7mm Backcountry
Experience the world’s most advanced 7mm rifle cartridge.
30 Super Carry
Hits like a 9mm Luger. Carries like a 380 Auto. Designed exclusively for defense.
Raptor Steel
Built in collaboration with Rob Roberts Custom Gunworks, these loads put more pellets on target through Raptor Series chokes.
FireStick
There’s never been a muzzleloading system like this. See all the benefits that set FireStick apart to provide the most convenient, safe and consistent performance ever.
Hydra-Shok® Component Bullets
The bullet that’s defined self-defense for a generation is now available as a component.
Federal X Duluth Pack
Check out the all-new lineup of Federal-branded Duluth Pack apparel and gear.
Model 2020 Waypoint Special Edition
We worked with engineers from Springfield Armory to create Custom Shop loads specifically designed for the utmost performance from the new Model 2020 Waypoint rifle.
Buckshot and birdshot: These commonly used shotshell ammo terms might cause confusion to a newcomer or even a more experienced shooter. So, what are birdshot and buckshot, and what’s the difference? Let’s settle it.
Both birdshot and buckshot are catchall terms used to describe and categorize a wide variety of shotshell payloads. They’re built much the same way. Both feature a payload of loose pellets, often mixed with a buffering material that helps cushion the pellets from the forces of ignition. The pellets and buffer are held within a wad that separates them from the propellant. At ignition, the wad and pellets are pushed down the barrel and out the muzzle, where the shot separate from the wad and spread as they move downrange, forming a pattern.
The main difference between buckshot and birdshot boils down to the size and number of pellets they hold. Buckshot is offered in 4 buck, 3 buck, 2 buck, 1 buck, 00 and 000, which range in diameter from .240 to .360 inch, respectively.
Although birdshot is technically defined as size 7.5 or 8 pellets, it’s generally categorized as everything smaller than buckshot—regardless of whether the pellets are actually intended for shooting game birds or targets. This means everything from T shot steel used for geese to 9 shot pellets used for turkeys and clay target loads. Because of their large size, relatively few buckshot pellets can fit in the shotshell hull. For example, a typical 00 buckshot payload only holds nine individual pellets, while a No. 9 HEAVYWEIGHT TSS payload has more than 800.
Federal offers birdshot payloads in hundreds of different options. Products include Prairie Storm, Premium Upland, Black Cloud, Speed-Shok and many more. Federal’s buckshot loads are available in a smaller variety of loads. Some, like Federal Premium Buckshot and Power-Shok Buckshot are designed for targeting predators, deer and hogs. Others like Federal Premium Personal Defense Buckshot and Force X2 are meant for protection, primarily in the home. Some fall outside those categories altogether—like Shorty Shotshells, which are intended for targets.
Two types of tools. Multiple uses. Know the difference between buckshot and birdshot and shoot better.