From Federal:
Upon impact, nine buckshot pellets break into up to eighteen, dumping more energy and doubling wound channels to deliver the best terminal performance possible in any buckshot load.
There have been vast improvements in rifle and pistol bullets over the last century, but buckshot has remained largely unchanged for more than 100 years.
During that time, generations of Americans have protected themselves, their loved ones, and their homes with buckshot-loaded shotguns, relying on buckshot’s ample knockdown power and oversized pattern to quickly and effectively neutralize any threat.
Federal, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of buckshot ammunition, recognized the opportunity to improve pellet design for buckshot. They set out to develop a buckshot load that hits like a train, forcing the target to absorb the full force of the pellets’ power. And because the payload is designed with the goal of remaining inside the target, it also minimizes the risk of over penetration. The result is their new 12-gauge, 2 3/4-inch Force X2 Buckshot ammunition.
Force X2 is designed for close-range personal defense scenarios. The load boasts a 9-pellet, 1-ounce, 00 buckshot payload leaving the muzzle at 1,245 feet-per-second (fps). The pellets are copper-plated, and the payload is buffered. These features protect the pellets from deformation during the firing process, leading to more consistent patterns.
The shotshell is roll-crimped for a tight payload pack, and for no issues with leaky buffer. Other features include quality print on hull; a brass-plated steel high head; consistent, specially-formulated propellant; extremely reliable Federal primer with sealant; and more.
Force X2 utilizes Federal’s Triple Plus Wad Column (two-pieces: a W9 post with W6 shot cup) that is also found in several of their popular Top Gun and other buckshot loads. Since Force X2 splitting pellets need to create their own wound channels in order to segment, this wad system was chosen to help deliver the open pattern ideal for close-range performance.
Unlike traditional buckshot, Force X2’s 9 copper-plated, spherical-style pellets are designed with a central slit to initiate separation upon impact. X2 pellets use a high antimony, quality lead core that that customers come to expect from a Federal Premium product. The pellets central slit, or “mouth” leaves a defined hinge at the pellets edge, some say the pellets have a “Pac-Man” shape. Upon striking an object, each pellet is designed to separate and create up to 18 distinct wound channels that travel to an ideal depth for personal protection.
The result of splitting buckshot is massive target damage due to a larger transfer of kinetic energy caused by the projectile entering the target and its action of breaking apart inside. The action of dumping energy to break into smaller pieces also results in slowing down the pellets. In general, this effect also reduces over penetration, decreasing the risk to bystanders.
Because Force X2 segmenting 00 buckshot has a similar profile to standard 00 buckshot there’s minimal point of impact shift between these two loads. With an optimal muzzle velocity, Force X2 ammunition generates manageable recoil for faster follow-up shots while maintaining plenty of threat-stopping power.
Testing by Federal engineers conducted at the Federal Ammunition factory in Anoka, Minnesota showed patterns of 4 ½ inches at 7 yards and 14 inches at 20 yards using an improved cylinder choke. Patterns of 4 ¼ inches at 7 yards and 12 inches at 20 yards were achieved with a modified choke.
Tests using 10-percent ballistic gel were also conducted by Federal engineers. The range of penetration depth of the segmented pellets in ballistic gel is 5 ¼ to 14 ½ inches with an average of 9 ½ inches. The average depth when pellets start segmenting is 4.5 inches after impact.
Force X2 segmenting 00 buckshot produces up to twice as many wound channels as traditional 00 buckshot and effectively dumps large amounts of energy into the target for the best terminal performance available in Federal’s buckshot line-up. This outstanding terminal performance quickly and effectively eliminates threats, like no other, making it the premier ammo choice for personal defense shotguns.
Federal’s new 12-gauge, 2 3/4-inch Force X2 1-ounce 00 Buckshot ammunition is available in 10-count boxes and carries an MSRP of $18.95 per box. Federal ammunition can be found at dealers nationwide or purchased online direct from Federal. For more information on all products from Federal or to shop online, visit www.federalpremium.com.