Overview of Shotgun Ammo
Shotgun ammunition has played a crucial role in the evolution of firearms and continues to be one of the most versatile and widely used ammo types in the world.
From its roots in the 17th century to its modern-day performance, shotgun shells have been essential for hunting, sport shooting, home defense, and even law enforcement and military operations.
Though early shotguns were used as far back as the 1600s, true shotgun ammunition began taking shape in the mid-19th century. Initially, hunters loaded loose black powder and lead shot into muzzleloaders.
The real breakthrough came with the invention of brass and paper shotgun shells, which allowed shooters to load and fire multiple pellets (or slugs) from a single, reloadable cartridge.
These early shells laid the groundwork for the development of modern shotgun shells in various gauges and configurations—ranging from light birdshot for fowl to powerful buckshot and slugs for big game and self-defense.
By the late 1800s, manufacturers had expanded shotgun shell offerings to include specialized loads like buckshot, slug rounds, and non-lethal options such as bean bags and rubber pellets.
This innovation greatly expanded the usefulness of shotguns for tactical use, including law enforcement breaching rounds and riot control measures.
Today, shotgun ammo benefits from advanced materials and precision engineering, resulting in shells that offer tighter patterns, reduced recoil, and enhanced terminal performance.
Whether you’re aiming for a turkey at 30 yards or protecting your home, there’s a shotgun load perfectly suited for the task.
Why Shotgun Ammo Remains a Favorite
Shotguns remain a go-to firearm for their unmatched versatility.
The right 12 gauge or 20 gauge ammunition can allow one firearm to serve multiple purposes—from clay target shooting to deer hunting and home defense. That adaptability has made shotgun shells an essential component in every shooter’s gear.
At Ammunition Depot, we offer a full range of shotgun ammunition for every need:
- Birdshot for upland and waterfowl hunting
- Buckshot for personal protection and tactical use
- Slugs for big game hunting and long-range stopping power
- Bulk shotgun ammo for sport shooting, training, or stocking up
Popular Types of Shotgun Shells
10 Gauge Ammo
10 gauge ammunition is one of the most powerful shotgun rounds available, traditionally used for hunting large birds like geese and for big game hunting. Its large size delivers significant recoil, making it more suitable for experienced shooters.
12 Gauge Ammo
The most popular and versatile shotgun ammo, 12 gauge, is used by hunters, sport shooters, and law enforcement. It comes in various loads, from light target loads to heavy buckshot, making it suitable for everything from clay pigeon shooting to home defense.
16 Gauge Ammo
16 gauge offers a middle ground between the 12 gauge and 20 gauge, providing a balanced option for hunters and sport shooters. It's less common but appreciated for its reduced recoil while still maintaining effective power for hunting medium-sized game.
20 Gauge Ammo
20 gauge ammunition is favored for its lighter recoil, making it an excellent choice for younger shooters and those of smaller stature. It's effective for hunting smaller game and bird shooting, as well as being a popular choice for skeet and clay shooting.
28 Gauge Ammo
The 28 gauge is one of the smaller shotgun cartridges, delivering even less recoil than the 20 gauge. It's prized for upland game hunting and sport shooting, offering precision and challenge due to its lighter payload.
410 Shotgun Ammo
The .410 bore, often simply called the "410 shotgun," is the smallest of traditional shotgun sizes. It's frequently used for teaching beginners due to its minimal recoil, and it's also popular for small game hunting and pest control.
Exotic Shotgun Ammo
Exotic shotgun ammunition includes a variety of specialized rounds designed for specific purposes beyond traditional hunting and sport shooting. These can range from non-lethal rubber bullets to incendiary rounds, each offering unique capabilities for different situations.
Dragons Breath Ammo
Dragons Breath ammo is a type of exotic shotgun shell that, when fired, emits a large plume of fire and sparks, mimicking a dragon's breath. It's primarily used for spectacle and demonstration due to its dramatic visual effect.
Components of a Shotgun Shell
A shotgun shell is a self-contained cartridge filled with metallic 'shots' - small spherical projectiles contained in a plastic or paper tube called a hull.
Located beneath the shot is the wad or wadding - Usually constructed from paper or plastic, the wadding creates a barrier between the shot and the powder.
- The Shot: A shotgun shell is a self-contained cartridge filled with metallic 'shots' - small spherical projectiles contained in a plastic or paper tube called a hull.
Most shots are made from metal (lead, steel, tungsten, or bismuth). However, non-lethal shotgun shells can be loaded with rubber, rock salt, or small bean bags. - The Wad: Located beneath the shot is the wad or wadding, usually constructed from paper or plastic. The primary purpose of the wad is to prevent the shot and powder from mixing and provide a seal that prevents gas from blowing through the shot rather than propelling it.
- The Powder: Original 12 Gauge Shotgun Shells initially used black powder. However, today's modern 12 Gauge Ammo utilizes a far more efficient smokeless powder that takes up far less space.
- The Hull: Usually made from paper or plastic, the hull is a tube often capped at the base by a metallic head cover that retains a primer, and a wadding inside the case typically contains the shot charge.
Top Brands of Shotgun Shells
- Browning
Renowned for its legacy in firearms, Browning shotgun shells live up to the brand’s high standards of performance and innovation.
Designed for both upland and waterfowl hunting, Browning shells are known for their hard-hitting power, uniform patterns, and reliable ignition. Whether you’re in the blind or at the range, Browning delivers dependable results with every pull of the trigger. - Federal Premium
A household name in ammunition, Federal shotgun shells are celebrated for their cutting-edge technology and superior ballistic performance.
Federal offers a wide variety of loads, including the game-changing Black Cloud, Top Gun, and Premium Turkey lines. With options for every gauge and purpose, Federal remains a top choice for hunters, clay shooters, and tactical users alike. - Remington
One of the oldest ammunition manufacturers in the U.S., Remington continues to produce high-quality shotgun ammo known for consistency and value.
Popular lines like Remington Nitro, Premier, and Slugger are staples among upland bird hunters, deer hunters using slugs, and sport shooters. With over a century of experience, Remington is a brand you can count on for accuracy and reliability. - Rio Ammunition
Rio shotgun shells are a favorite among budget-conscious shooters who don’t want to sacrifice quality.
Manufactured in Spain and widely available in the U.S., Rio offers a broad selection of competition, hunting, and tactical loads. Their low recoil options and dependable ignition make them especially popular for trap, skeet, and sporting clays. - Kent Cartridge
Known for innovation in waterfowl and upland bird hunting, Kent Cartridge produces some of the most advanced non-toxic shotgun shells on the market.
Their Fasteel, Bismuth, and Elite Target lines are engineered for consistent velocity, tight patterns, and environmental responsibility, making Kent a go-to choice for serious bird hunters.
Features of Shotgun Shell Ammo
GAUGE
Shotgun ammunition is categorized by gauge, which refers to the diameter of the shotgun barrel. Common gauges include 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and 410 bore.
SHOT SIZE
Shotgun shells can contain a variety of shot sizes, ranging from tiny #12 shot used for small birds to large 00 buckshot used for self-defense. The size of the shot can affect the pattern and penetration of the shot.
SHELL LENGTH
Shotgun shells come in different lengths, such as 2 3/4 inches, 3 inches, and 3 1/2 inches. Longer shells typically have greater powder capacity and can provide more power to the shot.
TYPE OF SHOT
Shotguns can fire a variety of shot types, including lead, steel, and bismuth. The type of shot can impact the penetration, lethality, and environmental impact of the ammunition.
SLUG
Some shotgun shells contain a single projectile, called a slug, that can provide greater accuracy and penetration than shot.
WAD
The wad is a plastic or fiber component that separates the shot from the powder and can affect the pattern and velocity of the shot.
Shotgun Ammo FAQ
QUESTION: What is shotgun ammunition?
ANSWER: Shotgun ammunition typically consists of a shell that contains both the projectile and the propellant. The shell can be loaded with different types of shot or slugs depending on the intended use.
QUESTION: What is a shotgun gauge?
ANSWER: Gauge is used for a shotgun like the caliber is on other guns. Gauge is a measurement of the shotgun’s bore, which is the empty space of the barrel’s interior. It isn’t a measurement like inches or centimeters; it’s related to the amount of weight that can pass through. It’s based on a lead ball that fits the bore and how many of them it would take to make up one pound. The lower the gauge number, the larger the barrel’s diameter
QUESTION: What is shot size and shell length?
ANSWER: Shot size refers to the size of the individual pellets contained in the shotgun shell. Common shot sizes include #8, #7.5, #6, and #4. The size of the shot can impact the pattern and penetration of the shot. Shotgun shells come in different lengths, such as 2 3/4 inches, 3 inches, and 3 1/2 inches. Longer shells typically have greater powder capacity and can provide more power to the shot.
QUESTION: What is shotgun choke?
ANSWER: A shotgun choke refers to the constriction at the end of the shotgun barrel. It can affect the spread and pattern of the shot as it exits the barrel.
QUESTION: How many shells can a shotgun hold?
ANSWER: Shotguns vary in capacity depending on the type of action they use and how many barrels they have. There are single shot break-action, double barrels and pump-action or semiautomatics. Because of that, capacity can vary from as low as one shell to as many as 10 or more.
QUESTION: How old do you have to be to buy shotgun shells?
ANSWER: Shotguns are considered long guns in general classification. This means they’re under the same regulations as rifles in regard to age restrictions. Ammunition is restricted under those same classifications, so the age to purchase shotgun shells is 18 years old — the same as purchasing a shotgun.
QUESTION: When do shotgun shells go bad?
ANSWER: There’s no set timeline on when a shotgun shell will go bad. As with most other ammunition, manufacturer recommendations suggest shotgun shells are good for around 10 years. However, proper storage can extend that for an indefinite amount of time. Shotgun shells are slightly more vulnerable to the elements than other types of ammo due to the casing construction. Proper storage is key to maintaining their life.
QUESTION: How do you store shotgun ammo?
ANSWER: Shotgun shells should be stored in a cool, dry location that is free from extreme changes in temperature. The plastic casings of the shells are more vulnerable than the brass of rifle and handgun rounds, so maintaining even conditions is a little more important. However, while they are more prone to changes in adverse conditions, they are by no means weak and can still handle basic temperature changes. If shotgun shells are stored with other ammo free of heat, moisture and drastic temperature changes, they will last as long as other ammunition.
QUESTION: What is the best shotgun ammo?
ANSWER: Shotgun ammo is incredibly diverse. It can be used for everything from small game to self-defense. The best ammo for a shotgun will vary depending on that use. Small game loads are best for hunting waterfowl and handling rodent issues, whereas rifled slugs are best for most defensive situations. However, individual situations will vary, so the best shotgun ammo depends on your circumstances and preferences.
QUESTION: Where can you buy shotgun shells?
ANSWER: Shotguns are common worldwide, even in countries with heavy gun restrictions, so finding shotgun shells is easier than finding most other types of ammunition. Shotgun shells are available at various retailers — even some general-purpose big box stores. As with other kinds of ammo, though, for best quality and availability, online retailers like Ammunition Depot are often the best solution.
QUESTION: How much do shotgun shells cost?
ANSWER: The price for shotgun shells is fairly consistent and not as subject to fluctuations as other ammunition, but it's also not completely immune to market forces. Price varies depending on gauge, with the more common gauges being cheaper. Cost can also vary based on the type of shot — buck, slugs, etc. Depending on supply and demand, the prices can range from $0.50 per round to a couple dollars depending on shot type and gauge.
QUESTION: Where can you buy shotgun shells in bulk?
ANSWER: While shotgun shells are common among several types of retailers, bulk options are not. Many gun stores and other sellers tend to keep a full supply, but only of smaller boxes. For bulk buying, online sellers like Ammunition Depot are recommended because they have a larger supply of bulk shotgun ammunition.