Federal Ammunition just dropped a bombshell expansion to its Rob Roberts Raptor Steel waterfowl shotshell line, teaming up with the legendary Rob Roberts Custom Gunworks for six fresh 12-gauge and 20-gauge options hitting shelves in 2026. We’re talking heavy payloads packing sky-high pellet counts—think optimized velocities that deliver tighter patterns for slamming ducks and geese at range. This isn’t your grandpa’s birdshot; it’s precision-engineered steel shot engineered for lethal performance without the lead drama, blending Roberts’ custom firearms wizardry with Federal’s ammo dominance. If you’re patterning decoying mallards or pass-shooting Canadas, these loads promise the kind of downrange devastation that turns misses into freezer fillers.
Dig deeper, and this move screams strategic brilliance for the 2A ecosystem. Rob Roberts isn’t just a name—he’s the godfather of over/under shotgun innovation, and partnering with Federal bridges the gap between boutique custom builds and mass-market reliability. In a world where anti-gun zealots push lead bans and ammo regs, steel waterfowl loads like these fortify our hunting heritage, proving Second Amendment rights extend to the wetlands. High pellet counts mean better energy retention and pattern density, reducing cripples and maximizing ethical harvests—data from Federal’s testing shows velocity tweaks yielding 20-30% tighter groups at 40 yards compared to standard steel. For 2A enthusiasts, it’s a reminder: innovation thrives when industry heavyweights collaborate, dodging regulatory pitfalls while elevating everyday shooters.
The implications? This expansion democratizes elite performance, making Roberts-level ballistics accessible without dropping five figures on a custom gun. Waterfowlers get a leg up on public land hunts, and the ripple effect bolsters ammo stockpiles against potential shortages or hikes. Stock up now—because when Federal and Roberts align, it’s not just new shells; it’s a reloaded defense of our outdoor freedoms. Grab your calls and camo; the skies are calling.
