H 9 $1.10 Off
The Federal Premium 20 Gauge 2 3/4in 7/8oz 3 Dram 9 Shot Size Shotgun Ammunition HOA20H 9 $1.10 Off is a fantastic target load that delivers consistent performance, manageable recoil, and excellent value. Federal has truly created a winner with this load.
The price is absolutely justified, especially with the current discount. It’s a great way to stock up on high-quality target ammunition without breaking the bank.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this ammunition to anyone looking for a reliable and enjoyable target shooting experience. If you’re serious about improving your skeet or trap scores, or just want a comfortable and consistent load for casual shooting, the Federal Premium 20 Gauge is an excellent choice. Grab a few boxes while they’re on sale and experience the Federal difference for yourself!