Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Nickel 12 Ga, 2.75″, 1485 FPS, 1.3oz, 5 Shot, 25rd Box Fiocchi Ammunition

For Tennessee hunters who spend late afternoons working the edges of soybean fields or walking CRP ground in West Tennessee, the Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Nickel 12 Ga, 2.75″, 1485 FPS, 1.3oz, 5 Shot, 25rd Box Fiocchi Ammunition offers a reliable choice for upland birds. Whether you’re chasing ringnecks in the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee or pursuing quail along the Mississippi River bottoms, this load provides consistent patterns and clean kills. As a licensed FFL retailer serving Tennessee customers, we understand the demands of local hunting conditions and the importance of ammunition that performs in the field.

Product Overview and Intended Users

The Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Nickel is a 12-gauge shotshell loaded with 1.3 ounces of #5 lead shot, propelled at 1485 feet per second. This ammunition is designed specifically for upland bird hunting, with particular effectiveness on pheasants, but it also works well for other game birds like grouse, partridge, and woodcock. Target shooters who pattern their shotguns for hunting seasons will appreciate the consistent velocity and reliable ignition. This product is not intended for home defense, concealed carry, or competition shooting—it is a hunting-focused load built for the field. Collectors of specialty ammunition may also take interest in the nickel-plated hull, which offers corrosion resistance and smooth chambering.

Key Specifications

• Gauge: 12 Gauge
• Shell Length: 2.75 inches
• Shot Weight: 1.3 ounces
• Shot Size: #5
• Muzzle Velocity: 1485 feet per second
• Hull Material: Nickel-plated brass head with high-brass design
• Powder: Clean-burning propellant
• Primer: 209-type shotshell primer
• Rounds per Box: 25
• Packaging: Cardboard box with 25 shells
• Country of Origin: Italy (Fiocchi)

These specifications are drawn from the product name and industry-standard Fiocchi Golden Pheasant data. The nickel plating on the head is a notable feature, as it reduces friction during chambering and ejection, which can be beneficial in semi-automatic shotguns.

Feature Deep-Dive

The Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Nickel load uses a nickel-plated brass head, which provides several functional advantages over standard brass heads. Nickel plating resists corrosion better than bare brass, which matters when you are hunting in damp Tennessee mornings or after a rain. The smoother surface also reduces friction as the shell enters the chamber and as the spent hull is extracted, which can improve cycling reliability in semi-automatic shotguns like the Remington 1100 or Beretta A300. This is a practical detail that many hunters notice after a long day in the field.

The 1.3-ounce shot charge at 1485 FPS delivers a dense pattern with good energy retention at typical upland bird ranges. #5 shot size offers a balance between pellet count and downrange energy, making it appropriate for pheasants, which are larger and tougher than quail or dove. The velocity is high enough to provide flat trajectories, reducing the need for holdover at ranges out to 40 yards. Fiocchi uses a clean-burning propellant that reduces fouling in the barrel and action, which means less cleaning time after a weekend hunt and more consistent performance across multiple boxes.

Fiocchi’s Golden Pheasant line has been a known option among upland hunters for years, and the nickel variant adds durability. The high-brass head design is traditional for heavier field loads, providing structural support for the higher pressure generated by the 1.3-ounce shot charge. This design also aids in reliable extraction from chambered shotguns, especially in older models or guns with slightly tighter chambers. The crimp closure is consistent across the box, which helps maintain even patterns from shell to shell.

The 25-round box size is practical for hunters who want to carry a few boxes in a vest without excessive weight. Each shell’s nickel-plated head resists tarnishing, so ammunition stored in a gun safe or truck console remains usable longer. The hulls are reloadable, which is a consideration for handloaders who prefer to reuse components. Fiocchi uses a 209-type primer, which is standard and widely available for reloading purposes.

Pattern consistency is a notable aspect of this load. The 1.3-ounce charge at 1485 FPS produces patterns that are dense enough for clean kills on flushing pheasants, while still being manageable in terms of recoil. In a 12-gauge shotgun weighing around 7 to 8 pounds, felt recoil is present but not punishing, allowing for follow-up shots if needed. The #5 shot size provides adequate penetration on birds at typical shooting distances, reducing the likelihood of crippled game.

Finally, the Italian manufacturing at Fiocchi’s facility in Lecco ensures quality control standards that have been maintained for decades. Each lot is tested for velocity and pressure consistency, and the Golden Pheasant line is known for reliable ignition even in cold weather. For Tennessee hunters who face variable conditions from the frosty mornings of November to the warmer afternoons of early season, this reliability is a practical advantage.

Ideal Use Cases

• Pheasant Hunting: This load is purpose-built for pheasant hunting, providing enough shot weight and velocity for clean kills on roosters in open fields or heavy cover.
• Upland Bird Hunting: Works well for grouse, partridge, woodcock, and other upland species where #5 shot is appropriate. The 1.3-ounce charge is heavier than target loads, offering more reach.
• Pattern Testing: Hunters who pattern their shotguns before the season will find this load useful for verifying choke performance and effective range.
• Field Practice: Suitable for practicing with the same load you hunt with, ensuring consistent point of impact and familiar recoil characteristics.

This ammunition is not recommended for home defense, as #5 shot is smaller than typical defensive loads and may over-penetrate less predictably. It is also not designed for competition shooting, where lighter target loads are standard.

Compatibility Notes

These 2.75-inch shells are compatible with any 12-gauge shotgun chambered for 2.75-inch or 3-inch shells. They function reliably in pump-action shotguns like the Mossberg 500 or Remington 870, semi-automatics such as the Benelli Super Black Eagle or Browning A5, and over-under or side-by-side shotguns. The nickel-plated head aids extraction in semi-autos. For ammunition, stick with 12-gauge shells only—do not use in 20-gauge or other gauges. No special holsters or magazines are required, as this is loose ammunition. Accessories like shell carriers, vests, or belt pouches designed for 12-gauge shells will work. For reloading, the hulls accept standard 12-gauge wads and 209 primers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can this ammunition be shipped to my address in Tennessee?
Yes, we ship ammunition to all Tennessee addresses where local laws permit possession. We use a licensed carrier and require adult signature upon delivery. You must be 21 or older to purchase shotgun ammunition from us, and we verify age through our checkout process.

2. Do I need to go through an FFL transfer for ammunition?
No. Ammunition is not a firearm and does not require an FFL transfer in Tennessee. We ship directly to your door with adult signature required. However, some local ordinances in cities like Memphis or Nashville may have additional restrictions—please check your local laws before ordering.

3. Is this ammunition compatible with my 12-gauge shotgun that uses 3-inch shells?
Yes, these 2.75-inch shells will safely chamber and fire in any shotgun rated for 2.75-inch or 3-inch shells. They function well in both standard and magnum chambers. Do not use them in shotguns chambered only for 2.5-inch shells, which are rare but found in some older European guns.

4. What warranty or guarantee does Fiocchi offer for this ammunition?
Fiocchi provides a warranty against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship. If you experience a malfunction due to a defect, contact Fiocchi USA directly with the lot number from the box. We also stand behind our products—if your box arrives damaged, contact us within 48 hours for a replacement or refund.

5. Can I return this ammunition if I decide it is not right for my hunting needs?
Ammunition sales are final due to safety and regulatory reasons. We cannot accept returns on opened or unopened boxes of ammunition. If you are unsure about fit for your shotgun or hunting style, we recommend buying one box to test before purchasing multiple cases. Our customer service team can help with compatibility questions before you order.

Closing Call to Action

This Fiocchi Golden Pheasant Nickel 12 Gauge ammunition is available now for shipping across Tennessee. Whether you are preparing for the upcoming pheasant season in the Volunteer State or stocking up for upland bird trips, this load offers reliable performance in the field. Order your 25-round box today, and we will ship it directly to your Tennessee address with adult signature confirmation.