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12 Gauge

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12 gauge ammunition or shells are the most popular shotgun rounds in the world as well as among United States civilian sport shooters and hunters. You'll find 12 ga ammo for sale with a number of different uses, loads, and materials that should all be considered when you're selecting the best round for you.

There are a number of shot sizes available for 12 gauge shooters. Generally, the larger the number of shot size, the smaller the pellets inside the shell. For instance, a trapshooter who is targeting clays will want a smaller pellet with a wider pattern. He or she won't need much power to take out the target so a #9 shell with 201 pellets inside would be a good choice.

Smaller shot shell numbers, such as #4 shot are better for larger game, like turkey. You'll find both large and small shot available in either lead or steel, so be sure you know your local hunting regulations and many states no longer allow lead shot to be used, especially if you're hunting waterfowl. Not sure of the difference, click here for a quick primer on lead vs. steel shot.

Look for a wide selection of in-stock shells from buckshot and slugs to birdshot and trapshot from the top manufacturers available today. Brands like Remington, Fiocchi, and Federal are available in the categories listed below.

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25rds – 16 Gauge Fiocchi Game & Target 2-3/4" 1oz. #7.5 Shot Ammo

$10.45

$0.42/ppr

18 In Stock
5rds - 12 Gauge Federal LE Tactical Full Power Hydra-Shok Slug

$6.95

$1.39/ppr

182 In Stock
25rds - 12 Gauge Winchester Super-X 2 3/4" Black Powder Blank Ammo
☆☆☆☆☆ 2 Review(s)

$35.00

$1.40/ppr

88 In Stock
5rds – 12 Gauge Federal Heavyweight TSS 3-1/2" 2-1/2oz. #8/10 Shot Ammo

$49.95

$9.99/ppr

18 In Stock

Federal Ammo

Hornady Ammo

Winchester Ammo

Black Hills Ammunition

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Common 12 Gauge Questions

What Does “Gauge” Mean in 12 Gauge?

Shotguns and shotgun ammunition are classified by “gauge,” which is a measurement of the diameter of the barrel. Gauge is determined by the number of lead balls equal to the size of the bore that would be needed to weigh a pound. For 12 gauge, it would take 12 lead balls of the barrel’s diameter to weight a pound. The smaller the number in gauge, the larger the firearm’s diameter. 12-gauge shotguns have an internal barrel diameter, or “caliber,” of .729 inches.

What is the Difference Between 12-Gauge Buckshot and Birdshot?

Two of the most common loads for 12-gauge ammunition are buckshot and birdshot. Buckshot, which is used for deer hunting and other medium-sized game, has larger pellets, which means it hits the target with greater impact and drives deeper penetration. Because the pellets are larger, usually about .6 inches to .2 inches, buckshot loads have fewer total pellets. Birdshot loads are smaller but pack more total pellets. They are used for harvesting game birds ranging from crows to geese, and vary in size from .069 inches to over .2 inches. (There is some overlap in pellet size between birdshot and buckshot.)

What is 12-Gauge Ammo Should I Select for Deer Hunting?

For deer hunting, you will want either buckshot or slugs. As we discussed above, buckshot consists of larger pellets for deep penetration, which is needed to reach a deer’s vitals. The advantage of buckshot is that you have a spread with multiple projectiles, so you are more likely to hit the target’s vitals.

Slugs are a single projectile; essentially, a shotgun bullet. They have one solid piece, usually made from steel or lead, and they fire a heavy projectile that does maximum devastation to the target. Slugs are recommended when the shot is at a greater distance.

Is 12 Gauge Ammo Reliable for Home Defense?

There’s no question that a 12-gauge shotgun can do devastating damage to anyone threatening your home or family. The issue with 12-gauge is that it may actually be too much for home defense, as over-penetration is a real threat with this shotshell. The advantage of a 12-gauge is that they offer a spread, so you are more likely to hit a target in a tense, panicked situation. The disadvantage is that they have a lower shot capacity compared to many handguns. If you choose to protect your home with a 12-gauge shotgun, be sure to select an ammunition product made specifically for self-defense, which are usually buckshot loads with 2.75-inch shells.

12 Gauge

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