Shotgun Ammo

Your Ultimate Guide to Shotgun Ammo: Choosing the Right Shotshells for Hunting, Sport, and Defense

Are you a new shotgun owner wondering, "What's the difference between shotgun shells for hunting and self-defense shotgun ammo?" or a seasoned clay shooter asking, "Which 12-gauge shotshells are best for trap?" Navigating the diverse world of shotgun ammunition, with its various gauges, shot sizes, and specialized loads, can be complex.

At DEGuns, we understand that selecting the best shotgun ammo is crucial for performance, safety, and achieving your desired outcome, whether you're in the field, at the range, or protecting your home. That's why we offer a wide and premium selection of shotshells in all common gauges, including 10, 12, 16, 20, 28, and .410 Bore. We're here to help you understand the nuances of shotgun ammunition and find exactly what you need to fill your ammo boxes.

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What Exactly Is Shotgun Ammunition (Shotshells) and How Does It Work?

Shotgun ammunition, commonly referred to as shotshells, are self-contained cartridges designed for shotguns. Unlike rifle or handgun cartridges that typically fire a single projectile, shotshells can contain:

• Multiple small spherical pellets (shot): These spread out after leaving the barrel, making them effective for hitting moving targets like birds or for close-range defense.
• A single large projectile (slug): Designed for accuracy and powerful impact on larger game.
• Multiple large spherical projectiles (buckshot): Larger pellets designed for significant impact on larger, closer targets, often for self-defense.

A typical shotshell consists of a hull (casing), a primer, propellant (gunpowder), a wad (which separates the propellant from the shot and helps seal gas), and the shot, buckshot, or slug itself. When the firing pin strikes the primer, it ignites the propellant, generating gas that pushes the wad and payload out of the barrel.

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Understanding Shotgun Gauges: Size, Power, and Applications

The "gauge" of a shotgun refers to the diameter of its barrel. Generally, the smaller the gauge number, the larger the barrel diameter and, typically, the more powerful the shotshell. This impacts recoil, payload capacity, and effective range.

12-Gauge Shotshells: The Most Versatile and Popular

Why is 12-gauge shotshell ammo so popular?
The 12-gauge shotshell is by far the most popular and versatile shotgun ammunition available. It features a larger diameter barrel, allowing it to hold a significant amount of shot or a heavy slug, making it incredibly adaptable for a wide range of uses.

• Vast Versatility: From light target loads to heavy magnum hunting loads, the 12-gauge offers the widest variety of ammunition types.
• Power: Capable of delivering substantial power, whether it's a dense pattern of shot or a hard-hitting slug.
• Availability: Due to its popularity, 12-gauge shotshells are widely available from virtually all ammunition manufacturers and in various load configurations.
• Applications:
  • Hunting: Excellent for larger game (like deer with slugs or buckshot), waterfowl (steel shot), turkey, and upland birds.
  • Self-Defense & Home Protection: 12-gauge buckshot is a top choice for home defense due to its stopping power and effective spread at close range.
  • Sport Shooting: Dominant in skeet, trap, sporting clays, and 3-Gun competitions.

At DEGuns, you'll find an extensive selection of 12-gauge shotshells for every conceivable use, from bulk target loads to specialized hunting and defense options.

20-Gauge Shotshells: Lighter Recoil, Still Effective

When should I choose 20-gauge shotshell ammo?
The 20-gauge shotshell offers a fantastic balance of power and manageable recoil. It's an excellent alternative to the 12-gauge, especially for shooters who are sensitive to recoil or require a lighter firearm.

• Reduced Recoil: Significantly less felt recoil than 12-gauge, making it more comfortable for smaller-statured shooters, youth, and for extended shooting sessions.
• Lighter Firearms: 20-gauge shotguns are often lighter and more nimble, ideal for carrying in the field.
• Effective Performance: Still highly effective for most shotgun applications, especially for upland birds, turkey, and deer (with slugs or buckshot).
• Applications:
  • Upland Bird Hunting: A favorite for pheasants, grouse, and quail.
  • Turkey Hunting: With modern specialized loads, the 20-gauge is highly effective for turkey.
  • Youth & New Shooters: An ideal gauge for learning shotgun fundamentals due to its milder recoil.
  • Home Defense: 20-gauge buckshot is a viable and effective option for personal protection.

DEGuns offers a solid selection of 20-gauge shotshells to meet your hunting and shooting needs with reduced recoil.

.410 Bore Shotshells: The Smallest and Lightest Recoil

Who is the .410 Bore shotshell best suited for?
The .410 Bore shotshell is the smallest common shotgun gauge (note: it's a 'bore' designation, not a 'gauge' in the traditional sense, but functions similarly). It produces the least recoil among all shotshells, making it a good option for novice shooters and specific close-range applications.

• Minimal Recoil: The absolute lowest recoil, making it extremely comfortable to shoot, especially for very young or recoil-sensitive shooters.
• Lightweight Firearms: Often found in very lightweight and compact shotguns.
• Specialized Uses: While less versatile for general hunting due to its limited payload, it excels in specific niches.
• Applications:
  • Novice Hunters & Youth: An excellent choice for introducing new hunters to the sport, particularly for small birds or squirrels at very close range.
  • Pest Control: Effective for close-range pest control (e.g., snakes or rats) where minimal spread and low power are desired.
  • Recreational Shooting: Fun for plinking with very light loads.
  • Self-Defense (Limited): Some .410 Bore defense loads with buckshot or slugs are available for very close-quarters situations, often in revolvers like the Judge.

Explore DEGuns' selection of .410 Bore shotshells, perfect for new shooters and specialized applications.

10-Gauge Shotshells: Maximum Power for Waterfowl and Turkey

When would I use 10-gauge shotshell ammo?
The 10-gauge shotshell is a powerhouse, offering the largest legal payload and most potent recoil among common shotgun gauges. It's primarily chosen when maximum range and pellet count are absolutely necessary.

• Maximum Payload: Can deliver the heaviest loads of shot, allowing for denser patterns and more pellets on target at longer distances.
• Long-Distance Shooting: Ideal for reaching high-flying waterfowl or wary turkeys at extended ranges where other gauges might fall short.
• Specialized Hunting: Almost exclusively used for dedicated waterfowl and turkey hunting.
• Recoil: Be aware that 10-gauge shotshells produce significant recoil.

DEGuns provides a selection of 10-gauge shotshells for serious waterfowl and turkey hunters.

16-Gauge Shotshells: The "Sweet Sixteen" Balanced Performer

Why choose 16-gauge shotshell ammo?
The 16-gauge shotshell (often called the "Sweet Sixteen") offers a balanced performance that many shooters appreciate. It attempts to provide a payload closer to a 12-gauge but with a recoil level closer to a 20-gauge.

• Balanced Performance: A unique blend of effective payload and more manageable recoil than a 12-gauge.
• Lighter Firearms: 16-gauge shotguns are typically built on lighter frames than 12-gauges, making them easier to carry.
• Niche Popularity: While less common than 12 or 20 gauge, it has a dedicated following among hunters who value its balance.
• Applications: Primarily used for upland birds and some waterfowl hunting, offering a pleasant shooting experience.

Find quality 16-gauge shotshells at DEGuns for a classic hunting experience.

28-Gauge Shotshells: The Elegant and Nimble Choice

What is 28-gauge shotshell ammo used for?
The 28-gauge shotshell is a light, fast, and highly effective gauge, often favored by experienced upland bird hunters and skeet shooters for its minimal recoil and excellent patterning.

• Minimal Recoil: Offers very light recoil, similar to the .410 but with a more effective payload.
• Excellent Patterns: Known for throwing surprisingly dense and consistent shot patterns, which is critical for hitting fast-moving targets.
• Nimble Firearms: 28-gauge shotguns are typically very lightweight and quick to shoulder, making them a joy to carry and swing.
• Applications: Primarily chosen for upland bird hunting (e.g., dove, quail, pheasant) and highly popular in skeet shooting where quick target acquisition is key.

DEGuns stocks a specialized selection of 28-gauge shotshells for discerning shooters.

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Understanding Shotgun Bullet Types (Pellets, Slugs, Buckshot)

Beyond the gauge, the type of projectile contained within the shotshell dramatically changes its application and performance.

1. Birdshot / Small Shot: For Feathered Game and Clay Targets

What is birdshot used for?
Birdshot refers to shotshells loaded with numerous small pellets. These are categorized by a number (e.g., #7.5, #6, #4) where a higher number means smaller pellets. Birdshot is designed to deliver a wide pattern of small pellets, ideal for hitting fast-moving aerial targets.

• Pellet Size: Ranges from very fine shot (#9 for skeet/dove) to larger sizes (#4, #2 for pheasants, ducks).
• Spread: Creates a wide pattern, increasing the likelihood of hitting small, agile targets.
• Common Use: Primarily for hunting feathered game (upland birds, waterfowl - with steel shot where required), clay target shooting (trap, skeet, sporting clays), and varmint control at close range.

You'll find a full selection of birdshot loads in all popular gauges at DEGuns.

2. Buckshot: The Choice for Big Game and Self-Defense

What is buckshot used for?
Buckshot refers to shotshells loaded with a fewer number of large-diameter pellets. These pellets are much larger than birdshot and are designed for maximum kinetic energy transfer on larger, closer targets.

• Pellet Size: Much larger pellets than birdshot, designed for greater individual impact. Common sizes include #00 Buck (double-aught), #000 Buck, and #4 Buck.
• Stopping Power: Delivers significant stopping power, making it highly effective at close range.
• Common Use: The preferred shotgun ammo for self-defense and home protection, as well as hunting medium to large game like deer at closer ranges (typically under 50 yards).

DEGuns offers a wide variety of buckshot loads in 12-gauge, 20-gauge, and .410 Bore from trusted brands, ensuring effective self-defense shotgun ammo.

3. Slugs: For Accuracy and Deep Penetration on Large Game

What is a shotgun slug used for?
A shotgun slug is a single, solid projectile designed to be fired from a shotgun. Unlike shot or buckshot, slugs are intended for accuracy and deep penetration, similar to a rifle bullet.

• Accuracy: Offers far greater accuracy than shot or buckshot, especially at ranges beyond 50 yards.
• Penetration: Delivers deep penetration and significant energy transfer on impact.
• Common Use: Primarily used for hunting large game like deer, bear, and wild boar in shotgun-only zones or where heavy cover limits rifle use. Also used for tactical applications where precision and barrier penetration are needed.
• Types:
  • Foster Slugs (Rifled Slugs): Designed to be fired from smoothbore shotgun barrels, with 'rifling' on the slug itself to impart spin (though true spin is minimal).
  • Saboted Slugs: Used in rifled shotgun barrels, these slugs are encased in a plastic sabot that peels away after leaving the barrel, allowing the slug to spin and achieve much greater accuracy and range (often 150+ yards).

Find reliable shotgun slugs for hunting and tactical needs at DEGuns.

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Shotshell Construction and Other Factors to Consider

Beyond gauge and projectile type, other features impact shotgun ammo performance.

• Dram Equivalent / Velocity: This indicates the relative power or speed of the shotshell. Higher dram equivalent or velocity generally means more power and recoil.
• Shell Length: Common lengths include 2 ¾", 3", and 3 ½". Always ensure your shotgun is chambered for the shell length you intend to use. Magnum shells (3" and 3 ½") deliver more payload but also more recoil.
• Wad Design: The wad separates the powder from the shot and helps seal gas. Specialized wads can improve pattern density and consistency.
• Shot Material:
  • Lead Shot: Traditional, dense, and effective. Often restricted for waterfowl hunting due to environmental concerns.
  • Steel Shot: Non-toxic, required for waterfowl hunting in many areas. Lighter than lead, so larger shot sizes are often needed for equivalent energy.
  • Bismuth/Tungsten/Other Alloys: Non-toxic alternatives to lead, offering better density than steel but at a higher cost.
• Patterning: How consistently and evenly the shot spreads. This is influenced by choke, barrel length, and ammunition choice.

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Shotgun Ammo Lifespan and Proper Storage

How long do shotgun shells last?
When stored correctly, modern shotshells can last for over a decade, and often much longer (20-30+ years is not uncommon for well-preserved ammunition). The key is consistent storage conditions to prevent degradation of the primer, propellant, and hull.

How to properly store shotgun ammo to maximize its lifespan:

• Cool, Dry Place: Store your shotgun ammunition in a stable environment away from extreme temperature fluctuations. A cool, dark closet, a dedicated ammunition safe, or a climate-controlled room is ideal. Avoid storing in attics, garages, or damp basements, as humidity is detrimental.
• Low Humidity: Moisture is the primary enemy of ammunition, especially shotshells with paper or roll crimps. Use desiccant packs in sealed ammo boxes or airtight containers to absorb any moisture.
• Original Packaging or Sealed Containers: Keep shotshells in their original boxes or transfer them to airtight plastic or metal ammo cans. This provides protection from environmental factors (like dust and moisture) and simplifies organization by gauge and load type.
• Away from Chemicals: Never store shotgun ammo near solvents, oils, gasoline, or other chemicals that could degrade the plastic hull, crimp, or priming compound.
• Avoid Direct Sunlight: UV light and heat from direct sunlight can degrade propellant and plastic hulls over time, compromising performance.

Investing in proper shotshell storage solutions is a smart move for any shotgun owner to protect their valuable ammo boxes.

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Buying Shotgun Ammo Online: Convenience and Compliance with DEGuns

The convenience of purchasing shotgun ammunition online has made it easier than ever to keep your ammo boxes full for hunting season, range trips, or home defense. Understanding the legalities is key for a smooth and compliant process.

Can I buy shotgun ammo online?
Yes, you can absolutely buy shotgun ammo online! In most cases, you do not need a Federal Firearms License (FFL) to purchase ammunition. You can buy shotshells and have them shipped directly to your residential address, depending on your state and local laws.

Important considerations before buying shotgun ammo online:

• Check Local and State Laws: Before making any purchase, it's absolutely crucial to check your local and state laws to confirm that shotgun ammunition can be shipped directly to your specific address. Some states (like California, New York, Illinois, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, etc.) have specific restrictions on online ammo sales, often requiring it to be shipped to an FFL or requiring a permit.
• State-Specific Taxes: Be aware that **state-specific armament taxes** or other fees may apply at checkout during your **shotgun ammunition purchase**.

Reputable online retailers, like **Deguns.net**, facilitate this process by often accounting for applicable laws and taxes at checkout. This ensures a compliant and straightforward purchasing experience, allowing you to get the **shotgun ammunition** you need conveniently and legally, helping you find that perfect **shotgun ammo for sale**.

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Popular Shotgun Ammo Brands Carried by DEGuns

When it comes to shotgun ammo brand selection, DEGuns offers an unparalleled choice from the industry's most trusted manufacturers. We strive to bring you reliable performance and value across all shotshell gauges and bullet types.

Some of the best-selling and most trusted shotgun ammo brands we carry include:

• Federal Ammunition: A leading name, offering a vast array of shotshells for hunting (e.g., Black Cloud for waterfowl, Power-Shok slugs), target shooting (Top Gun), and self-defense (FlightControl buckshot).
• Winchester Ammunition: An iconic American brand with a long history, providing reliable shotgun ammo for all disciplines, including Super-X for hunting and AA for trap/skeet.
• Remington Ammunition: Another historic manufacturer, offering dependable shotshells for hunters (Express Buckshot, ShurShot Heavy Dove) and target shooters.
• Hornady Ammunition: Known for its innovative slug and buckshot designs, particularly with loads like Critical Defense and SST slugs, which emphasize precision and terminal performance.
• Browning Ammunition: Offers a range of high-quality shotgun ammo for hunting and sport, leveraging the brand's firearm legacy.
• Fiocchi Ammunition: Known for high-quality shotshells, especially popular among competitive shooters for its consistent target loads and robust hunting options.
• Rio Ammunition: Provides a wide range of reliable and often affordable shotshells for target shooting and hunting.
• Estate Cartridge: Offers consistent and economical shotshells, popular for high-volume target practice and hunting.

When it’s time to fill your shotgun ammo boxes with 10-gauge, 12-gauge, 16-gauge, 20-gauge, 28-gauge, or .410 Bore shotshells, be sure to check out our shotgun ammo for sale first. We always carry a massive inventory of shotshell types and gauges to ensure you get high-quality shotgun ammunition precisely when you need it for your next hunt, range day, or personal defense scenario.

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Final Thoughts on Choosing Your Shotgun Ammunition

Selecting the right shotgun ammo is a critical decision that impacts your shooting experience, safety, and effectiveness. By understanding the nuances of different shotgun gauges and shotshell types (birdshot, buckshot, slugs), you can confidently choose ammunition that perfectly matches your shotgun and your intended purpose, whether it's dropping ducks, defending your home, or breaking clays.

At DEGuns, we're here to support your journey. Explore our comprehensive selection of shotgun ammo for sale and equip yourself for success. What kind of shotgun shooting are you planning next?