Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Extrema 12 Gauge Ammunition: The Ultimate Choice for Discerning Upland Hunters

For dedicated upland hunters who demand superior performance, precision, and reliability in the field, the Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Extrema 12 Gauge 3" 1 3/4 oz #4 Shot stands as a paramount choice. This premium ammunition, designated by its SKU 123GP4 and UPC 762344703657, is meticulously engineered to address the unique challenges of hunting resilient game birds like pheasants, grouse, and other formidable upland species. When the success of your hunt, and the ethics of a clean kill, hinge on the quality of your ammunition, Fiocchi's Golden Pheasant Extrema delivers an unparalleled edge.

Why Choose Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Extrema? Elevating Your Upland Hunting Experience

The Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Extrema series is not just another shotgun shell; it's a testament to Fiocchi's commitment to excellence and a hunter's pursuit of perfection. This ammunition is crafted for those who understand that marginal gains in performance can translate into significant differences in the field. From the demanding conditions of wide-open pheasant fields to the dense cover of grouse habitats, these shells are designed to ensure consistent, devastating patterns and deep penetration, crucial for bringing down tough game birds ethically and efficiently.

What Makes Fiocchi Golden Pheasants Extrema Stand Out?

At the core of the Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Extrema's exceptional performance is its innovative use of nickel-plated shot. Unlike standard lead shot, the nickel plating process creates a harder, more spherical pellet that maintains its integrity upon firing and impact. This technological advantage translates directly into superior downrange ballistics and terminal performance.

• Enhanced Pattern Density: Nickel-plated shot resists deformation as it travels through the barrel and exits the muzzle. This results in fewer "fliers" and a more uniform, tighter shot pattern, ensuring more pellets strike the target within the effective killing zone.
• Deeper Penetration: The increased hardness of nickel-plated pellets allows them to retain more energy upon impact, leading to deeper penetration into the target. This is particularly vital for dense-feathered birds like pheasants, reducing the chance of crippling and promoting clean, humane kills.
• Reduced Barrel Fouling: The slicker surface of nickel-plated shot contributes to less lead buildup in your shotgun's bore, making cleaning easier and helping to maintain consistent performance over extended hunting sessions.

This meticulous attention to shot quality is what separates the Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Extrema from conventional upland loads, making it a go-to option for serious hunters.

Unpacking the Specifications: Performance Beyond the Basics

Let's delve into the specific attributes of the Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Extrema 12 Gauge 3" 1 3/4 oz #4 Shot (UPC 762344703657) and explore how each component contributes to its sterling reputation.

The Power of the 12 Gauge Platform

The 12 gauge shotgun remains the undisputed king of upland hunting due to its incredible versatility and power. The Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Extrema harnesses this power, delivering substantial energy transfer and an ample shot payload. This gauge is favored by hunters for its broad appeal and effectiveness across a wide range of game, making it a foundational choice for those targeting larger or more resilient upland birds.

Why a 3-Inch Shell? Maximizing Payload and Power

The decision to opt for a 3-inch shell rather than a more common 2 3/4-inch shell for the Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Extrema is deliberate. The extra length allows for a significantly increased shot payload – in this case, a substantial 1 3/4 ounces of #4 shot.

• Increased Pellet Count: More pellets in the pattern mean a higher probability of striking vital areas on the target bird, even at longer ranges.
• Enhanced Kinetic Energy: A heavier payload, combined with optimal velocity, delivers more kinetic energy to the target, ensuring decisive knockdown power.
• Optimized for Tough Birds: For hardier birds like mature pheasants or larger waterfowl (where legally permitted and appropriate), the additional punch of a 3-inch shell can be a game-changer, reducing the likelihood of a bird escaping wounded.

The Significance of 1 3/4 oz #4 Shot

The choice of 1 3/4 ounces of #4 shot for this premium load is a calculated decision for optimal upland performance.

• Heavy Payload (1 3/4 oz): This is a considerable amount of shot, designed to create a dense, lethal pattern capable of reaching out to greater distances. It provides a generous margin for error and maximizes the chances of a quick, clean harvest.
• Optimal Shot Size (#4): For pheasants, #4 shot is often considered the ideal balance between pellet energy and pattern density.
  • Energy Retention: Larger #4 pellets retain their energy more effectively over distance compared to smaller shot sizes, which is crucial for penetrating thick feathers and bone.
  • Pattern Density: While larger than #5 or #6 shot, a 1 3/4 oz load of #4 still provides a sufficient number of pellets to ensure a dense pattern within the effective range, minimizing gaps that a bird could fly through.
  • Versatility: Beyond pheasants, #4 shot can also be highly effective for other larger upland species such as sharptail grouse or even some forest grouse in specific scenarios.

Muzzle Velocity: 1200 FPS – Speed Meets Power

A muzzle velocity of 1200 feet per second (fps) strikes an excellent balance for this heavy upland load.

• Consistent Trajectory: 1200 fps provides a relatively flat trajectory out to typical upland hunting ranges, simplifying lead calculations for the shooter.
• Efficient Energy Transfer: This velocity ensures that the nickel-plated #4 shot delivers its kinetic energy efficiently upon impact, contributing to the renowned knockdown power of this load.
• Manageable Recoil: While a 1 3/4 oz load in a 12 gauge will produce noticeable recoil, 1200 fps is a very common and manageable velocity, allowing hunters to maintain follow-up shot readiness without excessive discomfort.

Real-World Applications and Hunter Benefits

Who is the Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Extrema 12 Gauge 3" 1 3/4 oz #4 Shot (UPC 762344703657) for, and what problems does it solve?

• The Serious Upland Hunter: This ammunition is tailored for hunters who pursue challenging birds in demanding conditions and will not compromise on ammunition quality. If you've experienced the frustration of a winged bird escaping or an ethical shot not performing as expected, this load is designed to mitigate those issues.
• Addressing Tough Game: Pheasants, especially late-season birds, can be incredibly tough and resilient. The combination of nickel-plated #4 shot, a heavy 1 3/4 oz payload, and 1200 fps velocity ensures that these birds are brought down decisively.
• Maximizing Effective Range: While ethical hunting always dictates shooting within one's effective range, the superior patterning and penetration of the Golden Pheasant Extrema can extend that range slightly, or more importantly, ensure lethal performance at the outer limits of typical upland distances.
• Confidence in the Field: Knowing you're using top-tier ammunition designed for the specific game you're pursuing instills confidence. This confidence translates to better focus, more decisive shooting, and ultimately, a more rewarding hunting experience.
• Ethical Hunting Practices: A quick, clean kill is paramount for ethical hunting. The Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Extrema's design directly supports this principle by maximizing the ammunition's ability to dispatch game efficiently and humanely.

Common Questions This Ammunition Answers:

• "What is the best shotgun shell for late-season pheasants?" The Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Extrema, with its heavy #4 nickel-plated load, is frequently cited as a top contender for its ability to penetrate dense feathers and dispatch hardy birds.
• "How can I improve my success rate on tough upland birds?" Upgrading your ammunition to a premium load like the Golden Pheasant Extrema can significantly enhance your chances of clean kills due to improved pattern density and penetration.
• "What ammunition offers superior patterns and penetration for upland hunting?" The nickel-plated shot technology in Fiocchi's Extrema line is specifically engineered to provide tighter patterns and deeper penetration than standard lead loads.
• "Where can I find reliable, high-performance 12 gauge ammunition for pheasant hunting?" Products like the Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Extrema, known for their consistent quality and proven field performance, are available from reputable dealers like DEGuns.

The Fiocchi Legacy: A Tradition of Excellence

Fiocchi Munizioni has been a global leader in ammunition manufacturing for over 140 years, rooted in a rich Italian tradition of precision and innovation. Their commitment to quality is evident in every shell produced, from components sourcing to final assembly and rigorous testing. Hunters worldwide trust Fiocchi for its consistent performance, reliability, and dedication to pushing the boundaries of ammunition technology. The Golden Pheasant Extrema line is a shining example of this legacy, combining time-honored manufacturing techniques with modern advancements to create a truly exceptional hunting load. When you load Fiocchi, you're not just loading ammunition; you're loading a century and a half of expertise and passion for the shooting sports.

Availability and Packaging

The Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Extrema 12 Gauge 3" 1 3/4 oz #4 Shot (UPC 762344703657) is conveniently packaged for hunters:

• 25 Rounds Per Box: This standard box size is ideal for a day's hunt, allowing for easy transport and management of your ammunition supply.
• 10 Boxes Per Case: For avid hunters or those who prefer to stock up, the 10-box case (250 rounds total) offers a bulk purchasing option, ensuring you have ample supply for multiple trips or the entire season.

This packaging strategy reflects Fiocchi's understanding of a hunter's needs, providing flexibility whether you're heading out for a quick morning hunt or preparing for an extended hunting expedition.

Final Considerations for the Discerning Hunter

Investing in premium ammunition like the Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Extrema is a strategic decision for any serious upland hunter. It represents a commitment to maximizing your effectiveness in the field while upholding the highest standards of ethical hunting. When combined with proper shotgun fit, shooting technique, and an understanding of bird behavior, this ammunition can significantly elevate your hunting success and satisfaction.

Always remember to handle firearms and ammunition responsibly. Store ammunition in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and out of reach of children. Prioritize safety, practice regularly, and understand your shotgun's capabilities with your chosen ammunition.

For hunters seeking an undeniable advantage against the wily pheasant or other challenging upland game, the Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Extrema 12 Gauge 3" 1 3/4 oz #4 Shot (UPC 762344703657) delivers the knockdown power, pattern density, and consistent performance needed to succeed. This premium hunting load is available for purchase and ready to enhance your next upland adventure at reputable retailers like DEGuns.

Product Specifications: Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Extrema 12 Gauge

Attribute	Detail
Brand	Fiocchi
Model	Golden Pheasant Extrema
Gauge	12 Gauge
Shell Length	3"
Shot Weight	1 3/4 oz
Shot Size	#4
Shot Material	Nickel-Plated Lead
Muzzle Velocity	1200 fps
Application	Hunting (Upland Game)
Rounds Per Box	25
Boxes Per Case	10
UPC	762344703657