Unleashing Upland Potential: A Deep Dive into Federal Game-Shok H1606 16 Gauge Ammunition

For generations, the pursuit of upland game has captivated hunters with its blend of challenge, tradition, and the thrill of the chase. Whether you're navigating dense thickets for a fleeting grouse, stalking elusive pheasants across sweeping fields, or participating in fast-paced dove shoots, having the right ammunition is paramount. This detailed guide explores why the Federal Game-Shok Upland 16 Gauge 2.75" 1 oz 6 Shot (H1606) stands out as a premier choice for serious upland enthusiasts seeking consistent performance and reliable knockdown power.

This meticulously crafted ammunition is specifically engineered to meet the demands of diverse upland hunting scenarios, ensuring that when the moment of truth arrives, your shot delivers. It's the ideal companion for those who appreciate the elegant balance and effectiveness of the venerable 16 gauge shotgun.

Understanding the H1606: Core Specifications for Discerning Hunters

The Federal Game-Shok Upland H1606 load is a carefully balanced cartridge designed for optimal performance in the field. Let's break down its key attributes:

• Gauge: 16 Gauge
  • The 16 gauge occupies a unique position, often referred to as the "sweet sixteen" for its harmonious blend of power and maneuverability. It offers more shot payload and effective range than a 20 gauge, yet often comes in lighter, more agile shotguns than a 12 gauge, reducing fatigue during long hunts.
• Shell Length: 2.75 inches
  • This standard shell length ensures compatibility with the vast majority of 16 gauge shotguns, from classic pump-actions to modern semi-automatics and over/unders. It provides reliable cycling and chambering, minimizing frustrating hang-ups in the field.
• Shot Weight: 1 ounce
  • A 1-ounce payload of shot is considered a robust and effective charge for upland game. This weight provides a dense pattern with ample pellets to ensure clean kills on birds ranging from agile quail to sturdy pheasants, even at extended upland ranges.
• Shot Size: #6 Lead Shot
  • Size #6 lead shot is a highly versatile choice for a wide array of upland birds. It strikes an excellent balance between pellet count and individual pellet energy. For birds like pheasant, grouse, and larger doves, #6 shot delivers sufficient penetration and energy transfer to bring them down decisively. Its effectiveness is well-proven across countless seasons.
• Muzzle Velocity: 1165 feet per second (fps)
  • A muzzle velocity of 1165 fps indicates a well-balanced load, offering a flat trajectory and sufficient speed to reach birds quickly. This velocity contributes significantly to effective pattern density at typical hunting distances, reducing the need for excessive lead on crossing shots and improving hit probability.
• Rounds Per Box / Boxes Per Case: 25 rounds per box, 10 boxes per case (250 total rounds)
  • This packaging configuration is convenient for hunters, providing a full box for a day in the field and a case quantity suitable for multiple outings or for stocking up for the season.

Why the 16 Gauge Remains a Favorite for Upland Pursuits

The 16 gauge, though less common than the 12 or 20, holds a special place in the hearts of many upland hunters. Its enduring appeal lies in its optimal balance:

• Lighter Carrying Weight: Shotguns chambered in 16 gauge often feature frames built on 20-gauge dimensions, making them lighter and easier to carry throughout a long day of walking through fields and forests. This reduced weight significantly lessens hunter fatigue.
• Reduced Recoil Profile: While offering more power than a 20 gauge, the 16 gauge typically delivers a more manageable recoil impulse than a 12 gauge, especially in lighter guns. This allows for quicker follow-up shots and makes extended shooting sessions more comfortable.
• Potent Field Performance: Despite its lighter platform, the 16 gauge, especially with loads like the Federal Game-Shok H1606, throws a formidable pattern with enough shot to reliably take down most upland birds. The 1-ounce payload of #6 shot provides excellent coverage and terminal performance.
• Elegant and Classic Appeal: For many, the 16 gauge represents a classic era of wingshooting, embodying tradition and a certain elegance in the field. Using a 16 gauge can enhance the overall hunting experience.

For hunters who appreciate this unique balance of portability, power, and classic appeal, the Federal H1606 Game-Shok is an indispensable part of their ammunition arsenal.

Targeting Upland Game: Ideal Species and Hunting Scenarios

The Federal Game-Shok Upland H1606 is engineered for exceptional performance across the spectrum of upland game. Its #6 shot size is a highly versatile choice, making it suitable for:

• Pheasant: Whether you're pushing through CRP fields, corn stubble, or timber edges, the 1-ounce payload of #6 shot delivers the necessary knockdown power for these robust birds. The 1165 fps velocity ensures good penetration on pheasants that flush at range.
• Grouse (Ruffed and Sharp-tailed): For the challenging shots in dense cover where grouse often lurk, the H1606 offers a quick, effective pattern. The #6 shot is excellent for the medium-sized bodies of grouse, providing a clean kill without excessive shot damage.
• Quail: While #7.5 or #8 shot is often preferred for quail, #6 shot from the H1606 provides a robust pattern that is effective for larger quail species or when shots might be at slightly longer distances. It ensures enough energy to handle these quick-flying birds.
• Doves: For high-volume dove shoots, the H1606 provides a potent option. While many hunters opt for lighter loads, the #6 shot offers excellent reach and stopping power, especially for doves flying at altitude or for those looking for a slightly heavier punch.
• Woodcock: Often found in similar dense habitats as grouse, woodcock are smaller targets. The H1606's #6 shot, when paired with appropriate choke selection, creates a pattern that is highly effective for these swift, erratic flyers.

This ammunition performs reliably in diverse environments, from open plains and agricultural fields to thick forests and swampy lowlands, making it a true all-rounder for the dedicated upland hunter.

The Federal Advantage: Performance, Reliability, and Consistency

Federal Ammunition has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality, reliable ammunition, and the Game-Shok Upland series is a testament to this legacy. The H1606 model embodies several key advantages that translate into successful hunts:

• Consistent Patterning: Federal utilizes advanced manufacturing techniques and quality components to ensure that each H1606 shell delivers a uniform and dense pattern downrange. Consistent patterns are crucial for maximizing the number of effective pellets on target, leading to cleaner kills and reduced cripples.
• Reliable Ignition: Every primer and powder charge is carefully formulated and assembled to provide sure-fire ignition, even in varied environmental conditions. This reliability is non-negotiable when a flushing bird presents a fleeting opportunity.
• Optimized Power for Upland: The combination of a 1-ounce shot payload and 1165 fps velocity is specifically tuned for the needs of upland hunting. It provides ample energy for decisive kills without excessive recoil, allowing for comfortable shooting throughout the day.
• Trusted Components: Federal's commitment to quality is evident in every component of the H1606 load, from the sturdy hull to the meticulously crafted lead shot. This dedication ensures dependable performance shot after shot, season after season.
• Exceptional Value: Offered in boxes of 25 rounds and cases of 10 boxes (250 rounds), Federal Game-Shok provides an excellent balance of performance and affordability, allowing hunters to practice and hunt extensively without compromise.

When you load your 16 gauge shotgun with Federal Game-Shok Upland H1606, you're not just loading ammunition; you're loading confidence, backed by decades of Federal's expertise in delivering superior shotgun shells.

Essential Considerations for Shotgun Ammunition Selection

Choosing the right ammunition goes beyond just gauge and shot size. For optimal performance with your Federal Game-Shok Upland H1606, consider these factors:

• Choke Selection: The choke of your shotgun dictates the spread of your shot pattern. For the #6 shot of the H1606:
  • Improved Cylinder (IC): Excellent for close-range flushing birds (e.g., quail in thick cover, jump-shooting doves).
  • Modified (MOD): A versatile choice for general upland hunting, offering a good balance of spread and density for most pheasant and grouse scenarios.
  • Full (FULL): Potentially too tight for #6 shot on most upland birds, leading to blown patterns and excessive pellet concentration. Best reserved for longer shots or larger birds.

  Experimentation at a pattern board is always recommended to see how your specific shotgun and choke combination performs with the H1606.

• Hunting Conditions: Factor in variables like wind, vegetation density, and typical shot distances. The H1606's consistent velocity and pattern make it adaptable to many conditions.
• Personal Preference: Ultimately, confidence in your ammunition is key. Many seasoned hunters prefer the 16 gauge for its unique handling characteristics and the effective punch of loads like the H1606.

The Federal Game-Shok Upland H1606 (UPC: 029465050665) is engineered to meet these diverse demands, providing a reliable and effective solution for the dedicated upland hunter.

Safety and Responsible Ammunition Handling

Ammunition is a powerful tool, and responsible handling is paramount to ensure safety for yourself and others. When handling Federal Game-Shok H1606 or any other ammunition:

• Always identify your target and what is beyond it. Never shoot at sounds or movement without positive identification.
• Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
• Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times.
• Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target and you are ready to shoot.
• Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
• Wear appropriate eye and ear protection when shooting.
• Store ammunition securely in a cool, dry place, away from firearms, and out of reach of children and unauthorized persons.
• Only use ammunition that matches the exact caliber or gauge of your firearm. Never attempt to force an incorrect cartridge into a firearm. The Federal H1606 is specifically for 16 gauge shotguns.
• Inspect ammunition before use for any signs of damage or defect. Do not use damaged ammunition.
• Never consume alcohol or drugs before or while handling firearms or ammunition.

Adhering to these fundamental safety rules ensures a safe and enjoyable hunting experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Federal Game-Shok H1606

For hunters new to the 16 gauge or those considering the Federal Game-Shok Upland series, here are answers to some common questions:

Is #6 shot sufficient for pheasants?

Yes, absolutely. For standard pheasant hunting, #6 lead shot is considered an excellent choice. Its balance of pellet count and individual pellet energy provides reliable knockdown power on these hardy birds, especially when delivered by the 1-ounce payload of the Federal H1606.

Can I use the H1606 for duck hunting?

No, the Federal Game-Shok H1606 uses lead shot. Federal regulations and many state regulations prohibit the use of lead shot for waterfowl hunting. For ducks and geese, you must use non-toxic shot alternatives. This ammunition is specifically designed and optimized for upland game.

How does the 16 gauge compare to the 12 gauge for upland hunting?

The 16 gauge, like the H1606, offers a balance often sought by upland hunters. It typically delivers less recoil and is often found in lighter, more nimble shotguns than a 12 gauge, making it easier to carry all day. While the 12 gauge can throw heavier shot loads, the 16 gauge with a 1-ounce payload of #6 shot is highly effective for most upland birds within typical ranges.

Where can I purchase Federal Game-Shok Upland H1606 ammunition?

The Federal Game-Shok Upland H1606 (UPC: 029465050665) is a popular and readily available load. You can find this reliable upland ammunition at leading firearms retailers. For convenient online shopping and competitive pricing, DEGuns is a trusted source for Federal Game-Shok H1606 and a wide array of other shooting sports products.

What kind of shotgun is best for this ammunition?

Any 16 gauge shotgun in good working order, with a 2.75-inch chamber or longer, will reliably chamber and fire the Federal Game-Shok H1606. This includes classic pump-action shotguns, over/unders, side-by-sides, and semi-automatic models. Always confirm your firearm's chamber length before use.

Is this ammunition good for Sporting Clays or Trap shooting?

While it can be used for casual target practice, the Federal Game-Shok Upland H1606 is specifically designed for hunting. For dedicated clays shooting, lighter target loads with smaller shot sizes (like #7.5 or #8) are typically more economical and appropriate.

Conclusion: Your Trusted Companion for the Upland Season

The Federal Game-Shok Upland 16 Gauge 2.75" 1 oz 6 Shot (H1606) is more than just another box of shells; it's a meticulously engineered tool designed to maximize your success and enjoyment in the upland field. With its proven #6 lead shot, consistent velocity, and the legendary reliability of Federal Ammunition, it provides the consistent patterns and terminal performance needed to bring down a wide variety of upland game cleanly and efficiently.

For those who cherish the 16 gauge, or for any hunter seeking a dependable, high-performing upland load, the Federal H1606 (UPC: 029465050665) stands as an excellent choice. It's the ammunition you can trust when a prized pheasant flushes, a grouse bursts from cover, or a flock of doves streaks across the sky. Equip yourself with Federal Game-Shok, available at trusted retailers like DEGuns, and make every shot count this upland season.

Product Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Federal
Model	Game-Shok Upland H1606
Gauge	16 Gauge
Shell Length	2.75 inches
Shot Weight	1 ounce
Shot Size	#6
Shot Material	Lead
Muzzle Velocity	1165 fps
Application	Upland Hunting
Rounds Per Box	25
Boxes Per Case	10
SKU	117143
UPC	029465050665