28 GAUGE AND BULK 28 GAUGE AMMO

About 28 Gauge Shotgun Ammo

28 gauge shotgun ammo offers a unique balance of performance, handling, and reduced recoil.

Though not as common as 12 or 20 gauge, it has a loyal following among upland bird hunters and clay shooters who appreciate its lightweight feel and smooth shooting experience.

The 28 gauge is especially popular for smaller-framed shooters or those who want a more refined, less punishing round without giving up effectiveness in the field.

Common Names for Shotgun Ammo

Shotgun shells are often identified by gauge (such as 12, 20, or 28 gauge), which refers to the internal diameter of the shotgun’s barrel.

The term "28 gauge" is consistent across manufacturers and shooters. Shells may also be referred to by length (typically 2 ¾” for 28 gauge) and load type (such as birdshot, buckshot, or slugs).

Components of a Shotgun Shell

Like all shotgun shells, 28 gauge shells are made up of four main components:

• Hull: The plastic outer casing that holds the other components together.
• Primer: Located at the base of the shell, it ignites the powder when struck by the firing pin.
• Powder: The propellant that creates the explosion to propel the shot forward.
• Wad & Shot: The wad separates the powder from the shot and helps control the spread. The shot is typically made of lead or steel pellets, although slugs are available for specialized use.

Features of 28 Gauge Shotgun Shells

28 gauge shells are known for their:

• Light recoil, making them ideal for younger or smaller shooters.
• Slim shell design, typically measuring 2 ¾” in length.
• Balanced shot payload, often carrying between ¾ to 1 ounce of shot.
• High velocity and tight shot patterns, which are effective for small, fast-moving targets like birds or clay pigeons.

Despite their smaller payload compared to 12 or 20 gauge, 28 gauge shells offer surprising performance and control in the hands of experienced shooters.

Common 28 Gauge Ammo Uses

28 gauge ammo is most commonly used for:

• Upland bird hunting (quail, dove, grouse, and woodcock)
• Clay target sports (skeet, trap, and sporting clays)
• Recreational shooting
• Youth training and new shooter education

Its lighter recoil and precision make it ideal for long shooting sessions, while still offering enough punch for small game and competitive shooting environments.