Unlock Unrivaled Performance: Federal Premium Hi-Bird 12 Gauge Ammunition

Are you an avid upland bird hunter, a seasoned dove enthusiast, or someone who frequently pursues challenging game like pheasants, crows, and pigeons? Do you consistently seek ammunition that delivers unparalleled consistency, superior long-range patterns, and reduced felt recoil, allowing for more comfortable and effective days afield? If your answer is yes, then look no further than Federal Premium Hi-Bird 12 Gauge shotshells. This isn't just another box of ammunition; it's a meticulously engineered solution designed to elevate your hunting experience and significantly improve your success rate on fast-moving, elusive targets.

Hunting upland birds demands precision, reliability, and the ability to connect with swift, often distant targets. In these scenarios, the quality of your ammunition can be the difference between a triumphant retrieve and a frustrating miss. Federal Premium Hi-Bird is specifically crafted to address the core challenges faced by hunters: achieving dense, effective patterns at extended ranges, ensuring consistent ignition shot after shot, and minimizing the physical impact on the shooter, allowing for quicker follow-up shots and sustained performance throughout a long day of hunting. This ammunition, with its 1 1/4 oz payload of #6 lead shot and a blistering muzzle velocity of 1330 feet per second, provides the necessary energy and pattern integrity for clean, ethical kills.

The Foundation of Excellence: Federal Premium Components

What truly sets Federal Premium Hi-Bird apart begins with its fundamental components. Federal’s commitment to quality control is legendary, ensuring that every single round performs exactly as expected, every single time. This dedication manifests in two critical areas: primers and propellants.

• Precision-Engineered Primers: The ignition sequence of a shotshell is paramount to its overall performance. Federal Premium loads start with the finest primers available. These aren't just off-the-shelf components; they are subjected to an exceptional level of scrutiny. More frequent inspections for dimensional tolerances and charge weight are conducted than typically seen in the industry. This meticulous process ensures that each primer delivers a consistent, powerful, and reliable ignition for every shot. For a hunter, this translates directly to peace of mind – knowing that when you pull the trigger, the ammunition will perform, regardless of environmental conditions or the urgency of the moment. Consistent ignition means consistent muzzle velocity, which in turn leads to predictable patterns and shot placement.
• Specially Formulated Propellants: Complementing these high-quality primers are the propellants, or powders, specially formulated to meet Federal's stringent specifications. These are not just any powders; they are among the highest grades in the industry, renowned for their clean-burning properties. A clean-burning powder minimizes residue buildup in your shotgun's barrel and action, reducing the need for frequent cleaning and ensuring smooth operation, even after hundreds of rounds. Furthermore, the consistency and reliability of these propellants are second to none. This consistency directly contributes to the ammunition's predictable ballistics, ensuring that each shot replicates the last in terms of speed and power, which is vital for maintaining accuracy on challenging, moving targets. The carefully controlled burn rate of these powders also plays a role in managing chamber pressure, contributing to both safety and optimal performance.

Innovative Wad Design: The Power of SoftCell Technology

One of the most innovative features of the Federal Premium Hi-Bird series is its unique two-piece wad, incorporating what Federal calls SoftCell technology. This isn't just a simple plastic cup; it's a sophisticated design engineered to provide multiple performance advantages crucial for upland hunting.

• Decreased Perceived Recoil: The primary benefit of SoftCell technology is its ability to significantly decrease perceived recoil. For hunters, especially those who shoot many rounds in a day (like during a high-volume dove shoot or a long pheasant drive), recoil management is critical. Excessive recoil can lead to flinching, fatigue, and a reluctance to take follow-up shots. The SoftCell wad acts as a shock absorber, cushioning the force generated upon firing and distributing it more effectively. This results in a much more comfortable shooting experience, allowing hunters to maintain focus, shoot more accurately over extended periods, and enjoy their time in the field without the common discomfort associated with powerful 12-gauge loads.
• More Consistent Long-Range Patterns: Beyond recoil reduction, the SoftCell wad plays a pivotal role in pattern formation. Its two-piece design and advanced material properties work in harmony to protect the lead shot pellets as they travel down the barrel. This protection minimizes deformation of the pellets, ensuring they remain spherical. As the shot exits the barrel, the wad cleanly separates, allowing the pellets to fly true. The result is remarkably consistent and tight patterns, even at longer ranges. For game like high-flying doves or pheasants flushing at a distance, a dense and uniform pattern is essential for increasing hit probability and ensuring a clean, humane take. This consistency gives hunters the confidence to attempt shots they might otherwise pass on, knowing their ammunition is up to the task.

Engineered for Impact: Optimized Lead Shot

The projectile itself is arguably the most critical component for effective hunting. Federal Premium Hi-Bird utilizes lead shot that is specifically engineered for an optimum blend of hardness and density. This isn't just standard lead; it's a carefully selected and processed alloy designed to maximize terminal performance.

• Optimum Blend of Hardness and Density: The balance between hardness and density is crucial. If shot is too soft, it deforms excessively when subjected to the extreme pressures of firing, resulting in erratic flight paths and "blown" patterns. If it's too hard, it might not deform enough to transfer energy efficiently upon impact with the target. Federal's engineered blend ensures the pellets maintain their spherical integrity while traveling down the barrel and through the air, leading to tighter patterns. Upon impact, the optimal density ensures that each pellet carries maximum kinetic energy, translating to superior penetration and devastating effectiveness on game.
• Dense Long-Range Patterns with More Energy: The synergy of the engineered lead shot with the SoftCell wad results in dense, uniform patterns that maintain their energy over impressive distances. This means more pellets on target, each carrying sufficient energy to deliver clean, ethical kills on game birds. Whether you’re facing a crossing shot on a fast pigeon or a quartering pheasant that flushes further than anticipated, the Hi-Bird load ensures that your pattern delivers a potent, decisive strike, minimizing the chance of wounded game and maximizing your hunting success.

Tailored for the Field: Where Federal Hi-Bird Shines

Federal Premium Hi-Bird 12 Gauge ammunition (UPC: 604544621211) is purpose-built for the challenges of upland hunting. Its specific design features and performance characteristics make it an ideal choice for a variety of popular game birds:

• Doves: For high-volume dove hunts, consistency and recoil reduction are paramount. The Hi-Bird's SoftCell technology allows shooters to fire dozens, if not hundreds, of rounds comfortably, while the consistent patterns ensure high hit rates on erratic, fast-flying birds. The #6 shot is excellent for doves, providing a good balance of pellet count and individual pellet energy.
• Crows and Pigeons: Often hunted for pest control or sport, crows and pigeons can be challenging targets due to their speed and often higher flight paths. The long-range patterning capabilities of Hi-Bird make it exceptionally effective for these birds, allowing hunters to reach out and connect at distances where lesser loads might fail.
• Pheasants: Pheasant hunting often involves flushing birds from dense cover, leading to powerful, swift takeoffs. The 1 1/4 oz payload of #6 shot provides ample stopping power and a dense pattern crucial for these hardy birds. The consistent velocity and energy transfer ensure clean kills, even when birds are heavily feathered.
• Challenging Upland Birds: Beyond these specific examples, Federal Hi-Bird excels for other upland species like quail and grouse, particularly in situations demanding consistent performance and the ability to handle shots at varying distances. The reliable ignition and uniform patterns are a significant advantage when every shot counts in a fast-paced upland environment.

Why Choose Federal Premium Hi-Bird? The Hunter's Advantage

When evaluating ammunition, hunters often ask, "What makes this particular load better for my hunting style?" Federal Premium Hi-Bird answers this question emphatically by providing a suite of benefits directly impacting your effectiveness and enjoyment in the field:

• Unwavering Reliability: From the first shot of the day to the last, you can trust Federal Hi-Bird to perform consistently. This reliability stems from Federal’s rigorous quality control and the use of premium components, ensuring that your ammunition never lets you down when a fleeting opportunity presents itself.
• Superior Patterning: The combination of the SoftCell wad and optimized lead shot delivers patterns that are not only dense but also incredibly uniform. This means fewer gaps in your shot string, increasing the probability of multiple pellet strikes on your target, even at longer ranges.
• Enhanced Comfort, Improved Accuracy: Reduced felt recoil, thanks to SoftCell technology, allows you to shoot more comfortably for longer periods. This minimizes flinching and fatigue, directly translating into better accuracy, quicker follow-up shots, and ultimately, more birds in the bag.
• Ethical Hunting: The dense patterns and energetic lead shot ensure clean, humane kills. This commitment to terminal performance is vital for responsible hunting, minimizing the chance of wounded game and promoting ethical practices.
• Trusted Brand Heritage: Federal Ammunition has a long-standing reputation for producing high-quality, reliable ammunition. Choosing Federal Premium Hi-Bird means investing in decades of expertise and innovation, backed by a brand that hunters worldwide trust.

Whether you're preparing for a highly anticipated pheasant hunt, looking to fill your limits during dove season, or simply seeking the most consistent and effective ammunition for your 12-gauge shotgun, Federal Premium Hi-Bird offers a distinct advantage. Its meticulous construction, from primer to payload, is focused on delivering a superior shooting experience and maximizing your success in the field. This commitment to excellence makes it a top-tier choice for discerning hunters who demand the best from their equipment.

Essential Hunting Tips for Success with Federal Hi-Bird

To maximize your success with Federal Premium Hi-Bird ammunition, consider these practical tips:

• Pattern Your Shotgun: Before heading into the field, always pattern your shotgun with your chosen ammunition. This will show you exactly how your firearm and the Hi-Bird shells perform together, revealing the precise density and point of impact of your patterns at various distances (e.g., 20, 30, and 40 yards). This insight helps you understand your effective range and optimize your chokes.
• Choose the Right Choke: For upland birds like doves and pheasants, modified or improved cylinder chokes are often versatile choices when paired with the Hi-Bird's consistent patterns. For longer shots or higher flying birds, a full choke might be beneficial, but always verify pattern density.
• Focus on Fundamentals: Even with premium ammunition, good shooting fundamentals are key. Maintain proper stance, smooth swing, and follow-through. The reduced recoil of Hi-Bird will aid in this, allowing for more comfortable practice sessions and better performance under pressure.
• Understand Shot Size #6: The #6 lead shot used in this load is an excellent all-around choice for many upland species. It provides a good balance of pellet count for dense patterns and sufficient individual pellet energy for effective penetration on medium-sized birds. For smaller birds like doves, it ensures ample hits. For larger birds like pheasants, its energy is sufficient for clean kills at reasonable ranges.
• Carry Sufficient Ammunition: Federal Premium Hi-Bird comes in convenient 25-round boxes, with 10 boxes per case (250 rounds total). For high-volume shooting like dove hunts, ensure you have enough on hand to last the day.

Where to Acquire Your Federal Premium Hi-Bird

For hunters ready to experience the difference that premium ammunition makes, Federal Premium Hi-Bird 12 Gauge shotshells (UPC: 604544621211, MPN: HVF12H6) are readily available. These exceptional shells can be found at reputable sporting goods retailers specializing in firearms and ammunition, including trusted online sources like DEGuns.com. Investing in Federal Premium Hi-Bird is an investment in your hunting success and enjoyment, ensuring that every trigger pull delivers reliable performance and the confidence needed to make the most of your time in the field.

Product Specifications Table

Attribute	Detail
Brand	Federal
Series	Hi-Bird
Model	Premium
Gauge	12 Gauge
Shot Material	Lead
Shot Size	6
Rounds Per Box	25
Muzzle Velocity	1330 fps
Game Type	Upland
Length	2.75"
Application	Hunting
Ounces	1 1/4 oz
Boxes Per Case	10
SKU	116539
UPC	604544621211
MPN	HVF12H6