Our picks for the top low recoil 12 gauge shotshell and buckshot options out there and what you should look for in a good low-recoil round.
The 12-gauge shotgun is the universal hunting and trap-shooting tool. While the 20-gauge and 16-gauge have their places (and their fans), a trusty twelve remains the top choice; join any pheasant, duck, or deer group and you’ll see more twelves than any other gauge.
The round is versatile and effective, but it’s not perfect. For some, the main problem is recoil.
Whether you’re a lighter person, want to fire hundreds of rounds in a day, or simply prefer a lighter thump, low-recoil 12-gauge ammo can make your shooting more enjoyable.
If you want to lighten the kick from your shotgun, here are our choices for the best low-recoil 12-gauge options for bird, buck, trap-shooting, defense, and more.
Top Low-Recoil 12 Gauge Ammo Options
Overall Low Recoil 12 Gauge Slugs: Federal LE Tactical, 2-3/4″, 1-Ounce Hydra-Shok HP Rifled Slug
Low Recoil Buckshot: Hornady LE TAP Low Recoil, 2-3/4″, 8 Pellet 00 Buckshot
Overall Low Recoil Birdshot: Winchester Super-X Heavy Field Load, 2 3/4”, 1 1/4oz. #5 Shot
Best Low Recoil for Trap: Remington Gun Club Target Load Low Recoil, 2-3/4”, 1-1/8 ounce, #8 Shot
Low Recoil for Deer: Hornady American Gunner Reduced Recoil, 2-3/4”, 1 ounce Rifled Slug
Top Low Recoil for Duck: Winchester Drylok, 2-3/4”, 1-1/4 Ounce, #2 Shot
Low Recoil for Pheasant: Fiocchi Golden Pheasant, 2 3/4”, 1 3/8 ounce, #5 Nickel Plated Shot
Best Low Recoil for Defense: Winchester Ranger Low Recoil, 2-3/4 inch, 8 Pellets of 00 Buckshot
What Makes a 12-Gauge Round “Low Recoil”
“Low recoil” is fairly subjective. Some people feel the 12 gauge is inherently low on recoil, while others feel it has a shoulder-bruising kick. However, there are some benchmarks to look for when you are choosing low-recoil ammo.
First, you can simply search for ammo labeled “low recoil” or “reduced recoil.” These rounds are intentionally made for easy shooting. But rounds not made (or marketed) specifically for light shooting can be, by their very nature, low recoil.
Reduced speed, shorter shells, and light loads make for easier recoil. If you find ammo with lower speeds, roughly 1,250 fps or slower, it should be easier to handle. Lighter load weights, such as 1 ounce or 1-1/8 ounce, also reduce recoil. Finally, select shorter shell lengths, such as 2-3/4 inches. If you put it all together, a 2-3/4 inch shell with a 1-1/8 ounce load and a 1,200 muzzle velocity will likely deliver a softer recoil.
Side Note: Semiautomatic Functioning with Low-Recoil Ammo?
When loading low-recoil ammo into semiautomatic shotguns, be sure to test its functionality. Semiautomatic weapons, including pistols, rifles, and shotguns, use a cartridge’s recoil energy to cycle the next round; low recoil options can result in poor chambering and jamming. Test your ammo at the range to be certain it works properly. This is for semiautomatic shotguns only; pump actions do not suffer from this issue.
Best Overall Low-Recoil Slug
Federal LE Tactical 2-3/4″ 1-Ounce Hydra-Shok HP Rifled Slug
Shell length: 2-3/4”
Shot type: Rifled slug
Load weight: 1 ounce
Muzzle velocity: 1,300 fps
Advantages:
- Federal’s Hydra-Shok slugs are extremely effective
- Only 1 ounce of slug weight
- Moderate price
Disadvantages:
Slug is for deer hunting and defense only
This is the best overall low-recoil slug thanks in large part to Federal’s Hydra-Shok, a proprietary bullet design used in handgun, rifle, and shotgun ammo. It’s been a standard for self-defense enthusiasts, delivering superior terminal ballistics compared to traditional hollow-point rounds. With a light load and moderate muzzle speed, this is our favorite low-recoil 12-gauge slug.
Order the best overall low-recoil Federal slug ammo for your 12-gauge shotgun.
Best Overall Low-Recoil Buckshot Ammo
Hornady LE TAP Low Recoil, 2-3/4″, 8 Pellet 00 Buckshot
Shell length: 2-3/4”
Shot type: 00 Buckshot (8)
Load weight: N/A
Muzzle velocity: 985 fps
Advantages:
- Threat-stopping buckshot load
- Reduced recoil for easier secondary shots
- Tight grouping
Disadvantages:
- Not a versatile round for outdoor recreation
Most self-defense ammo is either loaded with slugs or buckshot, both of which can be devastating to attackers. We could have chosen a hunting-themed option for the best buckshot load, but this defense-minded ammo takes the prize thanks to tight groupings, easy recoil, and trustworthy functioning.
Get the best low-recoil buckshot ammo for your home:
Best Overall Low-Recoil Birdshot Ammo
Winchester Super-X Heavy Field Load, 2 3/4”, 1 1/4oz. #5 Shot
Shell length: 2-3/4 inch
Shot type: #5
Load weight: 1-1/4 ounce
Muzzle velocity: 1,220 fps
Advantages:
- Slower speeds
- Light load of #5 shot
- Can be used for multiple purposes
Disadvantages:
- Lighter #5 shot will lack power on larger animals
Whether you are hunting pheasant, squirrel, or rabbit, this ammunition will deliver the performance and reliable functioning you expect. The rounds are loaded with 1.25 ounces of #5 shot, and while it’s not marketed as a “low recoil” option, the low speeds and light load will be easier to handle.
Get the best Winchester low-recoil 12-gauge birdshot ammo for your next hunt.
Best Low Recoil for Trap Shooting and Clays
Remington Gun Club Target Load Low Recoil, 2-3/4”, 1-1/8 ounce, #8 Shot
Shell length: 2-3/4”
Shot type: #8
Load weight: 1-1/8 ounce
Muzzle velocity: 1,100 fps
Advantages:
- Light recoil for all-day shooting
- Clay-busting #8 shot
- Quality wad
- Clean-burning powders
Disadvantages:
- Smaller shot should be used for clays only
With 1,100 fps for a muzzle velocity and a load of 1-1/8 ounces, this is a light-thumping round that ensures consistent performance at the trap. You’ll have enough speed and power to break clays at a distance, but you won’t be left with a sore shoulder at the end of your practice session.
Order your Remington high-quality low-recoil target loads today.
Best Low-Recoil for Deer Hunting
Hornady American Gunner Reduced Recoil, 2-3/4”, 1 ounce Rifled Slug
Shell length: 2-3/4”
Shot type: Rifled slug
Load weight: 1 ounce
Muzzle velocity: 1,300 fps
Advantages:
- Only 1 ounce of slug weight
- Enough speed and power for dropping thick deer
- Plastic wad absorbs recoil energy
Disadvantages:
- Should only be used in smoothbore shotguns
If you are looking for maximum deer-hunting performance with a lighter recoil, choose these 2-3/4 inch shells. The 1 ounce slugs and reduced speeds ensure easy recoil, so whether you’re practicing on targets or firing at the real thing, this can help hunters of all skill levels enjoy the versatility of a 12-gauge shotgun.
Have a successful deer season without the high recoil by ordering these Hornady American Gunner 12 Gauge rounds now.
Best Low-Recoil 12-Gauge for Duck
Winchester Drylok, 2-3/4”, 1-1/4 Ounce, #2 Shot
Shell length: 2 3-4”
Shot type: #2
Load weight: 1-1/4 ounce
Muzzle velocity: 1,300 fps
Advantages:
- Enough speed for effective duck hunting
- #2 shot creates an ideal spread
- Lead-free steel shot for waterfowl
Disadvantages:
- Low velocity will limit range
On the right day, at the right location, duck hunting can become a high-volume shooting experience. If you are using heavy recoil ammo, your shoulder can become sore quickly. These rounds have a slower muzzle velocity and lighter shot load, so they will bring a more comfortable shooting experience when you head to the blind.
Spend a full day behind a duck blind with these easy-to-shoot Winchester DryLok 12-gauge rounds.
Best Low-Recoil 12-Gauge for Pheasant
Fiocchi Golden Pheasant, 2-3/4”, 1-3/8 ounce, #5 Nickel Plated Shot
Shell length: 2-3/4”
Shot type: #5
Load weight: 1-3/8 ounce
Muzzle velocity: 1,250 fps
Advantages:
- Hard-hitting nickel-plated shot
- Clean and consistent powders
- Manufactured to strict standards
Disadvantages:
- Slow speeds may limit long-distance shots
If you are hunting a field with hundreds of rooster pheasants, you need something that not only drops these tough birds but also gives an easy recoil. We love Fiocchi’s full line of shotgun ammo, including these low-recoil 12-gauge options. With a muzzle speed of 1,250 fps driving 1-3/8 ounces of shot, this is an easy load to use throughout pheasant season.
Walk the fields with these Fiocchi Golden Pheasant low-recoil 12-gauge shells.
Best Low-Recoil 12-Gauge Ammo for Defense
Winchester Ranger Low Recoil, 2-3/4 inch, 8 Pellets of 00 Buckshot
Shell length: 2-3/4 inch
Shot type: 00 buckshot
Load weight: N/A
Muzzle velocity: 1,145 fps
Advantages:
- Trusted by law enforcement across the country
- #00 buckshot is an ideal defense load
- Tight patterns and low recoil
Disadvantages:
- Only viable for defense; not a versatile shotgun load
Nearly any 12-gauge load will deliver threat-stopping power. But if you want trustworthy performance, without a massive recoil, these are the perfect rounds. The shells are packed with #00 buckshot, considered by many to be the best defense load for a 12-gauge, and they come from Winchester’s Ranger brand, a line trusted by law enforcement across the nation.
Defend your home with low-recoil 12-gauge buckshot ammo
Enjoy a great value on high-quality, low-recoil 12-gauge ammo – see our full line-up of in-stock 12 gauge rounds here today!
