SHOT Show 2017: Federal Premium Gold Medal Grand Shotshells

by
posted on January 19, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
fp_gm_gmt1158_goldmedal12ga_l.jpg

Product developers at Federal Premium took inspiration from the past to come up with a new shotshell line—the Gold Medal Grand—that promises to deliver an edge in today’s highly competitive clay-target world. By updating a long-discontinued two-piece wad with new Soft-Cell technology, a momentary setback occurs—the wad compresses, slightly—as the shot is fired. Doing so lessens shot deformation, and the result is rounder pellets that produce consistent, dense patterns. The cushioning effect also reduces felt recoil, noticeably so when compared with the company’s traditional paper-hull tournament loads.

Gold Medal Grand loads also benefit from being the first shotshells loaded with Federal’s proprietary Catalyst primer, which contains no lead styphnate, but instead incorporates an aluminum component that produces a hotter firing temperature, which in turns helps to ensure that the powder charge burns more thoroughly and more consistently. Primer performance is also maximized by the new PrimerLock head that holds the 209s rigidly, thus improving sensitivity to the hammer strike.

Available in a total of 10 No. 7½ and No. 8 loadings, the white-hulled Gold Medal Grands promise to become a fixture on trap, skeet and sporting clays winner’s circles.  

Latest

Steiner Predator: 4S 4-16X 44 mm
Steiner Predator: 4S 4-16X 44 mm

Review: Steiner Predator: 4S 4-16X 44 mm

The benefit of a lightweight rifle is lost the moment you top it with a clunky, overweight optic, particularly a lengthy one. To that end, we are starting to see an emphasis on riflescopes that are less cumbersome when mounted, such as Steiner’s Predator 4S.

A Carry-Ready Classic: Outfitting A Ruger Speed-Six Revolver

Already a fan of Ruger’s long-discontinued double-action Security-Six, Police Service-Six and Speed-Six revolvers, I simply couldn’t pass up the opportunity to acquire one of the latter in 9 mm Luger when an unfired, 42-year-old example turned up at a gun show.

Old Glory Bank Sponsors 2025 National Youth Shooting Sports Conference

Old Glory Bank, which provides banking services to NRA-affiliated clubs and associations, served as the presenting sponsor for the National Youth Shooting Sports Conference in October.

Shooters, Listen Up! Take Hearing Health Seriously

When it comes to the five senses, hearing is one of the most susceptible to damage from the shooting sports. Now, the latest electronic technology gives compromised ears a new lease on life—and protects them from further harm.

The Armed Citizen® Nov. 17, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

NRA Supports Hunters For The Hungry Programs

In 2025, Hunters for the Hungry programs across the United States will have extra support from the National Rifle Association, thanks to NRA Foundation donors.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.