The Federal Power-Shok F130RS: The Premier Smoothbore Slug for Big Game

The pursuit of effective and humane hunting relies heavily on selecting the right ammunition. For hunters utilizing smoothbore shotguns, the challenge often lies in finding a slug that delivers consistent accuracy and formidable stopping power. This is precisely the void filled by the Federal Power-Shok F130RS 12 Gauge 2.75" 1 1/4 oz Rifled Slug. Engineered specifically to maximize performance in smoothbore barrels, this ammunition is a go-to choice for those targeting medium to large game, especially deer and wild hogs, in environments where shotgun slugs are mandated.

Who is this ammunition for, and what problems does it solve?

If you're a hunter who owns a smoothbore 12-gauge shotgun and operates in regions designated as "shotgun-only" or "slug-only" zones for big game, the Federal Power-Shok F130RS is designed with you in mind. It addresses the critical need for an accurate and potent projectile that performs reliably without the need for a rifled barrel. Many hunters find themselves asking: "What is the best shotgun slug for deer hunting with a smoothbore?" or "How can I achieve better accuracy with my standard shotgun for big game?" The F130RS directly answers these questions by providing a cost-effective yet highly capable solution for those seeking dependable terminal performance and improved shot placement from their smoothbore firearms. It eliminates the need for expensive barrel upgrades for those primarily hunting with slugs.

Unpacking the Performance: Key Features of the Federal Power-Shok F130RS

At the heart of the Federal Power-Shok F130RS's effectiveness lies its meticulously engineered design. Each component works in concert to deliver a superior hunting experience.

• Designed for Smoothbore Barrels: This is perhaps the most crucial characteristic. Unlike sabot slugs, which require a rifled barrel to impart spin for stabilization, the F130RS features external "rifling" (a series of angled grooves or ribs on the slug's exterior). These ribs are designed to compress as the slug passes through the choke and barrel, and crucially, they also help impart a slight spin on the projectile, enhancing stability in smoothbore applications. This design ensures that hunters using standard shotguns can still achieve adequate accuracy for ethical shot placement on game.
• Soft Lead Construction: The 1 1/4 oz (or 547 grain) slug is cast from soft lead. This material choice is intentional and vital for terminal performance. Upon impact with game, the soft lead deforms readily, expanding significantly. This rapid expansion creates a larger wound channel, maximizing energy transfer within the animal, which is crucial for quick, humane takedowns. Furthermore, the expansion helps to prevent over-penetration, ensuring that all kinetic energy is delivered to the target.
• Robust Ballistics: The F130RS boasts impressive ballistic figures. With a muzzle velocity of 1520 feet per second (fps), this slug delivers a flat trajectory for its class, making it easier to estimate holdovers at common hunting ranges. This velocity translates directly into substantial knockdown power, evidenced by its muzzle energy of 2806 foot-pounds (ft-lbs). Such energy is more than sufficient to ethically dispatch even larger whitetail deer and wild hogs, providing hunters with confidence in their shot.
• Standard 12 Gauge, 2.75" Length: The 12 gauge is arguably the most popular shotgun gauge, known for its versatility and power. The 2.75-inch shell length is standard, ensuring compatibility with virtually all 12-gauge shotguns, whether pump-action, semi-automatic, or break-action. This universal fit means hunters don't need specialized firearms to utilize this powerful ammunition.
• Convenient Packaging: Each box contains 5 rounds, making it easy for hunters to purchase just enough for a hunting trip or to stock up for practice. For outfitters or avid hunters, the availability in cases of 50 boxes (250 rounds) offers a bulk purchasing option, ensuring a steady supply of this reliable ammunition.

Why Trust Federal Ammunition? A Legacy of Quality

Federal Premium Ammunition has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality, reliable ammunition for hunters and shooters worldwide. Their commitment to innovation and manufacturing excellence means that when you choose Federal Power-Shok, you're investing in decades of ballistic research and field-proven performance. This specific F130RS slug embodies Federal's dedication to providing effective solutions for specific hunting scenarios, offering a blend of power, accuracy, and consistency that hunters demand. When searching for shotgun slugs, you'll often see Federal referenced as a benchmark for dependable performance, a testament to their established authority in the ammunition industry.

Maximizing Your Hunt: Applying the Federal Power-Shok F130RS in the Field

The Federal Power-Shok F130RS is an excellent choice for several specific hunting applications, providing tailored solutions for common hunting challenges.

• Deer Hunting in Shotgun-Only Zones: This is the primary application for the F130RS. Many states and local jurisdictions impose restrictions on rifle use for deer hunting, especially in densely populated areas or those with specific conservation goals. In such "slug-only" zones, a powerful and accurate slug like the F130RS is indispensable. Its design for smoothbore barrels means that your trusted shotgun can effectively become a big game hunting tool, capable of delivering clean, ethical kills within reasonable shotgun ranges (typically up to 75-100 yards, depending on shooter skill and firearm).
• Wild Hog Control: Wild hogs are an increasing problem in many parts of the country, causing significant agricultural damage and posing environmental threats. Their tough hide and tenacious nature require powerful ammunition. The F130RS's heavy 1 1/4 oz slug and significant muzzle energy make it highly effective for hog hunting, ensuring deep penetration and devastating energy transfer needed to stop these robust animals.
• Close-Quarters Big Game Hunting: Whether in dense brush, thick timber, or swampy terrain, engagements with big game can often occur at close range. In these scenarios, the rapid energy dump of a heavy shotgun slug can be more effective than a high-velocity rifle round, which might over-penetrate without transferring maximum energy. The F130RS delivers immediate impact and expansion, ideal for situations where quick, decisive action is paramount.

Choosing the Right Slug: Rifled vs. Sabot (And Why F130RS Excels for Smoothbore)

When exploring shotgun slugs, hunters often encounter two main types: rifled slugs and sabot slugs. Understanding the distinction is crucial for optimal performance.

• Rifled Slugs (like the Federal F130RS): These slugs have rifling grooves on their exterior and are designed to be fired from smoothbore shotgun barrels. The F130RS's design is optimized to stabilize itself through air resistance and minimal spin imparted by the barrel and wad. They are a cost-effective and highly effective solution for hunters who do not wish to invest in a dedicated rifled shotgun barrel.
• Sabot Slugs: These slugs consist of a smaller, aerodynamic projectile encased in a plastic "sabot" (a French word for shoe). The sabot engages with the rifling in a rifled shotgun barrel, imparting a significant spin to the projectile, which then detaches from the sabot after leaving the muzzle. Sabot slugs typically offer superior long-range accuracy and flatter trajectories, but only when used in conjunction with a rifled barrel.

The Federal Power-Shok F130RS, as a rifled slug, stands out as the premium choice for hunters committed to using their smoothbore shotguns for big game. It provides a level of accuracy and terminal performance that allows hunters to confidently pursue deer and hogs without the added expense or complexity of specialized rifled barrels.

Practical Considerations and Safety

Like all ammunition, Federal Power-Shok slugs should be handled with the utmost care and in accordance with all safety guidelines. Always ensure your firearm is appropriate for 12-gauge 2.75-inch shells, and always follow the four fundamental rules of firearm safety. Proper storage in a cool, dry place is essential to maintain ammunition integrity over time.

For hunters seeking to optimize their smoothbore shotgun's potential for big game, the Federal Power-Shok F130RS represents an intelligent and effective choice. Its blend of Federal's trusted manufacturing quality, a design specifically for smoothbore accuracy, and impressive terminal ballistics make it a standout option for ethical and successful hunting. Whether you're heading into the deer woods or managing wild hog populations, this slug delivers the power and reliability you need.

These dependable Federal Power-Shok F130RS slugs, along with a wide array of other quality ammunition and firearms accessories, are readily available at DEGuns.com, a trusted source for all your shooting sports needs. DEGuns ensures you have access to the high-performance ammunition required for successful and responsible hunting.

Product Specifications: Federal Power-Shok F130RS

Attribute	Detail
Brand	Federal
Model	Power-Shok
Gauge	12 Gauge
Length	2.75 inches
Projectile Type	Rifled Slug
Projectile Weight	1 1/4 oz (547 gr)
Shot Material	Lead
Muzzle Velocity	1520 fps
Muzzle Energy	2806 ft lbs
Rounds Per Box	5
Boxes Per Case	50
Application	Hunting
MPN	F130RS
SKU	65640
UPC	029465009946