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

For the dedicated upland bird hunter, success in the field hinges on a blend of skill, precision, and, crucially, superior ammunition. When the pursuit involves resilient game birds like ring-necked pheasants, fast-flying grouse, or challenging chukar partridges, standard loads often fall short. This is where the Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Extrema 12 Gauge 3" 1 3/4 oz 5 Shot ammunition distinguishes itself, offering a premium solution engineered for maximum effectiveness and consistent performance. Available for serious hunters at DEGuns, this specialized shotshell is designed to meet the demands of even the most discerning wingshooters.

Imagine flushing a robust rooster pheasant from dense cover. The bird erupts, gaining speed quickly, and you have mere seconds to react. In such a high-stakes scenario, you need ammunition that delivers exceptional velocity, dense patterns, and reliable knockdown power at extended ranges. The Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Extrema is precisely crafted for these moments, ensuring that your shot connects with authority and brings down game cleanly and ethically. This isn't just ammunition; it's a critical component of a successful and satisfying hunt.

What Makes Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Extrema Stand Out?

• The Power of Nickel-Plated Shot: At the heart of the Golden Pheasant Extrema's superior performance is its nickel-plated lead shot. Unlike standard lead pellets, the nickel plating significantly hardens the shot. This hardening prevents deformation during the violent acceleration down the shotgun barrel and upon impact with game. The result is consistently hard, round pellets that maintain their spherical shape, ensuring straighter flight paths and tighter, more uniform shot patterns downrange. This translates directly to more pellets on target and a higher probability of a clean, decisive kill. For hunters asking, "What's the best ammunition for tight patterns?", the answer often includes nickel-plated options like these.
• Optimal Performance: Velocity and Penetration: With a potent muzzle velocity of 1200 feet per second (fps), these 12-gauge shells deliver a blistering pace that reduces lead time on fast-moving birds. This high velocity, combined with the integrity of the nickel-plated #5 shot, ensures deep penetration, reaching vital organs even on heavily feathered or thick-skinned game birds. When you need to ensure your shot penetrates through feathers and muscle for effective energy transfer, the Extrema series delivers. This is particularly vital for birds like pheasants, known for their resilience.
• Why 3-Inch Shells and 1 3/4 oz Pay Dividends: The 3-inch shell length accommodates a substantial payload of 1 3/4 ounces of shot. This heavier payload means more pellets are heading towards your target, increasing your pattern density and effective range. While 2 ¾-inch shells are common, the 3-inch option offers a significant boost in pellet count and overall downrange energy, providing a distinct advantage when birds flush at greater distances or require more knock-down power. It’s the choice for hunters who demand maximum performance without compromise.
• The Ideal Shot Size: #5 for Pheasants and Upland Birds: The choice of #5 shot is not arbitrary; it's a calculated decision based on ballistic performance and game characteristics. #5 shot offers an excellent balance between pellet count and individual pellet energy for medium-to-large upland birds. It provides enough pellets for a dense pattern while each pellet carries sufficient energy to dispatch a pheasant cleanly. This makes it an ideal selection for those wondering, "What's the best shot size for pheasant hunting?" or "Which ammunition provides the best balance for upland game?"

Who is This Ammunition For?

• Serious Upland Bird Hunters: Especially those targeting challenging species like pheasants, grouse, chukar, and even larger quail varieties.
• Hunters Seeking Extended Range and Knockdown Power: If your hunting grounds involve open fields, long flushing distances, or tough birds that require extra penetration, these shells are designed for you.
• Wing Shooters Who Demand Consistency and Reliability: Fiocchi's reputation for quality manufacturing ensures that every shell performs consistently, shot after shot, hunt after hunt.
• Those Prioritizing Clean and Ethical Kills: The superior patterning and deep penetration capabilities lead to more humane harvests by increasing the likelihood of a quick, clean kill.

Mastering the Hunt: Real-World Applications

• Typical Upland Game Scenarios: Imagine a late-season pheasant hunt where birds are wary and flush at the very edge of shotgun range. The Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Extrema's 1200 fps velocity and dense #5 shot patterns increase your chances of connecting effectively. In heavy brush, where birds might be obscured by cover, the robust penetration ensures that even a limited number of pellets reaching the target can be decisive.
• Maximizing Your Success in the Field: When hunting pheasant over pointing dogs, the shot often presents itself at a specific range. Knowing your ammunition can deliver a powerful, consistent pattern at 30, 40, or even 50 yards instills confidence. This ammunition helps minimize the number of cripples, reducing the need for extensive tracking and ensuring a more ethical hunt. For hunters who ask, "How can I improve my success rate on pheasants?", the answer often starts with premium ammunition that matches the challenge.
• Performance in Varying Conditions: Whether it's a crisp autumn morning or a blustery winter day, the consistent ballistic performance of Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Extrema remains unwavering. The nickel-plated shot is less susceptible to environmental factors affecting pattern density, providing reliable results regardless of temperature or humidity.

Technical Specifications and Ballistics Insights

• Understanding Muzzle Velocity and Its Impact: The 1200 fps muzzle velocity of the Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Extrema shells is a critical factor. This speed reduces the time the shot takes to travel from the muzzle to the target, meaning less lead is required on crossing birds. It also ensures that the shot retains more energy downrange, contributing to deeper penetration and more effective terminal performance.
• Patterning Your Shotgun with Golden Pheasant Extrema: For optimal performance, it is highly recommended to pattern your shotgun with these specific shells. This involves shooting at a large paper target (typically 40 yards) to observe the shot distribution. You'll likely find that the nickel-plated shot produces exceptionally uniform and dense patterns, maximizing your chances of hitting the vital zone of a bird. Experimenting with different choke tubes (e.g., modified, full) can fine-tune these patterns even further for your specific hunting style and ranges.

The Fiocchi Legacy: A Brand You Can Trust

Fiocchi Ammunition has a storied history dating back to 1876 in Lecco, Italy. With over 140 years of experience, Fiocchi has earned a global reputation for manufacturing high-quality, reliable ammunition for a wide range of shooting disciplines, including hunting, sport shooting, and law enforcement. Their commitment to innovation and stringent quality control standards ensures that every round, including the Golden Pheasant Extrema, meets the highest performance benchmarks. Choosing Fiocchi means choosing a legacy of excellence and trust.

Why Choose Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Extrema for Your Next Hunt?

When evaluating ammunition for your next upland adventure, consider the compelling advantages offered by Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Extrema:

• Unmatched Performance: Engineered specifically for resilient upland game, delivering superior velocity, penetration, and consistent patterns.
• Premium Components: Features nickel-plated lead shot for enhanced hardness, roundness, and pattern density.
• Optimal Shot Size: #5 shot provides the ideal balance of pellet count and energy for clean, ethical kills on pheasants and similar birds.
• Generous Payload: The 1 3/4 oz shot weight in a 3-inch shell ensures maximum pellet count and downrange energy.
• Trusted Brand: Backed by Fiocchi's century-long legacy of quality and innovation in ammunition manufacturing.
• Availability: Conveniently available at leading retailers like DEGuns.com, making it easy to stock up for your hunting season.

This ammunition is not merely a purchase; it's an investment in your hunting success and ethical harvesting. It addresses the core need of hunters seeking a competitive edge, reliable performance, and confidence when facing the challenges of upland bird hunting.

Safety and Storage Guidelines

As with all ammunition, proper handling and storage are paramount.

• Always store ammunition in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Keep ammunition locked away and out of reach of children and unauthorized individuals.
• Always ensure your firearm is appropriate for the ammunition you are using (e.g., 12 gauge, 3-inch chamber).
• Follow all local and federal laws regarding ammunition purchase, possession, and use.
• Always wear appropriate eye and ear protection when shooting.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Extrema

Many hunters have specific questions when considering new ammunition. Here are some common inquiries about the Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Extrema:

• Q: Is this ammunition suitable for other game besides pheasants?
  • A: While optimized for pheasants, the Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Extrema with #5 shot is also highly effective for other medium-to-large upland birds such as ruffed grouse, chukar partridge, and even larger ducks or geese within ethical shotgun ranges, provided local regulations allow for lead shot. Its robust performance makes it a versatile choice for many upland and waterfowl situations.
• Q: What is the benefit of nickel-plated shot over standard lead shot?
  • A: Nickel plating significantly increases the hardness of the lead shot. This hardness helps the pellets maintain their spherical shape, reducing deformation during setback in the shell and during flight. The result is truer flight paths, denser and more uniform patterns, and enhanced penetration upon impact, leading to more consistent and effective kills.
• Q: Can I use these 3-inch shells in any 12-gauge shotgun?
  • A: No. You must ensure your 12-gauge shotgun is specifically chambered for 3-inch shells. Using a 3-inch shell in a shotgun chambered only for 2 ¾-inch shells is extremely dangerous and can lead to firearm damage or severe injury. Always check your firearm's markings (usually on the barrel) to confirm its chamber length.
• Q: How many rounds come in a box and case?
  • A: Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Extrema 12 Gauge 3" 1 3/4 oz 5 Shot is packaged with 25 rounds per box. For those who hunt frequently or wish to purchase in bulk, these are also available in cases containing 10 boxes, totaling 250 rounds.
• Q: Where can I purchase Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Extrema ammunition?
  • A: This premium ammunition is available at reputable firearms and ammunition retailers. You can find the Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Extrema 12 Gauge shotshells, along with a wide array of other quality hunting products, at DEGuns.com.

Choosing the right ammunition is a critical decision for any hunter. With the Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Extrema, you're not just buying shotgun shells; you're investing in a product designed to enhance your success, ensure ethical harvests, and provide a truly rewarding experience in the field.

Product Specifications

Feature	Detail
Brand	Fiocchi
Series	Extrema
Model	Golden Pheasant
Gauge	12 Gauge
Shot Material	Nickel-Plated Lead
Shot Size	5
Rounds Per Box	25
Muzzle Velocity	1200 fps
Game Type	Upland
Length	3"
Application	Hunting
Ounces	1 3/4 oz
Boxes Per Case	10
SKU	123GP5
UPC	762344703664
MPN	123GP5