Anyone who has chased the pesky porcine plaguing much of the country knows one thing — those dang hogs are tough critters.
Too light a round or one without a properly constructed projectile doesn’t bring home the bacon. But Federal Premium is shooting to solve this dilemma with its latest release.
The subsidiary of Minnesota-based Vista Outdoor has introduced Vital-Shok High Density buckshot purely with pigs in mind. And while the shells will be new fodder for most smoothbore hunters, they have already proved their worth in the field.
The nine-pellet 00 shot has been utilized by a number of government contractors in hog culling operations. And if the tungsten-alloy pellets live up to Federal Premium’s specs, it is understandable why they have gained favor with this crowd.
The company lists a blistering 1,600 fps muzzle velocity on the buckshot, which should provide enough hitting power to persuade even the most determined hog to give up the ghost. The Vital-Shok rounds also feature Federal Premium’s Flightcontrol wads, meant to produce tighter, more consistent patterns.
The new buckshot seems to be a solid option for those who hunt where lead ammo is restricted. Presently, the company is only offering the ammunition for 12-gauge, in 2 3/4 shells. Vital-Shok High Density buckshot doesn’t come cheap, the MSRP on a box of five is currently $16.95.
A Little Something For Smoothbore Fans
Gun Digest Book of Shotguns Assembly/Disassembly
Gun Digest Guide to Modern Shotgunning
Understanding Ballistics: Complete Guide to Bullet Selection
Why You Can Trust Gun Digest
Since 1944, Gun Digest has been a trusted authority on firearms, shooting and shooting gear, delivering expert firearms reviews backed by nearly a century of experience. We go beyond standard reviews, combining hands-on independent gun testing, in-depth research, and expert insights from industry professionals and manufacturers.
Our reviewers are the bedrock of our testing and come from a comprehensive cross section of the shooting world. Their diverse backgrounds include law enforcement professionals, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and life-long firearms enthusiasts. In addition to being firearm experts, we are also thorough journalists adhering to the strictest standards of the profession.
For our readers, this means objective, unbiased reviews, free from outside influence. Our priority is to provide the information you need to make informed decisions—whether a firearm or piece of gear is a must-have investment or one to pass on.
Find out more about our Editorial Standards and Evaluation Process
