12 Gauge Ammo | 12 Gauge Shotgun Shells

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25rounds / $0.72per round

Federal Upland 12 Gauge 2.75" 1 1/8 oz 6 Shot USH126

$17.99
25rounds / $0.88per round

Federal Speed-shok 12 Gauge 2.75" 1 1/8 oz 6 Shot WF1456

$21.99
25rounds / $1.16per round

Federal Premium 12 Gauge 2.75" 1 1/4 oz 6 Shot PF1546

$28.99
10rounds / $2.20per round

Federal Premium 12 Gauge 3" 1 3/4 oz 6 Shot PFCX157F6

$21.99
10rounds / $2.70per round

Federal Premium 12 Gauge 3.50" 2 oz 6 Shot PFCX139F6

$26.99
5rounds / $5.90per round

Federal Premium 12 Gauge 3" 1 3/4 oz 6 Shot PTDX157567

$29.49
5rounds / $6.60per round

Federal Premium 12 Gauge 3.50" 2 oz 6 Shot PTDX139567

$32.99

About 12 Gauge Ammo

Originating in the 19th century, the 12 gauge shotgun shell quickly established itself as a versatile and popular choice in the realm of ammunition, thanks to its balanced size which provided sufficient power for a variety of applications while maintaining manageable recoil.

The gauge system from which it derives its name is based on the number of lead balls of the bore’s diameter required to make up a pound; in the case of the 12 gauge, this equates to 12 lead balls.

Originally loaded with black powder, the transition to smokeless powder in the late 19th to early 20th century marked a significant advancement, enhancing the shell’s energy output, reducing fouling, and minimizing recoil.

The mid-20th century brought further innovations with the adoption of plastic in shotgun shell manufacturing, a material switch that greatly improved weather resistance and durability compared to the previously used paper and brass designs.

Concurrent improvements in shot and wad designs led to enhanced performance and patterning, solidifying the 12 gauge’s reputation in both hunting and sport shooting circles.

Its versatility has made the 12 gauge a favorite among diverse groups ranging from hunters and sport shooters to law enforcement and individuals seeking a reliable home defense solution.

Whether used for hunting various game, from birds to deer, or participating in clay target sports like trap, skeet, and sporting clays, the 12 gauge has proven itself to be adept across numerous scenarios.

Additionally, its formidable stopping power, coupled with specialized self-defense ammunition, has established it as a trusted choice in personal protection.

In the 21st century, the 12 gauge continues to evolve with manufacturers offering a plethora of loads tailored for specific needs, ranging from low-recoil target loads to powerful buckshot and slugs suited for hunting and self-defense.

This ongoing innovation ensures that the 12 gauge shotgun shell remains a prevalent and favored option in ammunition, with its balanced characteristics ensuring its popularity for years to come.

Common Names for 12 Gauge Shotgun Ammo

Since its initial production, 12 Gauge Ammo has had many different name variations. Some of the most common include:

12 Gauge Shotgun Ammo
12 Gauge Shotgun Shells
12 Gauge Shells
12 GA Ammo
12 GA Shells

Regardless of your preferred terminology, 12 Gauge shotgun ammo has maintained high popularity over the years and are available from nearly every major American ammo manufacture.

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.

Although original 12 Gauge Shotgun Ammo used black powder, today's 12 Gauge Ammo utilizes smokeless 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.

12 Gauge Shotgun Shell Features

VERSATILITY
12 gauge ammo is extremely versatile and is commonly used for a wide range of applications, including hunting small game, shooting clay targets, and even home/personal defense.

RANGE OF LOADS
12 gauge ammo is available in a wide range of loads, including birdshot, buckshot, and slugs. This allows shooters to choose the best type of ammunition for their specific needs.

STOPPING POWER
12 gauge shotgun shells are known for delivering effective stopping power, making it a popular choice for home defense and law enforcement.

EFFECTIVE RANGE
12 gauge shotgun shells are effective at short to medium ranges, making it ideal for close quarters combat and hunting in dense brush or wooded areas.

RELATIVELY LOW RECOIL
Some 12 gauge shotgun ammo loads have relatively low recoil, making them easier to shoot and more comfortable for some shooters.

AVAILABILITY
12 gauge ammo is widely available for purchase online, at gun stores, or sporting goods stores, making it easy to find and purchase.

Additionally, 12 gauge ammo is relatively affordable compared to other types of ammo, making it accessible to a wide range of shooters.

Popular 12 Gauge Ammo Manufacturers

Federal Premium Ammunition
Federal is known for producing a wide variety of high-quality 12 gauge ammunition, catering to hunters, sport shooters, and those in need of personal defense options.

Remington
A storied name in firearms and ammunition, Remington offers a comprehensive selection of 12 gauge shells, including their popular Express and Nitro series.

Winchester
With a broad array of 12 gauge options, Winchester’s ammunition is favored for hunting, target shooting, and defense. Their Super-X and AA lines are particularly popular.

Fiocchi Ammunition
An Italian manufacturer with a strong reputation, Fiocchi produces a range of 12 gauge ammunition for hunting, competition, and personal defense.

Browning Ammunition
Known for firearms and ammunition, Browning’s 12 gauge offerings include options for hunting and target shooting.

Hornady
Hornady offers a selection of 12 gauge ammunition, including their Critical Defense line for personal protection and various hunting loads.

Aguila Ammunition
A Mexican manufacturer, Aguila’s 12 gauge ammunition is known for its reliability and affordability.

Sellier & Bellot
This Czech manufacturer offers a variety of 12 gauge ammunition, known for its consistent performance.

Rio Ammunition
Part of the MAXAM Outdoors group, Rio produces a wide range of 12 gauge shotgun shells, catering to hunters and competitive shooters.

12 Gauge Ammo FAQ

QUESTION: What does 12 gauge ammo mean?

ANSWER: Shotgun shells are measured in gauge, representing the total number of bore-size lead balls it takes to make one pound.

12 gauge shotgun shells have a bore of .73 inches containing 12 lead balls, each with a diameter of .73 inches, to make a pound of lead.

QUESTION: How many pellets are in a 12 gauge shotgun shell?

ANSWER: The number of pellets inside a 12 gauge shotgun shell depends on the type and size of the shot within the shell itself. There are six pellets in a 1oz 000 12 gauge shell and 585 pellets in a 1oz #9 12 gauge shell.

The heavier the cartridge, the more pellets the shooter can expect. The largest shotgun shell is a 000 shot (pronounced triple aught) and measures .36 inches in diameter. The smallest is a #9 shot with a diameter of .08 inches.

QUESTION: What is the best 12 gauge ammo for shotgun skeet and target shooting?

ANSWER: The best 12 gauge ammo for shotgun skeet, trap, and target shooting depends on the type of shotgun and the shooter's preference. 12 gauge shotguns push out a lot of power, and many owners opt for a load that offers reduced recoil.

Skeet shooters use a variety of shot sizes ranging from #8, #8.5, or #9, which are known for their short, high-density patterns.

Trap shooters prefer shot sizes ranging from #7.5 or #8. Consider options like Winchester, Remington, or Federal loads.

QUESTION: What is the best 12 gauge shotgun ammo for home defense?

ANSWER: When selecting 12 gauge ammo for home defense, owners need to consider factors such as penetrating power and overpenetration.

Although 12 gauge buckshot and birdshot ammo can cause significant damage to an intruder during a home invasion, many manufacturers produce specialty rounds designed exclusively for home defense.

Examples of home defense 12 gauge shotgun shells include:

Federal Personal Defense
Hornady Critical Defense
Winchester Defender

QUESTION: What are the different types of 12 gauge shotgun ammo?

ANSWER: 12 gauge ammo is available in various configurations and can differ in size or amount of pellets. Standard options available in 12 gauge buckshot include 000, 00, 0, #1, #2, and #3.

12 gauge birdshot include: #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #7.5, #8, #8.5, #9, and slugs. 12 gauge shotgun shells also come in different lengths (primarily 2.75 through 3.5-inch shells) and have different weights.

Another popular type of 12 gauge ammo is self-defense, which includes .4 buckshot and is made by manufacturers like Remington, Hornady, and Sellier & Bellot.

QUESTION: What is the shelf life of 12 gauge shotgun ammo?

ANSWER: Properly stored 12 gauge shotgun ammo can have a shelf life of many years, but it is important to check for signs of corrosion or damage before using any ammunition that has been stored for a long period of time.

QUESTION: What is the cost of 12 gauge shotgun ammunition?

ANSWER: The cost of 12 gauge shotgun ammo varies depending on the type of load and brand, but it is generally less expensive than other types of ammunition such as rifle cartridges.