Federal splits its shotgun ammo into clear tiers: value target loads, everyday field loads and Premium hunting and defense loads. In .410 that gives you a short, focused menu. There’s a clay load, a skeet load, an upland load, steel for non-toxic areas, a TSS turkey load, two buckshot loads for handguns and a hollow point slug. This guide covers the Federal 410 ammo we carry and what each one is for.
Payload, shot size, pellet counts and velocity come from Federal’s published data.
Federal .410 loads at a glance
| Load | Line | Shell | Payload | Shot size | Velocity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Top Gun 410 Sporting 2-1/2 in. #9 | Top Gun Sporting | 2-1/2 in. | 1/2 oz | #9 | 1,330 fps |
| Federal High Over All 410 2-1/2 in. #8-1/2 | Premium High Over All | 2-1/2 in. | 1/2 oz | #8-1/2 | 1,200 fps |
| Federal Game Load 410 Upland Hi-Brass 3 in. #6 | Game Load Upland Hi-Brass | 3 in. | 11/16 oz | #6 | 1,135 fps |
| Federal 410 Waterfowl Steel Speed-Shok #6 | Speed-Shok Waterfowl | 3 in. | 3/8 oz | #6 | 1,400 fps |
| Federal Upland Steel 410 3 in. #6 3/8 oz | Upland Steel | 3 in. | 3/8 oz | #6 | not listed |
| Federal Heavyweight TSS 410 3 in. 13/16 oz #9 Shotshells | Premium Heavyweight TSS | 3 in. | 13/16 oz | #9 | 1,100 fps |
| Federal Premium 410 Handgun 000 Buck 3 in. | Premium Personal Defense | 3 in. | — | #000 Buck | 775 fps |
| Federal 410 Handgun Buckshot 2-1/2 in. 000 Buck | Premium Personal Defense | 2-1/2 in. | — | #000 Buck | 850 fps |
| Federal 410 Slug Power-Shok Hollow Point 1/4 oz | Power-Shok | 2-1/2 in. | 1/4 oz | — | 1,775 fps |
Before you buy, check your chamber. Several of these are 3 inch shells. A 2-1/2 inch chamber only takes 2-1/2 inch shells.
Target: Top Gun and High Over All
Top Gun is Federal’s value clay line. The Top Gun Sporting #9 carries 1/2 oz at 1,330 fps in a 250-round case. That speed helps on longer sporting clays stations. For skeet, the Premium High Over All #8-1/2 lists 1,200 fps. A softer, steady load like that is what many skeet shooters want for long sessions.
Either one is a good first-shell choice for a young shooter learning on a .410. Low recoil keeps new shooters having fun.
Field: Game Load Upland Hi-Brass
The Game Load Upland Hi-Brass #6 carries 11/16 oz of #6 lead in a 3 inch shell at 1,135 fps. That’s the extra payload you want for squirrels and rabbits. For doves where lead is legal, it also works on close birds.
Non-toxic: Speed-Shok and Upland Steel
Where non-toxic shot is required, Federal offers two steel options. The Speed-Shok Waterfowl #6 lists 1,400 fps with 3/8 oz. The Upland Steel #6 carries the same 3/8 oz payload for doves and upland birds. Steel is lighter than lead, so 3/8 oz of #6 steel is a small charge. Keep shots close. Our .410 steel shot guide goes deeper. Federal rules require non-toxic shot for waterfowl, and some states require it for other birds too.
Turkey: Heavyweight TSS
The Premium Heavyweight TSS #9 carries 13/16 oz of tungsten super shot at 1,100 fps. TSS is much denser than lead, so small #9 pellets keep enough energy for a turkey’s head and neck at close range. Pattern it through a turkey choke rated for TSS. Check your state’s rules for turkey; some set limits on gauge or shot.
Defense: Premium Personal Defense 000 Buck
Federal loads two .410 handgun defense shells with #000 buckshot:
- 2-1/2 inch, 4 pellets at 850 fps.
- 3 inch, 5 pellets at 775 fps.
Federal sells these as .410 handgun loads. Test them in your own gun before you rely on them. Laws on self-defense vary by state and city, so check your local rules. For more options, see our .410 self defense ammo guide.
Small game and deer: Power-Shok slug
The Power-Shok 1/4 oz hollow point rifled slug lists 1,775 fps in a 2-1/2 inch shell. It’s labeled for rifled or smooth bores. A 1/4 oz slug weighs about 109 grains, which is light for deer. Many states don’t allow a .410 for deer at all. Check your rules, and keep shots short.
How to choose a Federal .410 load
- Sporting clays: Top Gun Sporting.
- Skeet: High Over All.
- Squirrels and rabbits: Game Load Upland Hi-Brass.
- Non-toxic doves or ducks: Upland Steel or Speed-Shok.
- Turkey: Heavyweight TSS.
- Defense revolver: Premium Personal Defense 000 Buck.
Shop Federal 410 ammo
Federal’s .410 lineup is in our Federal .410 category. The steel, turkey and defense loads also appear in their own .410 categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Federal 410 ammo is best for squirrels?
Many hunters use the Federal Game Load Upland Hi-Brass #6. It carries 11/16 oz of #6 lead shot in a 3 inch shell at 1,135 fps. The 3 inch payload gives a fuller pattern than 2-1/2 inch shells. Keep shots close and pattern your gun first.
Is Federal 410 handgun ammo good for self defense?
Federal’s Premium Personal Defense .410 loads use #000 buckshot, with 4 pellets in the 2-1/2 inch shell and 5 in the 3 inch shell. They are made for .410 revolvers. Test them in your own gun at room distances, and check your state and local self-defense laws.
Does Federal make 410 TSS turkey loads?
Yes. Federal Premium Heavyweight TSS in .410 carries 13/16 oz of #9 tungsten super shot in a 3 inch shell at 1,100 fps. Pattern it through a TSS-rated turkey choke, and check whether your state allows a .410 for turkey.
Can you use Federal 410 slugs for deer?
Federal’s Power-Shok .410 slug weighs 1/4 oz, about 109 grains, and lists 1,775 fps. That’s light for deer, and many states don’t allow a .410 for deer hunting. Check your state’s rules. If allowed, keep shots short and place them carefully.
