Unlock Unrivaled Performance: Federal Premium Vital-Shok 12 Gauge 3" 00 Buckshot

For serious hunters and discerning shotgun owners seeking the pinnacle of ammunition performance, the Federal Premium Vital-Shok 12 Gauge 3" 00 Buckshot stands as a definitive choice. Engineered to deliver devastating knockdown power and surgical precision, this isn't just another box of shells; it's a meticulously crafted hunting instrument designed to maximize your success in the field. If you're wondering which buckshot offers the most consistent patterns for deer hunting, or what ammunition is truly reliable for larger medium game like hogs, then look no further. This specialized load answers the call for superior terminal ballistics and repeatable accuracy, shot after shot.

The Foundation of Excellence: Uncompromising Component Quality

What sets Federal Premium Vital-Shok apart begins long before the final assembly. It's built from the ground up with components that undergo rigorous quality control, ensuring every single round performs identically to the last.

• Finest Primers for Consistent Ignition: Every successful shot starts with a reliable primer. Federal's primers are subjected to stringent inspections for dimensional tolerances and precise charge weight. This meticulous attention to detail guarantees instantaneous and consistent ignition, critical for achieving predictable velocities and tight patterns, especially when a quick, decisive shot is needed. You can trust that when you pull the trigger, the ammunition will perform exactly as designed, regardless of environmental conditions.
• Specially Formulated, Clean-Burning Propellants: The propellant, or gun powder, is the engine of the cartridge. Federal uses specially formulated, clean-burning powders of the highest grades available in the industry. These aren't just any powders; they are optimized for consistency and reliability. The benefit to the shooter is multifaceted: reduced fouling in your shotgun's barrel, which means less cleaning and more consistent performance over extended shooting sessions. Clean-burning powders also contribute to more uniform velocities, which directly translates to improved accuracy and predictable shot placement at varying distances.
• Copper-Plated Lead Shot for Superior Performance: The 00 buckshot pellets in these shells are not just raw lead; they are copper-plated. This plating serves several vital functions. Firstly, it significantly reduces pellet deformation upon firing. When unplated lead pellets slam against each other inside the shell and barrel, they can flatten or become irregular, leading to wider, less effective patterns. Copper plating maintains the spherical integrity of each of the 12 pellets, ensuring they fly truer to their intended path. Secondly, the plating reduces lead fouling in your barrel, contributing to cleaner operation and easier maintenance. Finally, copper plating enhances penetration, allowing the pellets to retain more energy upon impact for deeper wound channels, which is crucial for ethical and humane harvesting of medium game.

The FLITECONTROL Wad System: A Revolution in Pattern Density

One of the most innovative and impactful technologies integrated into Federal Premium Vital-Shok buckshot is the patented FLITECONTROL wad system. This is a game-changer for anyone who demands the tightest, most consistent buckshot patterns possible.

• How it Works: Unlike traditional wads that simply fall away from the shot column upon exiting the barrel, the FLITECONTROL wad utilizes a unique design that stays with the shot column for a longer duration. It features angled petals and a rear-braking system that acts like a tiny parachute, stabilizing the wad and shot as a cohesive unit. This delayed separation ensures that the pellets remain tightly grouped for a greater distance downrange.
• The Benefit to the Hunter: The immediate and most significant benefit is dramatically improved pattern density. For hunters, this means more pellets on target within a smaller area, leading to more effective and humane kills. This translates to increased confidence when taking shots at extended ranges, pushing the effective envelope for buckshot performance. Whether you're navigating dense timber or taking a clear shot across a field, the FLITECONTROL wad ensures your pattern delivers maximum energy where it counts. It reduces the need for multiple follow-up shots and minimizes the chance of wounding game, aligning perfectly with responsible hunting practices.

Unleashing Power: Muzzle Velocity and Terminal Ballistics

The Federal Premium Vital-Shok 12 Gauge 3" 00 Buckshot boasts a potent muzzle velocity of 1325 feet per second (fps). This high velocity, combined with the 12 copper-plated 00 buckshot pellets, creates a formidable payload designed for maximum impact.

• Energy Transfer: Higher velocity means more kinetic energy upon impact. This translates to superior energy transfer to the target, ensuring effective stopping power for medium game. Each pellet carries significant energy, and with 12 of them hitting simultaneously within a tight pattern, the effect is devastating.
• Flattened Trajectory: While buckshot is not designed for extreme long-range shooting, a higher muzzle velocity contributes to a flatter trajectory over its effective range. This reduces the amount of "drop" at typical hunting distances, making shot placement more forgiving and consistent.
• What is 00 Buck? "00 Buck" refers to the pellet size, with each pellet having a diameter of approximately .33 inches (8.4mm). This is a widely popular and effective size for medium to larger game due to its balance of pellet count and individual pellet mass, providing both multiple wound channels and significant penetration.

Ideal Applications: Who Benefits Most from Federal Premium Vital-Shok?

This specific ammunition load is engineered with particular hunting scenarios in mind, making it the preferred choice for a range of outdoors enthusiasts.

• Deer Hunting: For many, the 12 Gauge 3" 00 Buckshot is a go-to for whitetail deer hunting, especially in areas with dense cover where shots are typically taken at closer to medium ranges. The 12 pellets of 00 buck, delivered in a tight pattern by the FLITECONTROL wad, ensure multiple critical hits, leading to quick and humane kills. Its reliability and terminal performance make it a favorite for deer hunters across various terrains.
• Hog Hunting: Feral hogs are notoriously tough animals, requiring powerful and penetrating ammunition. The Federal Premium Vital-Shok's copper-plated 00 buckshot and robust velocity are perfectly suited for taking down even the largest of hogs. The deep penetration and wide wound channels created by multiple pellets make it highly effective for this challenging game.
• Medium Game Hunting: Beyond deer and hogs, this ammunition is an excellent choice for other medium-sized game where the stopping power and pattern density of buckshot are advantageous.
• The Discerning Hunter: If you prioritize ethical hunting and want to ensure the best possible outcome with every shot, investing in premium ammunition like Federal Vital-Shok is a logical step. The consistency and superior performance reduce variables, allowing you to focus on shot placement and field craft.

Why Choose Federal Premium? A Legacy of Trust and Innovation

Federal Ammunition has built a reputation over nearly a century for producing high-quality, reliable ammunition for hunters, sport shooters, and law enforcement. Their commitment to innovation and stringent manufacturing standards is evident in every box of Vital-Shok buckshot.

• Proven Performance: Federal Premium ammunition isn't just designed on paper; it's proven in the field. Generations of hunters have relied on Federal for consistent, effective performance, contributing to countless successful hunts.
• Research and Development: The FLITECONTROL wad system is a prime example of Federal's dedication to research and development, constantly pushing the boundaries of what ammunition can achieve. They invest heavily in ballistic testing and component refinement to deliver tangible advantages to the shooter.
• Confidence in Every Shot: When you choose Federal Premium, you're not just buying ammunition; you're buying confidence. Confidence that your primers will ignite, your powder will burn consistently, and your pellets will fly true, delivering the precise pattern and energy needed for a clean, ethical harvest.

Availability and Responsible Use

Federal Premium Vital-Shok 12 Gauge 3" 00 Buckshot (PFC15700) is a premium product, and as such, it represents an investment in your hunting success and safety. It is typically available in boxes of 5 rounds, with cases containing 50 boxes for serious volume users or retailers. You can find this high-performance ammunition at reputable firearms and outdoor sporting goods retailers, including DEGuns.

When using any firearm and ammunition, always adhere to local, state, and federal laws and regulations. Practice safe gun handling, be aware of your surroundings, identify your target and what's beyond it, and ensure you are using the correct ammunition for your firearm's specifications. Always understand the effective range of your chosen ammunition and practice regularly to improve your proficiency. The power and precision of Federal Premium Vital-Shok demand responsible and skilled application.

Frequently Asked Questions about 12 Gauge Buckshot

• What is the effective range of 00 buckshot for deer?
  While individual results vary based on shotgun, choke, and shooter skill, 00 buckshot with advanced wads like FLITECONTROL can deliver ethical patterns for deer out to 40-50 yards. Some experienced shooters might extend this slightly, but closer ranges are always preferable for ensuring maximum pellet count on vital areas.
• Is 3-inch 12 gauge buckshot too powerful?
  The 3-inch shell offers a greater powder charge and/or more pellets compared to a 2 3/4-inch shell, translating to higher velocity and more energy. While it produces more recoil, this increased power is advantageous for larger game like hogs or for hunters seeking maximum performance. Your shotgun must be rated for 3-inch shells to use them safely.
• How does copper-plated buckshot compare to standard lead?
  Copper-plated buckshot offers several advantages over standard lead, including reduced pellet deformation (leading to tighter patterns), less lead fouling in the barrel, and improved penetration due to the harder surface. These factors contribute to more consistent and effective terminal performance.
• Can I use this ammunition for self-defense?
  While 00 buckshot is powerful, its primary design and optimization are for hunting medium game. For self-defense, many prefer options with specific features for home defense scenarios, such as reduced recoil loads or specialized self-defense buckshot designed to mitigate over-penetration. Always choose ammunition specifically engineered for its intended purpose.

Choosing Federal Premium Vital-Shok 12 Gauge 3" 00 Buckshot is choosing unparalleled quality, precision, and performance. It's the ammunition for hunters who demand the best and refuse to compromise on ethical, effective results in the field.

Detailed Product Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Federal
Series	Vital-Shok
Model	Premium
Gauge	12 Gauge
Length	3"
Shot Material	Copper-Plated Lead
Shot Size	00 Buck
Pellet Count	12
Muzzle Velocity	1325 fps
Game Type	Medium
Application	Hunting
Rounds Per Box	5
Boxes Per Case	50
SKU	36182
UPC	029465025724
MPN	PFC15700