About Shotgun Ammo
Shotguns have been around since the 17th century, but the development of shotgun ammunition came much later. Early shotguns used round balls or large shot, and the guns were primarily used for hunting birds and small game.
In the mid-19th century, the introduction of brass shotgun shells with paper hulls revolutionized the use of shotguns. These shells could hold a larger amount of shot and gunpowder, allowing for a more effective and powerful shot.
By the late 1800s, shotgun ammunition had evolved to include a variety of sizes and types of shot, including buckshot and slug rounds. The use of shotguns in military and law enforcement also led to the development of specialized ammunition, such as breaching rounds and less-lethal options like beanbag rounds.
Today, shotgun ammunition continues to be a popular choice for hunting and sporting purposes, as well as for home defense and law enforcement applications.
The development of new materials and manufacturing techniques has led to the creation of high-performance shotgun shells with greater accuracy and stopping power.
Shotguns are the most versatile firearms on the market. They can be used for competitions of all kind, for home defense, and hunting almost any animal in the United States.
The difference all lies in the ammunition you choose for the job. At Ammunition Depot we carry a wide selection of popular shotgun shells including buckshot, birdshot, and slugs available by the box, case, or in bulk.
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.
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.