FED HI-BIRD 12GA 2.75″ #5 25/250

Description

Federal’s Hi-Bird Fiber Wad Bismuth is built for upland hunters who want a non-toxic load that actually behaves like a traditional lead shell. The core of that is the bismuth payload, which runs at 9.6 g/cc — 22 percent denser than steel. That density matters because bismuth pellets carry more energy at distance than steel shot of the same size, which lets you pattern with familiar choke and swing habits rather than compensating for the performance gap steel typically demands.

The fiber wad design is the other meaningful choice here. Rather than a conventional plastic wad, Federal uses a cellulose-based over-powder wad, which significantly reduces the plastic left behind in the field. For hunters working public land, wetlands, or anywhere non-toxic shot is mandated, that combination of bismuth and fiber wad checks both the environmental and the performance box without forcing a compromise between the two.

At 1,330 fps muzzle velocity, the load is moving fast enough for clean, consistent patterns on upland birds at typical flushing ranges. The 1.25 oz payload in a 2-3/4 inch hull keeps it compatible with older fixed-choke guns as well as modern over-unders and semi-autos — Federal specifically notes the load is safe and effective across classic and modern shotguns. If you’ve been holding off on bismuth because previous options felt like a step backward in performance or a step forward in hassle, this load is worth a close look.