Federal Ammunition is expanding its shotshell lineup with more than 25 new options in 2026, across waterfowl, target and turkey. Here is what is in the lineup, according to Federal’s announcement.
Rob Roberts Raptor waterfowl loads
An all-new waterfowl line named for well-known waterfowl caller and guide Rob Roberts:
- 12 gauge, 2-3/4 inch: 1-3/8 ounces at 1,400 feet per second, in No. 2, 3 or 4 shot
- 20 gauge, 3 inch: 1 ounce at 1,400 feet per second, in No. 2, 3 or 4 shot
Federal’s release did not specify the shot material in its summary. Remember that federal law requires nontoxic shot for all waterfowl hunting, so check the box to be sure of what you are buying.
All-American target loads
A new value target line for clays:
- Twelve 12-gauge, 2-3/4 inch loads from 1 to 1-1/8 ounces in No. 7.5, 8 or 9 shot
- One 20-gauge, 2-3/4 inch load at 7/8 ounce in No. 7.5 or 8
Federal says they use a Podium wad designed for straight-wall hulls. For trap, skeet and sporting clays shooters who burn through cases of shells, price and consistency matter most, and a new value line is welcome.
Realtree 40th Anniversary turkey loads
To mark Realtree’s 40th anniversary, Federal is releasing five turkey loads in commemorative packaging:
- Grand Slam lead loads in No. 5 shot, in 12 and 20 gauge, 3-inch
- HEAVYWEIGHT TSS in No. 9 shot, in 12 gauge, 20 gauge and .410 bore, 3-inch
Why TSS changed turkey hunting
Tungsten Super Shot (TSS) is far denser than lead. Small No. 9 TSS pellets carry as much energy as much larger lead pellets, and more pellets in the pattern means more hits on a turkey’s head and neck. That is why hunters now kill gobblers cleanly with 20 gauges and even .410s, something that was hard to do with lead.
The downside is price. TSS shells cost much more than lead. Most hunters use them only for the hunt and pattern with a few shells beforehand.
Before you hunt with new shells
- Pattern them. Every shotgun and choke combination patterns differently. Shoot your load at the distance you plan to hunt before the season.
- Check your choke. Some chokes are not rated for certain shot types. Read the choke maker’s guidance, especially for steel and TSS.
- Match the shell to the chamber. Never fire a shell longer than your gun’s chamber length.
