12 GAUGE AND BULK 12 GAUGE AMMO

About 12 Gauge Shotgun Ammo

12 gauge shotgun ammo is one of the most widely used and versatile types of ammunition in the world.

Whether you're a hunter, home defender, law enforcement officer, or sport shooter, 12 gauge shells are known for their powerful performance and adaptability across a wide range of applications.

From target practice and trap shooting to big game hunting and tactical operations, 12 gauge remains a top choice due to its balanced power, availability, and variety of load options.

Common Names for Shotgun Ammo

Shotgun ammunition is commonly referred to by its gauge rather than caliber.

The term “12 gauge” specifically refers to the number of lead balls the same diameter as the barrel that would collectively weigh one pound—so for a 12 gauge, it would take 12 of those lead balls.

Other popular gauges include 20 gauge and 410 bore, but 12 gauge is by far the most common.

Shotgun shells may also be described by the type of load they carry, such as birdshot, buckshot, or slug.

Components of a Shotgun Shell

A typical shotgun shell is made up of several key components:

• Hull: The outer casing, usually made of plastic with a metal base.
• Primer: Located in the base, the primer ignites the powder when struck by the firing pin.
• Powder (Propellant): Burns to create the pressure needed to fire the payload.
• Wad: A plastic or fiber component that separates the shot from the powder and helps maintain the shot pattern.
• Payload: The projectile(s) inside the shell, which can be small pellets (shot), larger balls (buckshot), or a single projectile (slug).

Features of 12 Gauge Shotgun Shells

12 gauge shells come in various lengths—typically 2 ¾”, 3”, and 3 ½”—with longer shells generally holding more shot or powder for increased power. You’ll find loads tailored for different tasks:

• Birdshot: Small pellets ideal for upland game, waterfowl, or clay shooting.
• Buckshot: Medium to large pellets, commonly used for home defense and hunting medium-sized game like deer.
• Slugs: Single, heavy projectiles best for large game hunting and tactical use.

Many 12 gauge shells also feature specialty coatings or wads designed to improve performance in specific conditions, such as reduced recoil, tighter shot patterns, or weather resistance.

Common 12 Gauge Ammo Uses

12 gauge shotgun ammo is valued for its adaptability, making it a popular choice across a variety of shooting activities.

Here are some of the most common uses:

• Hunting: Birdshot is commonly used for hunting upland game birds like pheasant, quail, and dove, as well as waterfowl such as ducks and geese (with the proper non-toxic shot).
• Buckshot: is effective for larger game, including deer and predators like coyotes, especially at closer ranges.
• Slugs: are ideal for big game hunting, offering greater range and stopping power, especially in areas where rifles are restricted.

Home Defense

The 12 gauge shotgun is a top choice for personal and home defense due to its stopping power and wide range of load options.

Buckshot is especially favored for its ability to deliver significant force while minimizing the risk of over-penetration compared to rifle rounds.

Law Enforcement and Military: Law enforcement and military personnel often use 12 gauge shotguns for breaching, crowd control, and close-quarters combat.

Tactical loads may include buckshot, slugs, and specialty rounds tailored for mission-specific needs.

Sport Shooting

12 gauge is widely used in recreational shooting sports such as:

• Trap and Skeet: Using lighter birdshot loads.
• Sporting Clays: Offering a realistic hunting simulation.
• 3-Gun Competitions: Where shooters engage in timed stages using shotguns, rifles, and handguns.
• Training and Practice: Affordable birdshot loads make 12 gauge a cost-effective option for practice and training.

These light loads allow shooters to become familiar with shotgun handling, aiming, and recoil management without excessive wear on the firearm or shooter.