For 2019, Federal Premium Ammunition is offering three brand-new 1-3/4-inch shotgun shells. According to federal these new Shorty Shotshells have performance that is very close to that of the company's full-size counterparts while offering the advantages of a decreased overall length. As of time of publication, Federal will be offering two multi-projectile loads, as well as one one ounce rifled slug load, though they have not ruled out the product line being expanded at a future date.
The three current offerings are as follows: A foster-style, 1-ounce rifled slug that, according to Federal, is making 1,200 feet per second at the muzzle of the gun.
A 15-pellet No. 4 buckshot load that, according to Federal, is also making 1,200 feet per second at the muzzle of the gun.
A 15/16ths-ounce No. 8 shot that, according to Federal, is making 1,145 feet per second at the muzzle of the gun.
In firing both the 1-ounce rifled slug as well as the No. 8 shot, recoil was observed to be somewhat more manageable compared to the author’s past experience with similar full-size loads. Performance of the slug could not be readily observed as the author was only able to shoot at small steel poppers during range day. However, the No. 8 shot was more than capable of busting electronically thrown clays well out to 30-40 yards despite unusually high wind at Media Day at the range.
If Federal’s performance claims prove to be true the new Shorty Shotshells will offer some unique capabilities to both recreational- and defensive-minded shooters. Namely, the ability to solve what is considered on of the traditional limitations of the shotgun: low capacity.