Whether you’re breaking clays at Nashville Gun Club or working a field behind a pointing dog in West Tennessee, the Federal Top Gun Sporting 28 Gauge, 2.75″, 3/4oz, #9 Shot, 25rd Box delivers consistent, factory-loaded performance for shooters who value reliability over flash. This ammunition is built for the shooter who wants a soft-shooting, fast-handling round that puts patterns where they need to be—without punishing your shoulder after a long day of shooting. For Tennessee shooters who appreciate a gauge that balances light recoil with effective range, this Federal offering is a straightforward choice for both practice and competition.
What This Product Is and Who It’s For
The Federal Top Gun Sporting 28 Gauge load is a factory-fresh, 25-round box of ammunition designed primarily for clay target sports and upland game hunting. This is not a home defense or tactical round; it is purpose-built for shooters who spend their weekends on the skeet field, trap range, or walking behind bird dogs for quail, woodcock, and grouse. The 28 gauge is often favored by younger shooters, smaller-framed individuals, and anyone looking to reduce felt recoil while maintaining a dense, effective pattern at typical shotgun distances. This ammunition is also a strong choice for competitive sporting clays shooters who want a reliable, consistent load without the premium price tag of high-end target shells. Collectors and plinkers will find it useful for range days and function testing, but its primary audience remains the active shooter who values predictable performance round after round.
Key Specifications
- Caliber/Gauge: 28 Gauge
- Shell Length: 2.75 inches
- Shot Weight: 3/4 ounce (approx. 21 grams)
- Shot Size: #9 (small, dense pattern for breaking targets)
- Rounds Per Box: 25 rounds
- Muzzle Velocity: Approximately 1,200 feet per second (varies by barrel length)
- Primer: 209 shotgun primer, factory-sealed
- Hull Material: High-brass, plastic hull with crimp closure
- Powder Type: Clean-burning propellant for reduced fouling
- Packaging: 25-round cardboard box
These specifications are derived from Federal’s standard Top Gun Sporting line. Actual performance may vary based on your specific shotgun’s barrel length, choke, and chamber dimensions. The #9 shot size is optimized for breaking clay targets at moderate ranges and for small upland birds at close to medium distances.
Feature Deep-Dive
Federal’s Top Gun Sporting line is built around the idea that target ammunition should be consistent without demanding a premium price. The 28 Gauge, 2.75-inch, 3/4oz load is a direct response to shooters who want a softer-shooting alternative to 12 gauge or 20 gauge without sacrificing pattern density. The 3/4 ounce shot charge is a standard load for 28 gauge target shooting, providing enough payload to break targets reliably while keeping recoil noticeably low. This makes it an excellent choice for high-volume practice sessions or for shooters who are sensitive to shoulder fatigue. The #9 shot size, with its small pellets, creates a dense pattern that is particularly effective on close to medium-range clays, where a tight, even distribution increases the likelihood of a clean break.
The hull construction uses a high-brass head and a plastic body that resists swelling and ensures smooth feeding and extraction in most modern shotguns. Federal uses a clean-burning propellant that reduces residue buildup in the barrel and action, which translates to fewer interruptions for cleaning during a long day at the range. The primer is factory-sealed to protect against moisture, a useful feature for Tennessee shooters who may store ammunition in varying humidity conditions. Crimp closure is consistent across the box, which helps maintain uniform velocity and pressure from the first shell to the last. This consistency matters when you are trying to refine your swing or adjust your lead on a challenging target presentation.
Recoil management is a standout trait of this load. The 28 gauge, combined with the 3/4 ounce shot charge, produces noticeably less felt recoil than a standard 12 gauge target load. For a new shooter learning the fundamentals or an experienced shooter spending hours on the course, this reduction in recoil allows for better focus on form and follow-through. The 1,200 fps velocity is sufficient to reach targets at typical sporting clays distances (20-40 yards) without excessive lead or swing adjustment. It is not a hot load, but it does not need to be—the emphasis is on pattern quality and shooter comfort over raw speed.
The 25-round box size is practical for shooters who are testing a new gun, trying a different choke, or simply topping off their range bag. It is also a convenient size for those who do not shoot high volumes in a single session but still want factory-fresh ammunition. Federal’s quality control in their Anoka, Minnesota facility is well-regarded, and this load benefits from the same manufacturing standards as their premium target lines. You can expect consistent velocity, uniform shot size, and reliable ignition across the entire box. While not a budget “value pack,” the Top Gun Sporting line offers a good balance of performance and cost for the shooter who wants to avoid the variability of promotional loads.
Finally, the 28 gauge itself deserves mention. It is a gauge that sits between the 20 gauge and .410 bore, offering a unique blend of light recoil and effective pattern density. Many shooters find it easier to shoot well than a 20 gauge because the recoil is softer, yet it patterns more densely than a .410. This makes it a favorite for skeet and for upland hunting where shots are typically under 35 yards. Federal’s Top Gun Sporting load respects this balance, delivering a round that feels lively in the hand but gentle on the shoulder.
Ideal Use Cases
- Clay Target Sports: Skeet, trap, and sporting clays. The #9 shot and 3/4oz load are standard for breaking targets at typical competition distances.
- Upland Game Hunting: Quail, woodcock, and grouse at close to medium range. The dense pattern is effective on small, fast-flushing birds.
- Range Practice: Low-recoil training for new shooters or for those working on gun mount and swing mechanics.
- Youth and Small-Frame Shooters: The reduced recoil makes this a good choice for introducing younger or smaller shooters to shotgun sports.
- Competition Practice: Reliable, consistent performance for shooters preparing for registered shoots or league events.
This ammunition is not recommended for home defense, large waterfowl, or deer hunting. The #9 shot lacks the penetration needed for those applications.
Compatibility Notes
- Firearms: This ammunition is designed for 28 gauge shotguns with 2.75-inch chambers. Do not use in shotguns chambered only for 2.5-inch shells or in .410 bore firearms.
- Chokes: Works well with improved cylinder, modified, and full chokes. For sporting clays, a skeet or improved cylinder choke is typical for close targets, while a modified choke may be preferred for longer presentations.
- Holsters and Magazines: Not applicable. This is a shotgun shell, not a handgun or rifle round.
- Accessories: Compatible with standard shotgun shell carriers, belt pouches, and range bags designed for 28 gauge ammunition.
- Storage: Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid prolonged exposure to high heat or direct sunlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can this ammunition be shipped directly to my home in Tennessee?
Federal law requires that ammunition be shipped to a licensed firearms dealer (FFL holder) for transfer to you. In Tennessee, you may also have ammunition shipped to your home if you hold a valid Tennessee Handgun Carry Permit and the shipment is to your residential address. However, tn-guns.com ships all ammunition to your chosen FFL dealer for compliance and safety. You will need to provide the FFL’s information at checkout. Please check your local county ordinances, as some areas have additional restrictions.
2. What is the FFL transfer process for ammunition?
When you order ammunition from tn-guns.com, you select a licensed FFL dealer during checkout. We ship the ammunition to that dealer. Once the package arrives, the dealer will contact you to arrange pickup. You will need to present a valid government-issued ID and, in some cases, complete a simple logbook entry. There is no background check required for ammunition purchases in Tennessee, but the dealer may charge a small transfer fee. We recommend contacting your chosen FFL before ordering to confirm their fees and policies.
3. Is this #9 shot load suitable for all 28 gauge shotguns?
Yes, this ammunition is safe to use in any 28 gauge shotgun chambered for 2.75-inch shells. This includes most modern pumps, semi-automatics, and over/unders. If you own an older or vintage 28 gauge shotgun, we recommend having the chamber length verified by a qualified gunsmith before use. Do not use this ammunition in shotguns with shorter chambers (e.g., 2.5-inch) as it may generate unsafe pressure.
4. Does Federal Ammunition offer a warranty on this product?
Federal Ammunition provides a limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. If you experience a malfunction or defect, contact Federal’s customer service with the lot number from the box. tn-guns.com does not offer an additional warranty on ammunition, as we are not the manufacturer. We will, however, assist you in the claims process if needed. Please inspect your ammunition upon receipt and report any issues within 30 days.
5. What is your return policy for ammunition?
Due to safety and regulatory requirements, tn-guns.com cannot accept returns or exchanges on ammunition once it has left our facility. All ammunition sales are final. If your order arrives damaged or if there is a manufacturing defect, please contact us within 7 days of delivery. We will work with you and Federal Ammunition to resolve the issue. We strongly recommend inspecting all ammunition before accepting the shipment from your FFL.
Ordering and Tennessee Shipping
This Federal Top Gun Sporting 28 Gauge ammunition ships from tn-guns.com to your chosen Tennessee FFL dealer. We stock this item regularly and can process orders for pickup or local delivery within the state. For questions about shipping times, FFL locations near you, or bulk pricing, contact our team directly. We are a Tennessee-based FFL retailer and understand the needs of local shooters.
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