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Shotgun Ammo

Shotgun shells come in an assortment of gauges for every shotgun user’s preference. Most commonly 12 gauge 20 gauge shotgun shells and slugs are shotgun ammo used in waterfowl hunting, small game hunting, upland hunting which includes quail, pheasant, chukar, and many more birds, and outdoor shooting sports like trap and skeet shooting. Fin Feather Fur is a trusted online retailer of all shotgun ammo for sale online.

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Shotgun Ammunition Basics

There are two main types of shotgun ammo, shotgun shells & shotgun slugs. Shotgun shells contain a plethora or projectiles, or bbs, known as birdshot or buckshot. While on the contrary shotgun slugs are a single projectile that is heavier more like a bullet that is designed to be fired at longer ranges and is a more precise shot.

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Types of Shotgun Ammo Gauges

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Shotgun shells and slugs are measured in what is called “gauges” typically being either 12 gauge or 20 gauge. A “gauge” simply refers to the diameter of the bore, and is determined by how many lead balls, of that diameter it would take to weight one pound. This means that a smaller gauge number mean larger bore diameters. For example, a 12 gauge shotgun shell it would take 12 lead balls of that diameter to equal one pound, while a 20 gauge shotgun would take 20 lead balls, meaning the 12 gauge is a larger shotgun shell shot. The most common gauges for shotgun ammunition are 12 and 20 gauge, but there are also 10, 16, and 28 gauge shotgun ammo for sale online at Fin Feather Fur, oh and not to mention .410 which is a bore size and not a gauge meaning it’s measured by actual diameter (.410 inches), not how many lead balls would make one pound.

Uses For Different Shotgun Shell Gauges

Shotgun gauges each fill distinct roles in the field and on the range, and choosing the right one is as much about purpose and shooter comfort as it is about raw power. The 12-gauge is the industry workhorse—most versatile for waterfowl, pheasant, deer (with slugs), and general-purpose sporting clays because of its wide ammo availability and stopping power; 20-gauge is the lighter, easier-to-carry alternative that many upland hunters and recoil-sensitive shooters prefer for long days afield; 16-gauge sits between 12 and 20 in power and weight and is prized by many traditionalists for upland work where a balance of power and carryability matters; the 10-gauge is now niche but still used where heavy payloads or long-range waterfowl loads are desired; 28-gauge and the .410 bore are specialty, low-recoil options favored for lightweight walking hunts, training new shooters, and small-game or close-range upland work where finesse beats brute force.

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Shotgun Gauges : Uses & Popular Models
Gauge / Type General / Best use Popular brand / model (example)
12-gauge Most versatile — waterfowl, pheasant, big upland birds, slugs for deer, and sporting clays; wide ammo selection and power. Remington 870 / Mossberg 500 (widely available 12-gauge field & tactical models)
10-gauge Niche heavy-payload use — long-range waterfowl and specialty heavy loads where maximum pellet mass is required. Browning Auto-5 (Big Game / 10-ga variants) and select specialty models from legacy makers
16-gauge Traditional upland favorite — balance of power and carryability for pheasant and mixed upland hunting; a classic compromise between 12 and 20. Browning Citori (select 16-gauge offerings) / Classic English-style field guns
20-gauge Lightweight, low-recoil choice for long days afield — ideal for quail, grouse, young or recoil-sensitive shooters and sporting clays. Browning Citori / Mossberg 500 (common 20-gauge field models)
28-gauge Specialty lightweight gauge prized for finesse on walking upland hunts and by shooters who value minimal recoil and handling. Select Browning, Beretta or CZ models (28-gauge availability varies by model and maker)
.410 bore Lightest option — training, small-game, and very lightweight upland use; low recoil but limited range and payload compared with larger gauges. CZ-USA Drake / Stoeger Coach Gun and many youth/entry-level models in .410

Choosing a High-Quality Shotgun Ammo :

When selecting the right shotgun ammunition for your needs you should look at the following four things: performance characteristics, brand history or reputation, components & manufacturing, & application or purpose of use. The performance characteristics to keep in mind are muzzle velocity, recoil, shot penetration (especially for hunting), and reliability. Overall, what feels best and is most comfortable for you and your shooting style while still performing the desired goal of either eliminating a target or prey when hunting. While we recommend testing different shotgun ammunitions and determining for yourself, brand reputation is important as shotgun shell manufacturers will not be historically successful if they are producing a poor product. Components & manufacturing are a crucial part of determining the right shotgun ammo for you as it directly impacts how the shotgun shells are fired. Pay attention to if the wads are creating a consistent shot pattern, if the shell hulls will play an impact on your shotgun ammo’s performance, and making sure the manufacturing of your shotgun shells is consistent and high quality. Overall, these considerations are all going to be based on what you need the shotgun ammunition for. If you are duck hunting in cold harsh winter weather, then you will need a heavy, durable, high velocity shotgun shell to push through that cold winter air, and stay protected form any outside moisture, but if you are shooting clay pigeons in the summer you can probably opt for a less durable or more affordable shotgun shell.

The Best Shotgun Ammunition Brands :

When thinking of what makes the best shotgun ammunition or who makes the best shotgun shells there are a couple of companies that stick out among the rest.

  • Federal :

    Federal is known as premium shotgun ammo for its high-quality and consistent manufacturing process, elite performance and accuracy. Read the Ammo.com review of why shooters everywhere love Federal shotgun shells.

  • Remington :

    Remington is one of the best shogun ammunitions you can get if you are a hunter. With a wide range of load options, over 100 years of shotgun shell manufacturing history, and a focus on quality, Remington offers some of the best shotgun ammo especially for pheasant hunters, dove hunting, and turkey hunting.

  • Winchester :

    Winchester shotgun ammunition offers a wider selection of performance based shotgun shells with lines like the Defender, AA, and Super-X shotgun ammo, Winchester is at the top of the game due to its stellar shooting performance, reliably accuracy, and versatile shells for hunting and target shooting alike.

12 Guage Shotgun Shells For Sale

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Arguably the most iconic cartridge ever produced, 12 gauge shotgun shells are among the most popular shotgun ammunition bought amongst hunters and sport shooters alike. At Fin Feather Fur Outfitters shop our massive selection of 12 gauge shotgun ammo for high performance like the Federal Top Gun 12 Guage 2.75” 1 1/8oz 7.5 shot shotgun ammo. If you are more of a hunter, try our Remington Premier Nitro Pheasant 12 Gauge 2.75” 1 3/8oz 6 shot shotgun shells.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shotgun Ammo :

When thinking of what makes the best shotgun ammunition or who makes the best shotgun shells there are a couple of companies that stick out among the rest.

  • What Are The Three Types of Shotgun Shells? :

    The three most common types of shotgun ammo today are the birdshot, buckshot, and slugs. Each type of shotgun ammo serves a different purpose for hunting, sporting, or defensive needs.

  • What Is The Difference Between 12 Gauge & 20 Gauge? :

    As mentioned above, the difference between 12 gauge and 20 gauge shotgun shells is the bore diameter. A 12 gauge has a larger bore diameter than the 20 gauge meaning it can fire larger shots and produce more recoil, basically saying the 12 gauge shotgun is more powerful than a 20 gauge.

  • What Are 7 Shot Shotgun Shells? :

    The #7 shot is used mostly for target shooting like clays, and sometimes is used for medium birds like grouse, quail, and partridges. It is often also referred to as “Dove Shot” since is it good at hitting birds that are about the size of large doves.

20 Guage Shotgun Shells For Sale

While not always as popular as the 12 gauge, the 20 gauge shotgun shells are a great option for hunters. At Fin Feather Fur Outfitters shop our massive selection of 20 gauge shotgun shells for high performance like the Federal Prairie Storm FS Lead 20 Gauge 4 Shot 3” for Pheasant hunting, or if you want something for target shooting check out the Winchester AA 208 AA Target 20 Gauge 2.75” 7/8 oz 8 shot.

Talk To Our Expert Shotgun Ammo Team

Have questions on what shotgun shells you need or what shotgun ammo to use? Either call us and ask or talk to one of our shotgun ammunition experts by filling out the contact us form below.

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