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12 Gauge Ammo
About 12 Gauge Ammo
Used by hunters, sport shooters, military, and law enforcement – the 12 gauge is the most used shotgun shell today and it has existed in its current cartridge configuration since the late 1800s.
Twelve gauge rounds, often seen written as 12ga, are used in a variety of situations, including hunting birds and small game, recreation shooting, and home defense.
These ammunitions provide a variety of options in close quarters, but don’t perform well at long distance shots. , Because the projectiles quickly lose their velocity, they require a close-range target, typically 45 yards or less.
Common Names for 12 Gauge Ammunition
Since its initial production, 12 Gauge Ammo has had many different name variations. Some of the most common include:
| • 12 Gauge Ammo | • 12 Gauge Shotgun Shells | 12 Gauge Shells |
| • 12GA Ammo | • 12 GA Shells | • 12GA Shot |
Regardless of your preferred terminology, 12 Gauge Shotgun Shells have 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
12 gauge ammunition is a versatile cartridge that can be used for a variety of purposes, including hunting small game and birds, shooting clay targets, and for self-defense.
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.
12 gauge ammunition delivers good stopping power, making it an effective choice for self-defense and hunting larger game.
Birdshot and buckshot loads typically use larger pellets than other types of ammunition, which allows them to cover a wider area and increase the chances of hitting a moving target.
While 12 gauge ammo can produce significant recoil, it is typically less than other shotgun cartridges, making it easier to shoot accurately for extended periods of time.
12 Gauge Ammo FAQ
What does 12 gauge ammo mean?
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.
How many pellets are in a 12 gauge shotgun shell?
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.
What is the best 12 gauge ammo for shotgun skeet and target shooting?
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.
What is the best 12 gauge shotgun ammo for home defense?
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
What are the different types of 12 gauge shotgun ammo?
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.
