SHOTGUN AMMO

About Shotgun Ammo

Shotgun ammunition has come a long way since its early beginnings in the 17th century.

Originally used for launching round balls or large shot, shotgun shells evolved significantly in the mid-19th century with the introduction of brass casings and paper hulls.

This innovation allowed for more efficient powder storage and better shot patterns, increasing both effectiveness and power.

By the late 1800s, specialized shotgun rounds like buckshot and slugs became available, expanding the role of shotguns beyond hunting into military, law enforcement, and home defense applications.

Today, modern manufacturing techniques have refined shotgun shells to deliver exceptional reliability, accuracy, and stopping power.

Shotguns remain one of the most versatile firearms available, useful in sport shooting, hunting everything from birds to large game, and for personal defense.

At Top Gun Ammo, we offer a wide selection of shotgun shells including birdshot, buckshot, and slugs – available by the box, case, or in bulk to help you find the right load for your purpose.

Purchasing Shotgun Ammunition Online

Maintaining a consistent supply of shotgun ammunition is crucial for all responsible firearm owners, whether you’re using your shotgun for hunting, sport shooting, or home defense.

However, the demand for shotgun shells, along with regional shortages, can sometimes make it difficult to find popular gauges like 12 gauge, 20 gauge, or 410 bore readily available at local stores.

Thankfully, buying shotgun ammo online offers a reliable and hassle-free solution to this issue. At Gun Ammo, we provide a wide selection of in-stock shotgun shells, ranging from 25-round boxes for casual shooters to bulk case lots for high-volume users.

Whether you need standard target loads for training, high-performance buckshot for hunting, or specialty slugs for home defense, shopping online often gives you better availability, more options, and competitive pricing compared to traditional brick-and-mortar stores.

Many gun owners may ask, “Can I buy shotgun ammo online?”

The answer is yes! As long as you are familiar with the ammunition laws in your state or municipality, purchasing online is legal in most places and is a convenient way to stock up – especially during times of high demand or limited supply.

Best of all, in many states, your shotgun ammo can be delivered directly to your door, saving you the hassle of visiting multiple stores and settling for what’s available on the shelf.

Shotgun Ammo Gauges

Shotgun shells are categorized by gauge, which refers to the barrel's diameter and directly affects power and recoil. Here’s a quick guide to popular gauges:

10 Gauge Ammo
A heavy-duty option ideal for hunting large birds like geese and big game. With strong recoil and power, it's best suited for experienced shooters.

12 Gauge Ammo
The most common and versatile gauge. Ideal for hunting, sport shooting, and self-defense, it comes in a wide variety of loads, from target to buckshot.

16 Gauge Ammo
Less common but appreciated for its balance between power and recoil. A favorite among traditionalists and upland game hunters.

20 Gauge Ammo
Known for reduced recoil, the 20 gauge is popular with younger shooters or those with smaller frames. It’s effective for bird hunting and recreational shooting.

28 Gauge Ammo
A lighter option with minimal recoil, great for upland game and sport shooting. Offers precision and control with less payload.

410 Ammo
The smallest widely used shotgun shell. Excellent for beginners, small game, pest control, and even self-defense in some specialized applications.

Shotgun Shell Components

Every shotgun shell is a carefully designed cartridge made up of multiple parts, each playing a key role in performance:

The Hull: Typically made from plastic or paper with a metal base that houses the primer. It contains all other components and ensures smooth feeding and ejection.
The Primer: Located at the base of the shell, it ignites the powder when struck by the firing pin.
The Powder: Modern shells use smokeless powder, offering cleaner burning and more efficient energy transfer than historical black powder.
The Wad: Separates the shot from the powder and helps maintain pressure behind the shot for better propulsion and pattern consistency. Usually made of plastic or fiber.
The Shot: A group of small spherical projectiles, commonly made from lead, steel, or other metals. Shot sizes vary based on the intended use, such as birdshot for small game or buckshot for larger threats.

Shotgun Shell Features

Shotgun ammunition offers a range of features to suit different needs and preferences:

Gauge
Refers to the internal diameter of the barrel. Determines the shell size and the firearm it can be used with.

Shot Size

Shot size affects pellet size and pattern. Smaller numbers (like #00 buck) indicate larger pellets, ideal for defense or large game. Higher numbers (like #8 or #9) are smaller and suited for birds or clay targets.

Shell Length

Common lengths include 2 ¾", 3", and 3 ½". Longer shells generally hold more powder and shot, delivering more power.

Type of Shot

Options include lead, steel, bismuth, and tungsten. Steel and bismuth are commonly used in areas with environmental regulations.

Slug

Some shells fire a single, large projectile for improved accuracy and deeper penetration—ideal for big game or self-defense.

Wad

A component that separates the powder from the shot and affects how the shot spreads after leaving the barrel.

Shotgun Ammo FAQs

Question: How long does shotgun ammo last?
Answer: Shotgun ammunition, when stored properly, can last for many years. The shelf life of shotgun shells is typically around 10 years, but it depends on factors like storage conditions. Keeping shotgun ammo in a cool, dry place away from extreme temperatures, humidity, and moisture will help prolong its lifespan. Properly stored ammo is less likely to degrade, ensuring optimal performance when you need it.

Question: How can I tell if ammo has gone bad?
Answer: Ammo that has gone bad often shows signs of physical damage such as rust, dents, or cracks in the shell casing. The primer may also become weak or fail to ignite if the ammo has been improperly stored. Additionally, if shotgun shells have been exposed to moisture, you may notice corrosion or discoloration, indicating they should not be used. Always inspect your ammo before use to ensure it is in good condition.

Question: What are the different types of shotgun shells?
Answer: Shotgun shells come in various types, each suited for specific purposes. The main types include:

Birdshot: Small pellets used for hunting birds and small game.
Buckshot: Larger pellets designed for hunting larger game and home defense.
Slugs: Solid projectiles used for hunting large game at longer ranges.
Target Loads: Lightweight loads for target shooting and clay pigeon shooting.

Each type of shotgun shell offers a unique combination of shot size, velocity, and performance, tailored to specific shooting needs.

Question: What are the components of a shotgun shell?
Answer: A shotgun shell consists of several key components:

Hull: The outer casing, typically made of plastic or brass, that holds the other components together.
Primer: The ignition component at the base of the shell that initiates the firing process when struck by the firing pin.
Powder: The gunpowder inside the shell that generates the pressure needed to propel the shot.
Wad: A piece of plastic or fiber that separates the powder from the shot and helps seal the shell to ensure consistent pressure.
Shot or Slug: The projectiles inside the shell. This can be small pellets (birdshot), larger pellets (buckshot), or a solid projectile (slug).

Question: What is the best shotgun ammo?
Answer: The best shotgun ammo depends on your specific needs and intended use. For general-purpose shooting, a 12-gauge shotgun with birdshot is a popular choice. For home defense, buckshot is often favored due to its stopping power and close-range effectiveness. For hunting, a slug is ideal for larger game. When selecting ammo, consider factors like gauge, shot size, and the shooting environment to find the best match for your shotgun.

Question: How do you store shotgun ammo?
Answer: To ensure that shotgun ammo remains in good condition, store it in a cool, dry environment, away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and humidity. Ideally, keep your shotgun shells in their original packaging to prevent damage and avoid storing them in damp areas such as basements. Use a climate-controlled storage space or a sealed container to maintain optimal conditions. Proper storage is crucial to ensure reliable performance when you need it most.

Question: What is shot size and shell length?
Answer:

Shot Size: Shot size refers to the size of the individual pellets inside the shotgun shell. The smaller the number, the larger the pellets (e.g., #00 buckshot is larger than #8 birdshot). The shot size you choose depends on the game you're hunting or the type of shooting you're doing.
Shell Length: The shell length refers to the overall length of the shotgun shell and is typically measured in inches (e.g., 2 ¾", 3", or 3 ½"). The length of the shell impacts the amount of powder and shot inside, affecting the shell's velocity and energy. Be sure to choose a shell length that matches your shotgun’s chamber specifications.

Question: How many shells can a shotgun hold?
Answer: The number of shells a shotgun can hold varies depending on the model and the magazine capacity. Most shotguns have a capacity ranging from 2 to 8 shells in the magazine. In addition, some shotguns may have a plug to limit the number of shells for hunting regulations. Always check the specifications of your shotgun to know its exact capacity.

Question: Can you buy bulk shotgun ammo?
Answer: Yes, you can buy bulk shotgun ammo from reputable online retailers and gun stores. Purchasing shotgun ammo in bulk can be more cost-effective, especially if you shoot regularly or are preparing for a hunting trip or competition. Bulk shotgun shells come in larger quantities, typically 250 to 500 shells per case, and offer convenience and savings for high-volume shooters. Be sure to check local laws and regulations when purchasing ammunition online, as some states have restrictions on ammo shipments.