First Impressions of **Federal Gold Medal Paper 12 Gauge 1oz 2.75in Shotgun Ammunition
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There’s a certain nostalgia that comes with the smell of burnt powder and the feel of a freshly loaded shell, especially when that shell is a Federal Gold Medal Paper 12 Gauge 1oz 2.75in Shotgun Ammunition
Up to $1.40 Off. This ammunition isn’t just about putting shot downrange; it’s about a tradition of quality and precision that Federal has cultivated for decades. It’s aimed at the serious clay target shooter and upland bird hunter who demands consistency and reliability. The promise of tighter patterns and reduced recoil is what initially grabbed my attention, so I was eager to see if this ammo lived up to the hype.
I’ve been a shotgun enthusiast for over a decade, primarily focusing on hunting and competitive clays. My search for consistently performing shells brought me to Federal Gold Medal Paper. I needed ammunition that would reliably cycle through my competition shotgun, provide consistent patterns for breaking clays at various distances, and ideally, be a bit gentler on the shoulder during long shooting sessions.
The first thing I noticed upon receiving the Federal Gold Medal Paper shells was the classic paper hull. It evokes a sense of old-school craftsmanship often missing in modern plastic hulls. The crimp was clean and consistent, giving the impression of meticulous quality control. Picking up a box felt more like holding a piece of history than simply ammunition.
Compared to the more common plastic hulled Winchester AA or Remington Gun Club, the Federal Gold Medal Paper offers a different feel. While the plastic hulled shells are often more readily available and generally more affordable, the perceived advantages of the paper hull, namely potentially softer recoil and improved wad performance, piqued my interest. I’ve also used Fiocchi target loads, and while they performed well, I was specifically seeking the attributes associated with a paper hull.
I was initially excited about the potential for improved performance and the classic feel of these shells. The promise of reduced felt recoil, tighter patterns, and the sheer novelty of shooting paper hulled ammunition had me eager to get to the range. I’ve always valued high-quality components and consistent manufacturing in my ammunition, and Federal’s reputation in this area gave me high expectations.
Real-World Testing: Putting **Federal Gold Medal Paper 12 Gauge 1oz 2.75in Shotgun Ammunition
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First Use Experience
My first experience with the Federal Gold Medal Paper ammunition was at my local shooting range, primarily focused on trap and skeet. The weather was mild, around 65 degrees Fahrenheit with a slight breeze, providing ideal conditions for testing. I used my trusty Beretta A400 Xcel Sporting, known for its reliable cycling and comfortable shooting characteristics. I wanted to see how the ammunition performed in a semi-automatic platform.
The Federal Gold Medal Paper shells cycled flawlessly through my Beretta A400, with no issues regarding feeding, extraction, or ejection. The recoil was noticeably milder compared to standard promotional target loads I typically use, allowing for quicker follow-up shots. I focused on breaking clays at distances ranging from 16 to 25 yards, and the patterns appeared to be consistently tight and evenly distributed, leading to clean breaks.
There were no immediate issues or surprises, except for the pleasant realization that the felt recoil was indeed reduced as advertised. The cleaner burning powder left less residue in the barrel compared to cheaper ammunition, which would make for an easier cleaning session later.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using the Federal Gold Medal Paper ammunition, I’ve put approximately 500 rounds through my shotgun. The ammunition has consistently performed without any malfunctions. The shells have held up well in various conditions, from sunny days to slightly damp mornings.
The paper hulls showed no signs of degradation or swelling, even after being stored in my range bag for extended periods. Cleaning my shotgun after shooting Federal Gold Medal Paper proved to be significantly easier. I noticed less plastic fouling and powder residue compared to when I use cheaper, plastic hulled ammunition.
In comparison to my previous experiences with Winchester AA and Remington Gun Club, the Federal Gold Medal Paper ammunition consistently outperformed them in terms of felt recoil and perceived pattern density. While the Winchester AA shells were reliable, they produced slightly more recoil, and the Remington Gun Club occasionally had inconsistencies in crimp quality. The Federal Gold Medal Paper has proven to be a premium target load that delivers on its promises.
Breaking Down the Features of **Federal Gold Medal Paper 12 Gauge 1oz 2.75in Shotgun Ammunition
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Specifications
The Federal Gold Medal Paper 12 Gauge 1oz 2.75in Shotgun Ammunition is designed for competitive shooting and hunting applications where consistency and performance are paramount. It comes in a 12 gauge configuration, the most popular shotgun gauge. The shell length is 2.75 inches, the standard length for most 12 gauge shotguns.
Each shell contains 1 ounce of lead shot. This is a common shot weight for target loads and lighter hunting applications. The shot material is lead. While lead is known for its excellent ballistic properties, its use is restricted in certain areas due to environmental concerns.
The ammunition is packaged in boxes of 25 rounds. This is a standard packaging quantity for target loads. The table provided lists a “Shotgun Pellet Count” of 25, which appears to be an error. The actual pellet count depends on the shot size (e.g., #7.5, #8, #9) and would be significantly higher than 25 pellets for a 1-ounce load.
These specifications translate to a shotgun shell designed for optimal balance, manageable recoil, and consistent patterns, making it well-suited for trap, skeet, and sporting clays. The Federal brand’s reputation for quality control further ensures that each shell performs as expected.
Performance & Functionality
The Federal Gold Medal Paper 12 Gauge 1oz 2.75in Shotgun Ammunition performs exceptionally well in terms of accuracy and reliability. Its consistent patterns help to break clays cleanly. The reduced felt recoil allows for more comfortable and controlled shooting sessions.
The strengths of this ammunition lie in its consistent performance, cleaner burning powder, and reduced recoil. A potential area for improvement would be offering it with alternative shot materials, such as steel or bismuth, to comply with regulations in areas where lead shot is prohibited. Overall, it meets and exceeds expectations for a premium target load.
Design & Ergonomics
The classic paper hull design of the Federal Gold Medal Paper ammunition contributes to its unique shooting characteristics. The hull material is designed to provide a tighter gas seal and potentially cushion the recoil impulse. The shells load smoothly and eject cleanly, thanks to their consistent dimensions and well-formed crimps.
The design is user-friendly. There is no learning curve associated with using this ammunition. The build quality is excellent. Each shell exhibits consistent crimping and overall appearance.
Durability & Maintenance
The shelf life of the Federal Gold Medal Paper ammunition is considerable when stored properly in a cool, dry place. Regular cleaning of the shotgun is recommended after each shooting session to remove any residue from the burnt powder. The simpler maintenance of the shotgun due to the ammunition’s clean-burning powder ensures a longer overall lifespan for the firearm.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Federal Gold Medal Paper ammunition itself does not require any specific accessories, as it is a self-contained unit. However, it’s crucial to use the correct choke for the intended shooting discipline to optimize the pattern for the desired target distance and spread. This ammunition is compatible with a wide range of 12 gauge shotguns and chokes from various brands.
Pros and Cons of **Federal Gold Medal Paper 12 Gauge 1oz 2.75in Shotgun Ammunition
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Pros
- Noticeably reduced felt recoil, allowing for longer and more comfortable shooting sessions.
- Consistently tight and even patterns, leading to cleaner breaks on clays and increased confidence in hunting situations.
- Cleaner burning powder, resulting in less residue in the barrel and easier cleaning of the shotgun.
- Classic paper hull design, evoking a sense of tradition and high-quality craftsmanship.
- Reliable cycling in semi-automatic shotguns, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted shooting.
Cons
- Higher price point compared to standard plastic-hulled target loads, making it less economical for high-volume shooting.
- Lead shot composition, restricting its use in areas where lead shot is prohibited for environmental reasons.
Who Should Buy **Federal Gold Medal Paper 12 Gauge 1oz 2.75in Shotgun Ammunition
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The Federal Gold Medal Paper 12 Gauge 1oz 2.75in Shotgun Ammunition is perfect for competitive clay target shooters, upland bird hunters who prioritize consistent performance and reduced recoil, and enthusiasts who appreciate the classic feel of paper-hulled ammunition. This is ideal for shooters willing to invest in a premium product to gain a competitive edge or enhance their shooting experience.
Those who should skip this product include casual shooters on a tight budget. It may not be a good fit for shooters who primarily use their shotguns for home defense, or those who are restricted to using non-toxic shot due to environmental regulations.
A must-have accessory for use with this ammunition is a quality choke set. These will allow shooters to fine-tune their patterns for specific shooting disciplines and target distances.
Conclusion on **Federal Gold Medal Paper 12 Gauge 1oz 2.75in Shotgun Ammunition
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Overall, the Federal Gold Medal Paper 12 Gauge 1oz 2.75in Shotgun Ammunition is a top-tier product that delivers exceptional performance and a unique shooting experience. The higher price point is justified by the noticeably reduced recoil, consistently tight patterns, and cleaner burning powder, making it a worthwhile investment for serious shooters.
I would personally recommend this ammunition to anyone looking to elevate their clay target game or improve their upland bird hunting success. It offers a combination of performance, reliability, and classic appeal that is hard to beat. Try a box and experience the difference for yourself; you won’t be disappointed!