Hey, Shorty! (Federal Force X2 Shorty Shotshells in 00 Buck, That Is)

Whatever your actual height, these low-recoil shotshells offer more ammo capacity and less recoil ... what's not to love?

by posted on June 8, 2022
Federal 12 Shorty Shotshell

The term "shorty" can either be slang for "woman" or a terrific new way to maximize your home-defense shotgun ... or both, if you prefer. Shorties, which are more properly called "sub-length," are 1 3/4" shotshells that have a lighter payload than traditional shotshells (which start at 2 3/4" long). This means two things: First, that if your shotgun is capable of cycling these shells, you will have far more rounds in the magazine than you could achieve with traditional shells. Second, that you will experience far less perceived recoil while shooting. Federal Ammunition has just announced its new Force X2 Shorties in 00 Buck, and this is good news no matter your height.

A few words are in order about the type of shotgun for which these shotshells was designed. The "shorty" has been around for some time, but was only approved by SAAMI (the organization that sets standards for ammunition) in 2019. Some shotguns have since been released that are specifically designed to cycle loads like these, such as the Mossberg 590S and the Smith & Wesson M&P12 shotgun. There are other, older shotgun models that can and will cycle these loads, but it may require a phone call to your gun's manufacturer to be certain. (You can find some more advice about using shorties in older shotties here.)

The Force X2 Shorty load is a 12-gauge shotshell that packs a punch with six-pellet 00 copper-plated segmenting buckshot. These pellets are designed to split in half when they hit the target, so you wind up with 12 projectiles. This does two things: First, it maximizes the stopping power of this lightweight load, and second, it reduces the risk of "overpenetration," meaning that those projectiles are much more likely to remain in the target (instead of passing through and potentially injuring an innocent party).

“The concept behind Force X2 is pretty straightforward," said  Jesse Whiteside, Federal's Senior Director of Product Management. "In a 6-pellet 00 FX2 Buck load you get 12 wound channels, and with the short size, you get more magazine capacity. It’s as simple as that.” The new Force X2 joins Federal's existing line of proven Federal Premium Personal Defense Shotshells, with all the same quality and performance you've come to expect. MSRP $28.99/box of 10; FederalPremium.com

 

Latest

Deering Straight Wall 1
Deering Straight Wall 1

What’s a Straight Wall Cartridge?

You’ve probably heard this term, but depending on the hunting laws in your state, you might have no experience with it. What is a straight-wall cartridge, exactly?

The Armed Citizen® Reload November 22, 2024

An intruder broke into a house with two women inside, but he soon realized he had chosen the wrong home.

Thank the Women of the Wampanoag for Thanksgiving

This year, when you construct your centerpiece, make it a tribute to the women that made this holiday possible.

How to Calculate Shotgun Lead

How do you know how much to lead that flying target?

Successful Firearm Training: The Classroom Experience

Are you an NRA Certified Instructor? Enhance your students' journeys by incorporating a variety teaching methods and effectively communicating with them.

Know Your Shot—So You Are Not Taking a Shot In the Dark 

There is a lot to know about using the correct type of size and shot for your intended shotgun activity. Take the time to learn this lesson ahead of time!

Women's Interests



Get the best of NRA Women delivered to your inbox.