About 12 Gauge Ammunition
The 12 Gauge shotgun shell is one of the most enduring and widely used types of ammunition in the world, trusted by hunters, sport shooters, law enforcement, and home defenders alike.
Introduced in the 1800s, 12 Gauge ammo gets its name from an old measurement system: it takes twelve lead balls of bore diameter to equal one pound.
This balance between size, power, and recoil made the 12 Gauge the standard by which other shotgun shells are measured.
Early 12 Gauge shells used black powder and paper hulls, but by the early 20th century, manufacturers had transitioned to smokeless powder and more durable plastic casings—enhancing reliability, reducing fouling, and making the rounds weather-resistant.
Today’s 12 Gauge ammo is highly engineered, with options designed for everything from competitive clay shooting to personal defense and hunting large game.
12 Gauge shells include buckshot, slugs, and birdshot, allowing shooters to tailor their ammunition to their specific needs.
Birdshot is ideal for hunting upland game and waterfowl, buckshot is a powerful choice for self-defense and deer hunting, while slugs offer rifle-like accuracy and stopping power for big game or tactical use.
This versatility has made the 12 Gauge a top pick in nearly every shooting discipline. Modern advancements also include reduced-recoil loads for beginners and premium defensive rounds with specialized wads and projectiles for maximum effectiveness.
Whether you're hunting turkey in the woods, defending your home, or busting clays on the range, 12 Gauge ammo delivers time-tested performance and modern innovation in every shell.
Common Names for Shotgun Ammo
Since its initial production, 12 Gauge ammunition 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, 12GA 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 shells utilize 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 12GA 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.
Features of 12 Gauge Shotgun Shells
VERSATILITY
12GA shotgun shells are extremely versatile and are commonly used for a wide range of applications, including hunting small game, shooting clay targets, and even home / personal defense.
RANGE OF LOADS
12GA shells are 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
12GA shotgun shells are known for delivering effective stopping power, making it a popular choice for home defense and law enforcement.
EFFECTIVE RANGE
12GA 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 ammunition loads have relatively low recoil, making them easier to shoot and more comfortable for some shooters.
AVAILABILITY
12 gauge ammunition is widely available for purchase online, at gun stores, or sporting goods stores, making it easy to find and purchase. Additionally, 12 gauge shells are relatively affordable compared to other types of ammo, making it accessible to a wide range of shooters.
Popular 12 Gauge Ammunition Manufacturers
Federal Premium 12 Gauge Shotgun Shells
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 12 Gauge Shotgun Shells
A storied name in firearms and ammunition, Remington offers a comprehensive selection of 12 gauge shells, including their popular Express and Nitro series.
Winchester 12 Gauge Shotgun Shells
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 12 Gauge Shotgun Shells
An Italian manufacturer with a strong reputation, Fiocchi produces a range of 12 gauge ammunition for hunting, competition, and personal defense.
Browning 12 Gauge Shotgun Shells
Known for firearms and ammunition, Browning’s 12 gauge offerings include options for hunting and target shooting.
Hornady 12 Gauge Shotgun Shells
Hornady offers a selection of 12 gauge ammunition, including their Critical Defense line for personal protection and various hunting loads.
Aguila 12 Gauge Shotgun Shells
A Mexican manufacturer, Aguila’s 12 gauge ammunition is known for its reliability and affordability.
Sellier & Bellot 12 Gauge Shotgun Shells
This Czech manufacturer offers a variety of 12 gauge ammunition, known for its consistent performance.
Rio 12 Gauge Shotgun Shells
Part of the MAXAM Outdoors group, Rio produces a wide range of 12 gauge shotgun shells, catering to hunters and competitive shooters.
Popular 12 Gauge Shotgun Models
Stevens 320 Field Grade 12 Gauge Shotgun
- Type: Pump-Action
- Why It’s Popular: The Stevens 320 is an affordable, reliable shotgun perfect for hunting, home defense, and sporting use. It features a rotating bolt and dual slide bars, ensuring smooth operation and durability.
Winchester SX4 12 Gauge Shotgun
- Type: Semi-Automatic
- Why It’s Popular: This fast-cycling, gas-operated shotgun is perfect for waterfowl hunting, upland game, and sporting clays. The Winchester SX4 improves upon its predecessor, the SX3, with better balance and reduced recoil.
Rizzini BR110 Sporting 12 Gauge Shotgun
- Type: Over/Under
- Why It’s Popular: A premium over/under shotgun, the BR110 Sporting is designed for trap, skeet, and sporting clays. Known for superb balance and craftsmanship, it provides exceptional handling and durability.
Mossberg 590A1 12 Gauge Shotgun
- Type: Pump-Action
- Why It’s Popular: Built for tactical and military use, the Mossberg 590A1 features an all-metal trigger assembly, a heavy-walled barrel, and legendary reliability, making it a favorite for law enforcement and home defense.
- Type: Pump-Action (Bullpup Design)
- Why It’s Popular: This innovative bullpup shotgun features dual magazine tubes, allowing shooters to carry up to 14 rounds of 12-gauge shells. Its compact design and high capacity make it a standout home defense and tactical shotgun.
Charles Daly 601 Tactical 12 Gauge Shotgun
- Type: Semi-Automatic
- Why It’s Popular: Designed for tactical and home defense applications, the Charles Daly 601 Tactical features a smooth-action semi-auto system, ghost ring sights, and a Picatinny rail for optics.
Beretta 1301 Tactical 12 Gauge Shotgun
- Type: Semi-Automatic
- Why It’s Popular: A law enforcement favorite, the Beretta 1301 Tactical is built for speed and reliability, featuring Beretta’s BLINK gas system, which cycles 36% faster than competing models.
- Type: Semi-Automatic (AR-Style)
- Why It’s Popular: The Armscor VR80 brings an AR-15-style design to the shotgun world, offering a magazine-fed system, adjustable stock, and familiar ergonomics for tactical shooters.
12 Gauge Ammunition FAQs
QUESTION: What does 12 gauge 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 ammunition for shotgun skeet and target shooting?
ANSWER: The best 12GA 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 12GA shotgun ammo for home defense?
ANSWER: When selecting 12 gauge shells 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 ammo shells?
ANSWER: 12 gauge shells are 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 12 gauge shell type 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 ammunition?
ANSWER: Properly stored 12 gauge ammo shells 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 ammunition?
ANSWER: The cost of 12GA 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.