Federal Master Class 12 Gauge 2.75" 1 oz #8 Shot shotshells are a competition-focused target load built specifically for sporting clays and similar high-level disciplines. Designed around a customized Podium wad and a straight-wall hull, this ammunition aims to deliver consistent patterns, efficient energy transfer, and reliable performance for shooters who demand repeatable results over long practice sessions and registered events.
Key Features
Competition-level sporting clays design – Developed as a dedicated sporting clays load, with components and ballistics tuned for breaking fast, angular, and distant targets rather than general-purpose field use.
Customized Podium wad – Uses a specially designed Podium wad to work with the straight-wall hull, helping to cushion the payload, maintain shot integrity, and produce even, consistent patterns.
High-antimony lead shot – Employs high-antimony lead #8 shot to balance hardness and density, reducing pellet deformation in the bore and improving pattern quality at typical competition distances.
Straight-wall hull construction – Features a straight-wall plastic hull designed to work with the Podium wad for predictable internal ballistics and consistent performance from shell to shell.
Inserted plastic base wad – Incorporates an internal base wad to support the shot column and maintain hull rigidity, contributing to uniform ignition and reliable cycling in quality sporting shotguns.
Striated tube – Uses a striated hull body to help with structural integrity and feed characteristics while providing a distinctive visual appearance.
Brass-plated steel head – Includes a brass-plated steel head for secure chambering, positive extraction, and durability under repeated use in competition.
Reliable primer and propellant – Assembled with a consistent primer and carefully selected propellant to generate stable velocities and pressures across changing conditions.
Generational Improvements
Enhanced wad and hull pairing – Refines traditional target-load designs by pairing a purpose-built Podium wad with a straight-wall hull, improving gas sealing and payload cushioning compared with older, more generic wad systems.
Higher shot quality than basic target loads – Upgrades from conventional soft target shot to high-antimony lead, which is better able to resist deformation and preserve pattern density throughout the shot string.
Pattern and recoil optimization for modern courses – Balances a 1 oz payload with higher competition velocities to meet the demands of modern sporting clays and FITASC layouts, offering a blend of target-breaking energy and manageable recoil compared with many heavier handicap-style loads.
Component consistency for volume shooters – Emphasizes consistency in hulls, wads, primers, and propellant to provide more uniform performance over large round counts than earlier, economy-focused target lines.
Specifications
Model number – MC12HC18.
Gauge – 12 gauge shotshell.
Shell length – 2 3/4 inches (2.75 inches) for use in 12-gauge chambers of that length or longer.
Shot size – #8 lead shot for typical sporting clays and general target presentations.
Payload weight – 1 ounce total shot payload.
Muzzle velocity – Approximately 1300 feet per second from a standard 12-gauge test barrel.
Dram equivalent – 3 1/4-dram equivalent class performance for a 1 oz target load.
Shot composition – High-antimony lead pellets formulated for reduced deformation and improved pattern integrity.
Wad design – One-piece Podium wad specifically tuned for use with the straight-wall hull configuration.
Hull construction – Straight-wall plastic hull with an inserted plastic base wad and striated tube for structural support and consistent combustion.
Head material – Brass-plated steel head for reliable extraction and durability.
Primer type – Modern, non-corrosive primer suitable for high-volume target shooting.
Intended use – Designed primarily for sporting clays, FITASC, and other clay-target disciplines; also appropriate for general target practice with compatible 12-gauge shotguns.
Packaging – 25 rounds per box, with 10 boxes per full case (250 rounds total).
Country of manufacture – Produced in the United States.
Competing Items
Winchester AA Super Sport 12 Gauge target loads – Premium 12-gauge target ammunition offering high-performance wads and hardened shot for competitive skeet, trap, and sporting clays.
Remington Premier STS 12 Gauge target loads – Well-regarded competition shotshell line featuring quality shot, hulls, and components tailored for consistent clay-target performance and reloadability.
Fiocchi Exacta Target 12 Gauge loads – Competition-oriented target shells optimized for consistent velocities and patterns across various clay-target games.
Browning BPT Performance Target 12 Gauge loads – Target ammunition engineered for clay shooting disciplines, using carefully selected shot and wad systems for repeatable patterns.
Conclusion
Federal Master Class 12 Gauge 2.75" 1 oz #8 Shot shotshells are built as a dedicated sporting clays load for shooters who value consistent, predictable performance over many rounds. By combining a customized Podium wad, high-antimony #8 shot, a straight-wall hull, and reliable ignition components, this ammunition is configured to deliver uniform patterns and target-breaking energy on modern sporting layouts while maintaining a controllable 1 oz payload.
Manufacturer Disclaimer
Please visit the manufacturer's website for more information.