Federal says not to shoot Black Cloud ammo through a ported barrel. Wonder just how much the ported barrel effects the pattern. Anyone ever tried patterning it?

I don't shoot a ported barrel, but haven't seen any Federal info steering you away from it. Where did you see it? I wonder if it is related to the flite-control wads they have developed?

I shoot 12ga 3" for geese, 12ga and 20ga 2 3/4" ducks and pheasant. it patterns well in my guns.

I use Bis-Maxx for the antique doubles and Winchesters.

The possibility of rough edges on a ported choke/barrel will have a tendency to scrape the wad as it passes thru the choke. Seen many people shoot lead thru ported chokes with no problem other than the ports eventually start getting plastic buildup for the above reason. However, it takes a lot of shooting.

Black Cloud being steel shot with thicker wads may cause this to happen quicker. Thinking that it could cause a pressure spike if the buildup became overally excessive, but that could also occur with the lead shells. Clean them periodically and I can't see it being a problem. No reason patterns should suffer unless the chokes/barrel become excessively clogged.

Give Federal a call. I'm sure they will answer your question.

My barrel isn't ported but my chokes are. I have shot Black Cloud zero problems with it.

And I wouldn't expect any. However, Federal has this on their website. Seems a little strange to me.

Q: Will Black Cloud work with my aftermarket choke?
A: Black Cloud FS Steel� uses the proprietary FLITECONTROL� wad-designed to leave the barrel with the shot to keep your pattern tight and get to the ducks quicker. For maximum performance we recommend using standard, factory chokes that do not strip the wad or reduce muzzle pressure. We are currently working with popular choke companies on new tubes specially designed for Black Cloud.

They say for maximum performance, not that it would cause any dangerous condition.