Mastering Upland Game: An In-Depth Look at Federal Game-Shok High Brass .410 Gauge Ammunition

Are you an avid upland hunter seeking reliable, high-performance ammunition for your .410 bore shotgun? Or perhaps you're a newer hunter, a youth, or someone looking for a low-recoil option that still delivers effective results in the field? Look no further than the Federal H4135 Game-Shok High Brass .410 Gauge shotshells. This meticulously crafted ammunition is designed to provide consistent, effective performance against a variety of small upland game and birds, making every shot count.

Why Choose the Federal Game-Shok High Brass .410 Load?

The .410 bore shotgun has long been a favorite for its light recoil, ease of handling, and suitability for smaller game in thick cover. However, maximizing its potential requires purpose-built ammunition. Federal Ammunition, a trusted name in the industry, specifically engineers its Game-Shok High Brass loads to meet these demands. The H4135 model represents a pinnacle of this design philosophy, offering a balanced combination of power, pattern density, and reliability.

This ammunition is frequently chosen by hunters who value precision and minimal recoil without sacrificing terminal performance on appropriately sized game. It addresses the common challenge of finding .410 shells that pattern consistently and deliver enough energy for clean harvests.

Key Features and Their Field Impact

Understanding the specifications of the Federal H4135 is key to appreciating its effectiveness. Each feature is designed to contribute to a successful hunt:

• Gauge: .410 Gauge: The ideal choice for small game like squirrels, rabbits, quail, dove, and even some smaller grouse. Its compact size makes it popular for youth hunters, those sensitive to recoil, or anyone preferring a lighter, more maneuverable firearm in dense brush.
• Length: 3 inches: A critical specification, this shell maximizes the powder charge and shot payload for the .410, providing superior performance compared to shorter shells. Always ensure your shotgun is chambered for 3-inch shells before use.
• Ounces: 11/16 oz (Lead Shot Payload): This specific shot weight, combined with the 3-inch hull, optimizes the pellet count for a dense pattern. For smaller game, a greater number of pellets in the pattern increases the likelihood of multiple hits, ensuring a clean and ethical take.
• Shot Material: Lead: A traditional and highly effective shot material, lead provides excellent energy transfer and deformation upon impact, which is crucial for quickly dispatching small game. Its density helps maintain velocity downrange.
• Shot Size: 5 Shot: For upland hunting, Shot Size 5 is a versatile choice. It offers a balance between pellet count and individual pellet energy. It's large enough to carry sufficient energy for small game like rabbits and squirrels, yet small enough to provide a dense pattern for birds like quail and dove, especially at typical ranges for the .410 bore. This size is often considered a "sweet spot" for mixed bags in the uplands.
• Muzzle Velocity: 1135 fps: This consistent velocity ensures predictable trajectories and adequate energy for effective penetration at common hunting distances. A stable velocity contributes to tighter patterns and less shot stringing, which means more pellets reaching the target simultaneously.
• High Brass Construction: The "High Brass" designation is more than just a marketing term; it indicates a robust hull construction with a taller brass base. This stronger base provides greater structural integrity, especially beneficial for higher pressure loads like those designed for upland game. It contributes to reliable feeding, extraction, and overall durability, particularly important for hunters who might operate in challenging conditions. The sturdy brass also supports consistent crimping and ignition.
• Rounds Per Box: 25; Boxes Per Case: 10: This packaging provides a convenient quantity for hunters, ensuring you have enough ammunition for a full day or multiple trips without needing to constantly resupply. A case of 250 rounds (10 boxes) is ideal for avid hunters, allowing for practice sessions in addition to field use.

Unlocking the Potential: Optimal Use Cases for Federal H4135

The Federal Game-Shok High Brass .410 Gauge 3" 11/16 oz 5 Shot is an incredibly versatile round for specific hunting scenarios.

1. Squirrel Hunting: For many, the .410 gauge is the quintessential squirrel gun. The #5 shot, combined with the 3-inch payload, creates a dense pattern capable of taking squirrels cleanly from treetops. The manageable recoil allows for quick follow-up shots if needed, and the lighter firearm is easy to carry through the woods.
2. Rabbit Hunting: Whether jumped from a brush pile or tracked in the snow, rabbits are another prime target for this ammunition. The #5 shot has sufficient energy to dispatch rabbits effectively, and the dense pattern ensures good coverage on moving targets.
3. Upland Game Birds (Quail, Dove, Smaller Pheasants, Chukar, Grouse): While some might opt for larger gauges for these birds, the .410 with #5 shot is surprisingly effective at typical close-to-medium ranges. Quail and dove hunting, often done over dogs or in open fields where shots are taken quickly, benefit from the .410's quick handling. For grouse or chukar in thick cover, the agility of a .410 shotgun loaded with Federal Game-Shok can be a significant advantage.
4. Youth and Beginner Hunters: The reduced recoil of the .410 makes it an excellent choice for introducing new shooters to shotgun sports and hunting. The Federal Game-Shok's consistent performance builds confidence and helps new hunters focus on fundamentals like aiming and lead.
5. Training and Practice: For experienced shooters looking to hone their skills with a .410, these shells offer a cost-effective and consistent option for patterning, trap shooting, or sporting clays, mimicking field performance without excessive recoil.
6. Lightweight Carrying: For hunters covering extensive ground, especially in rugged terrain, a lighter .410 shotgun loaded with Federal Game-Shok shells reduces fatigue, allowing for longer, more enjoyable hunts.

The Federal Ammunition Advantage: A Legacy of Quality

Federal Ammunition has built its reputation on a commitment to quality, innovation, and performance. When you choose Federal Game-Shok, you're investing in decades of ballistic expertise. Every shell, including the H4135, undergoes rigorous quality control to ensure:

• Consistent Ignition: Reliable primers ensure the shell fires every time you pull the trigger.
• Uniform Powder Charges: Precisely measured propellant leads to consistent velocities and pressures, shot after shot.
• Even Shot Distribution: Advanced manufacturing processes ensure that the lead pellets are uniformly dispersed, leading to tighter, more effective patterns downrange.
• Durable Hulls: The high-brass construction, coupled with robust plastic hulls, provides durability and contributes to smooth feeding and extraction from your firearm.

This attention to detail translates directly into better performance in the field. Hunters often ask, "What's the best .410 ammunition for reliable performance?" The answer frequently includes Federal Game-Shok due to its proven track record.

Tips for Maximizing Your .410 Hunting Success

While the Federal H4135 Game-Shok ammunition is top-tier, optimizing your setup and technique will further enhance your success:

• Pattern Your Shotgun: Before heading to the field, always pattern your .410 with these shells. This will show you exactly how your specific gun and choke combination distributes the shot at various distances. Understanding your effective range is crucial for ethical hunting.
• Choke Selection: For the .410, a modified or full choke is often preferred for upland hunting to maximize pattern density, especially with #5 shot. Experiment to find what works best for your firearm and the game you pursue.
• Range Awareness: The .410 is a superb close-to-medium range shotgun. Respect its limitations and strive for shots within 25-30 yards to ensure clean kills.
• Practice, Practice, Practice: The light recoil of the .410 makes it excellent for practice. Regular shooting sessions improve your swing, lead, and target acquisition, leading to more successful hunts.

Ensuring Longevity: Proper Ammunition Storage

To maintain the integrity and performance of your Federal Game-Shok ammunition, proper storage is essential. Store your boxes and cases in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations. This prevents degradation of the powder, primers, and hull materials, ensuring your ammunition performs as intended when you need it most. Avoid humid environments, which can lead to corrosion or powder clumping.

Where to Find Your Federal Game-Shok Ammunition

For hunters seeking the reliable performance of Federal Game-Shok High Brass .410 Gauge 3" 11/16 oz 5 Shot, the H4135 model is readily available from reputable firearms and ammunition retailers. Hunters can confidently find this essential upland hunting ammunition, along with a wide selection of other high-quality shooting sports products, at DEGuns.com. As a trusted source for firearms and accessories, DEGuns.com ensures you have access to the ammunition you need for a successful and enjoyable hunting season.

Conclusion: A Trusted Companion for Upland Pursuits

The Federal H4135 Game-Shok High Brass .410 Gauge 3" 11/16 oz 5 Shot is more than just ammunition; it's a testament to Federal's dedication to quality and a reliable partner for any upland hunter. Whether you're targeting squirrels in the timber, flushing rabbits from thickets, or chasing quail across open fields, these shells deliver the consistent performance, reliable patterns, and manageable recoil that .410 enthusiasts demand. Its carefully balanced features solve the problem of needing an effective and ethical load for small game, making it an indispensable choice for those who appreciate the nuances of the versatile .410 bore shotgun. Invest in Federal Game-Shok and elevate your upland hunting experience.

Specification	Detail	Benefit to Hunter
Brand	Federal	Trusted name, reliable quality
Series	High Brass Game-Shok	Robust construction, consistent performance
Gauge	.410 Gauge	Low recoil, ideal for small game
Length	3"	Maximized payload for .410
Shot Material	Lead	Effective energy transfer on game
Shot Size	5	Versatile for small game & birds
Ounces	11/16 oz	Dense pattern for clean hits
Muzzle Velocity	1135 fps	Predictable trajectory, effective range
Game Type	Upland (Squirrel, Rabbit, Quail, Dove)	Optimized for specific hunting scenarios
Application	Hunting	Purpose-built for field use
Rounds Per Box	25	Convenient for a hunt or practice
Boxes Per Case	10	Economical for avid hunters
SKU / MPN	H4135	Specific product identification
UPC	029465008567	Universal product code for easy lookup