12 Gauge Ammo & Shotgun Shells.
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12 gauge is America's most popular shotgun shell. It covers almost everything: clay targets, upland birds, waterfowl, deer with slugs and home defense with buckshot. At Gunners Outlet we carry 12 gauge shotgun shells including birdshot, 00 buckshot and rifled slugs from Winchester, Federal, Remington, Aguila and more. Buy by the box or in bulk cases, and we ship fast from our New Hampshire warehouse. Compare loads easily with the price per round shown on every listing.
Choosing 12 Gauge Shotgun Shells
The first thing to match is shell length. Most 12 gauge shotguns chamber 2 3/4 inch and 3 inch shells, and some handle 3 1/2 inch magnums. Check the marking on your barrel and never use a shell longer than your chamber.
Next, choose the load for the job. Birdshot (sizes like #7 1/2 and #8) is for clays and small birds. Buckshot, especially 00 buck, carries large pellets for deer in some states and for home defense. Slugs are single projectiles for deer and hogs, with rifled slugs designed for smooth bores and sabot slugs for rifled barrels.
For home defense, many shooters pick reduced-recoil 00 buckshot for faster follow-up shots. Low-recoil target loads keep long days at the range comfortable. Whatever you shoot, buying 12 gauge shells by the case is the best way to save on every round.
Understanding Shot Sizes
With birdshot, smaller numbers mean larger pellets: #4 is used for pheasant and ducks, #6 for upland birds, and #7 1/2 to #9 for clays and doves. Waterfowl hunters must use non-toxic shot such as steel. With buckshot, 00 holds about nine pellets per standard shell and #4 buck holds more, smaller pellets.
Shot weight, measured in ounces, also affects recoil. A 1 ounce target load kicks much less than a 1 1/4 ounce hunting load, so choose lighter loads for long sessions at the range.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best 12 gauge ammo for home defense?
00 buckshot is the most common choice for 12 gauge home defense, and reduced-recoil versions make follow-up shots easier. Some shooters prefer #4 buckshot for less penetration through walls. Pattern your shotgun at home-defense distances to see how it performs.
12 gauge vs 20 gauge: which is better?
12 gauge carries a heavier payload and is more versatile, while 20 gauge recoils less and its guns are lighter. For waterfowl, turkey and defense, 12 gauge has the edge. For upland birds and smaller shooters, 20 gauge is a great choice.
410 vs 12 gauge: which is better?
12 gauge is far more powerful and versatile, while .410 has very little recoil and is used mainly for small game and young shooters. For defense and most hunting, choose 12 gauge.
What is the difference between buckshot and birdshot?
Buckshot uses a few large pellets for deer and defense, while birdshot uses many small pellets for birds and clay targets. Birdshot is not recommended for self defense because it penetrates too little.