Federal just clinched their eighth straight Gold Award for Best Shotshells from Predator Xtreme readers in the 2026 lineup, a dominance that’s no fluke—it’s a testament to their relentless innovation in a category where precision can mean the difference between a clean predator takedown and a miss that lets trouble roam free. Shotshell Product Director Dan Compton zeroed in on the Federal Premium Buckshot 4B load as a standout, praising its copper-plated pellets that resist deformation for tighter patterns at distance. This isn’t just ammo; it’s engineered lethality for hunters facing coyotes, hogs, or worse under low-light chaos, where every pellet counts. In an era of ammo shortages and regulatory scrutiny, Federal’s streak signals reliability you can stake your hunt—and your Second Amendment rights—on.

For the 2A community, this award underscores a bigger picture: shotshells like these aren’t hobbies; they’re tools for rural defense against invasive species that threaten livestock, crops, and communities. Copper-plated buckshot minimizes lead fouling in semi-autos, ensuring your defensive shotgun cycles flawlessly when seconds matter, whether that’s varmint control or hypothetical home protection scenarios. As anti-gun forces push lead bans and capacity limits, Federal’s voter-approved supremacy (that’s 8-for-8 from real-world users) bolsters the case for performance-driven ammo free from bureaucratic meddling. It’s a win for shooters who demand excellence, reminding us that market choice, not mandates, drives the best defenses. Stock up—the predators won’t wait.