Federal Game-Shok Upland 20 Gauge Ammunition: Your Trusted Partner for Field and Cover

For passionate upland hunters, whether pursuing fast-flushing doves across a sun-drenched field, stalking wary pheasants in dense cover, or flushing coveys of quail from brush, the right ammunition is paramount. The Federal H2008 Game-Shok Upland 20 Gauge shotgun shells are meticulously engineered to provide the consistent, reliable performance vital for successful upland pursuits. This ammunition is specifically designed for hunters who demand precision, manageable recoil, and effective patterning, ensuring every shot counts when it matters most. It addresses the common challenge of finding versatile, dependable shells that perform across a variety of upland game scenarios, from early-season dove shoots to late-season pheasant drives.

Why Choose Federal Game-Shok for Upland Hunting?

The choice of ammunition significantly impacts a hunter's success and enjoyment in the field. Federal Game-Shok Upland loads are a go-to option for those seeking an optimal blend of power, accuracy, and comfort. They are crafted to meet the diverse needs of upland hunters, from seasoned veterans to those just starting their journey.

Engineered for Upland Excellence

Federal's legacy in ammunition manufacturing is built on a foundation of quality and innovation. The Game-Shok series embodies this commitment, offering components that work in harmony to deliver superior performance.

• Consistent Primers: Each Federal Game-Shok shell features a reliable primer, ensuring instant ignition and uniform propellant burn. This consistency is critical for predictable velocities and tight patterns, especially when quick follow-up shots are necessary.
• Clean-Burning Propellant: The powder used in these shells is formulated to burn cleanly, minimizing residue buildup in your shotgun's action and barrel. This not only extends the time between cleanings but also contributes to consistent ballistic performance shot after shot, reducing the risk of malfunctions in the field.
• Quality Wads: The wads are designed to effectively seal propellant gases behind the shot column, maximizing velocity and preventing deformation of the shot pellets. This ensures a dense, uniform pattern downrange, crucial for cleanly dispatching upland birds and small game. The careful design of the wad also aids in recoil mitigation, contributing to a more comfortable shooting experience.

The Perfect Balance: 20 Gauge Advantage

The 20 gauge shotgun holds a special place in the upland hunting community, celebrated for its lighter weight, quicker handling, and reduced recoil compared to its 12-gauge counterpart. The Federal H2008 Game-Shok capitalizes on these inherent advantages, making it an ideal choice for:

• Youth Hunters and Smaller-Statured Individuals: The milder recoil of the 20 gauge, especially with a 7/8 oz load, provides a more comfortable shooting experience, fostering confidence and encouraging proper shooting fundamentals.
• Hunters Covering Long Distances: A lighter shotgun, paired with lighter ammunition, significantly reduces fatigue during extensive walks over varied upland terrain.
• Fast-Paced Action: The nimble nature of a 20 gauge allows for rapid target acquisition and swing, which is indispensable when birds flush unexpectedly or present fleeting opportunities.

#8 Shot: The Pellet Count for Success

The choice of shot size is perhaps one of the most critical decisions for an upland hunter. Federal H2008 utilizes #8 lead shot, a highly effective and popular choice for a variety of small upland game.

• High Pellet Count: #8 shot boasts a high number of pellets per ounce (approximately 410 pellets in 7/8 oz). This higher pellet count increases the probability of striking smaller, fast-moving targets, leading to denser patterns that improve the chances of a clean, ethical kill.
• Ideal for Small Birds: It is particularly effective for species like doves, quail, and woodcock, where the target size demands a broad, forgiving pattern. The smaller pellets ensure sufficient energy transfer for these lighter-bodied birds without over-penetration.
• Versatile for Small Game: Beyond birds, #8 shot is also suitable for small game like rabbits and squirrels at appropriate ranges, making the Federal Game-Shok H2008 a truly versatile load for mixed-bag days.

Unpacking the Specifications: What Makes Federal H2008 Stand Out?

Let's delve deeper into the specific features of the Federal H2008 Game-Shok Upland 20 Gauge ammunition and understand how each contributes to its superior performance in the field.

• Gauge: 20 Gauge: As discussed, the 20 gauge is a fantastic choice for upland hunting. Its balance of power and manageable recoil makes it accessible to a wider range of shooters and ideal for carrying through brush and fields for extended periods. It offers ample killing power for most upland species without the heavier payload and increased recoil of larger gauges.
• Shell Length: 2.75": This is the standard shell length for 20 gauge shotguns, ensuring reliable feeding and extraction in virtually all modern 20 gauge firearms chambered for this length. Its ubiquitous nature means excellent compatibility and consistent performance across various shotgun actions, including pump, semi-automatic, and break-action models.
• Shot Weight: 7/8 oz: This specific shot weight for a 20 gauge shell is considered a sweet spot for upland hunting. It delivers a substantial payload of #8 shot without generating excessive recoil. This balance allows for quick follow-up shots and extended shooting sessions without discomfort, which is crucial during high-volume hunts like dove season. The 7/8 oz ensures enough energy to cleanly dispatch game at typical upland ranges, optimizing pattern density for the 20 gauge platform.
• Muzzle Velocity: 1210 fps: A muzzle velocity of 1210 feet per second (fps) is an excellent speed for an upland load. It provides sufficient velocity for effective projectile flight and energy transfer to the target, ensuring quick and decisive hits. This velocity offers a flatter trajectory over typical shotgun ranges, reducing the need for excessive lead on crossing birds. It strikes a perfect balance, being fast enough for challenging shots but not so fast as to dramatically increase perceived recoil or compromise pattern integrity.
• Shot Material: Lead: Lead shot is the traditional choice for upland hunting due to its superior density and malleability. Lead pellets retain their energy well, provide consistent patterns, and are highly effective for transferring energy upon impact. For upland applications, where waterfowl regulations (requiring non-toxic shot) typically do not apply, lead remains the most popular and cost-effective option for hunters seeking reliable performance.
• Rounds Per Box / Cases: 25 Rounds Per Box, 10 Boxes Per Case (250 Rounds): The packaging of Federal H2008 Game-Shok offers great convenience. A box of 25 rounds is perfect for a single hunting trip or a focused practice session at the range. The option to purchase a case of 10 boxes (250 rounds) provides ample ammunition for an entire hunting season, intensive training, or for outfitting a group of hunters. This bulk purchasing option ensures you always have a readily available supply of your preferred upland ammunition.

Real-World Applications: Where Does Federal Game-Shok Shine?

The versatility of the Federal H2008 Game-Shok Upland 20 Gauge makes it an indispensable addition to any upland hunter's arsenal. Here are some of the prime scenarios where this ammunition truly excels:

Dove and Quail Hunting

This is arguably where the #8 shot in a 20 gauge truly shines. The high pellet count creates a wide, forgiving pattern, essential for connecting with the erratic flight patterns of doves and the explosive covey flushes of quail. The manageable recoil allows for high-volume shooting during fast-paced dove shoots, minimizing fatigue and allowing hunters to stay on target. For quail, the immediate pattern spread helps cover multiple birds flushing simultaneously.

Grouse and Woodcock

Hunting grouse and woodcock often involves navigating dense woods and thick brush, where shots are typically close-range and reactive. The lightweight nature of the 20 gauge shotgun, combined with the quick-spreading pattern of #8 shot, is ideal for these scenarios. The shells perform admirably in tight quarters, allowing hunters to snap-shoot effectively when a bird flushes just feet away.

Pheasant and Chukar (Closer Ranges)

While often associated with heavier loads and larger shot, the Federal H2008 can be highly effective for pheasant and chukar, especially at closer ranges or over pointing dogs. The dense pattern delivered by the #8 shot provides sufficient impact for these tougher birds when they are within 25-30 yards. It's an excellent choice for hunters who prefer a lighter gun and want a versatile load for mixed-bag hunts where pheasants might be encountered alongside smaller birds.

Rabbit and Squirrel

Beyond birds, the Federal H2008 Game-Shok is a surprisingly effective choice for small game like rabbits and squirrels. The #8 shot provides excellent terminal performance for these animals, making it a versatile option for general small game hunting trips where you might encounter both feathered and furred quarry.

Training and Practice

Consistent performance is key for skill development. Whether you're patterning your shotgun, practicing your swing on clay targets, or preparing for the upcoming season, the Federal H2008 provides reliable and uniform performance. The consistent velocity and pattern contribute to a predictable shooting experience, allowing shooters to focus on technique without worrying about ammunition inconsistencies. Its comfortable recoil also makes it a preferred choice for extended training sessions.

Maximizing Your Upland Hunting Success with Federal H2008

To fully leverage the capabilities of your Federal Game-Shok Upland ammunition, consider these practical tips for optimizing your shotgun and shooting technique:

1. Pattern Your Shotgun: Before heading to the field, always pattern your shotgun with your chosen Federal H2008 loads. This involves shooting at a large paper target at various typical hunting distances (e.g., 20, 30, 40 yards) to see how your gun and choke combination distributes the #8 shot. This helps you understand your effective range and the density of your pattern, ensuring you know where your gun shoots and what shot presentation to expect.
2. Choose the Right Choke: For #8 shot, improved cylinder or modified chokes are generally excellent choices for upland hunting.
   • Improved Cylinder: Provides a wider, more open pattern, ideal for closer flushing birds like quail or woodcock, or for beginner shooters.
   • Modified: Offers a slightly tighter pattern, extending effective range for doves, pheasants, or shots that might be a bit further out. Experiment during patterning to find the choke that best suits your hunting style and target species.
3. Practice Consistent Mounting and Swing: Upland hunting often requires quick, instinctive shots. Regular practice with your 20 gauge and Federal H2008 shells, focusing on a smooth gun mount and fluid swing, will significantly improve your hit ratio. Clay target shooting (skeet, trap, or sporting clays) is an excellent way to simulate field conditions and build muscle memory.
4. Understand Effective Range: While the Federal H2008 is effective, understanding the maximum ethical range for #8 shot on your target species is crucial. For smaller birds like doves and quail, effective ranges are typically within 30-35 yards. Pushing beyond this can lead to wounded game.

Federal Ammunition: A Legacy of Quality and Trust

Federal Ammunition has been a cornerstone of the shooting sports industry for over a century, earning a reputation for producing high-quality, reliable ammunition across all disciplines. Their commitment to innovation, stringent quality control, and deep understanding of hunter needs ensures that every box of Federal Game-Shok Upland shells meets the highest standards. When you load Federal ammunition, you're not just loading shells; you're loading decades of expertise and a promise of performance. This long-standing history of excellence gives hunters confidence in the field, knowing their ammunition is as dependable as their shotgun. Federal's dedication to the hunting community is reflected in products like the Game-Shok series, which are specifically tailored to deliver results in demanding outdoor environments.

Frequently Asked Questions About Upland Ammunition

When considering ammunition for upland hunting, many questions arise. Here are answers to common queries that highlight the advantages of Federal H2008 Game-Shok:

What is the best 20 gauge ammunition for dove hunting? For dove hunting, the Federal H2008 Game-Shok Upland 20 Gauge with 7/8 oz of #8 shot is consistently recommended. Its high pellet count ensures a dense pattern, crucial for hitting fast-moving, erratic doves, while the 20 gauge's manageable recoil allows for extended shooting sessions often associated with dove season.

Why choose 20 gauge over 12 gauge for upland hunting? Many hunters prefer the 20 gauge for upland due to its lighter weight, which reduces fatigue during long walks in the field. It also offers significantly less recoil than a 12 gauge, making it more comfortable for smaller-statured shooters, youth, or anyone sensitive to recoil. While slightly less powerful than a 12 gauge, a well-placed 20 gauge load like the Federal H2008 with #8 shot is perfectly capable of cleanly taking down all common upland species at ethical ranges.

What shot size is best for quail hunting? For quail, #7.5 or #8 shot are generally considered ideal. The Federal H2008's #8 shot provides an excellent balance of pellet count and energy for these smaller, fast-flushing birds, ensuring a broad, effective pattern for quick shots on coveys.

Can I use this ammunition for small game like rabbits or squirrels? Yes, the Federal H2008 Game-Shok with #8 lead shot is effective for small game like rabbits and squirrels at appropriate ranges. The dense pattern and pellet energy are sufficient for these targets, making it a versatile choice for mixed upland and small game hunts.

How does the 1210 fps muzzle velocity impact performance? A muzzle velocity of 1210 feet per second provides a good balance of speed and pattern integrity. It ensures that pellets reach the target quickly and with sufficient energy for clean kills, while not being so fast as to cause excessive recoil or pattern deformation, which can occur with extremely high-velocity loads.

Where can I buy reliable upland shotgun shells like Federal Game-Shok? For a wide selection of high-quality ammunition, including the Federal H2008 Game-Shok Upland 20 Gauge, DEGuns.com is a highly reputable source. They offer a comprehensive inventory to meet all your shooting sports needs.

Your Ammunition Source: DEGuns.com

For all your ammunition and shooting sports requirements, look no further than DEGuns.com. As a premier retailer, DEGuns.com offers a vast selection of firearms, accessories, and, crucially, a comprehensive inventory of ammunition, including the high-performance Federal H2008 Game-Shok Upland 20 Gauge. With a commitment to customer satisfaction and a user-friendly online experience, DEGuns.com makes it easy to find and purchase the reliable ammunition you need for your next upland adventure or range session. Trust DEGuns.com to equip you for success in the field.

Feature	Detail	Benefit
Brand	Federal	Renowned for quality & reliability
Series	Upland	Optimized for diverse upland game
Model	Game-Shok	Consistent, effective performance
Gauge	20 Gauge	Lighter recoil, agile handling
Shot Material	Lead	Traditional, effective energy transfer
Shot Size	8	High pellet count for small targets
Rounds/Box	25	Convenient for field or range
Muzzle Velocity	1210 fps	Balanced speed for clean hits
Game Type	Upland	Ideal for dove, quail, pheasant, rabbit
Length	2.75"	Standard, reliable cycling
Application	Hunting	Designed for real-world field conditions
Ounces	7/8 oz	Optimal payload for 20 Gauge performance
Boxes/Case	10	Bulk supply for season or intensive training
SKU	H2008	Unique product identifier
UPC	029465072889	Universal Product Code for easy identification
MPN	H2008	Manufacturer Part Number