12 Gauge Ammo

Birdshot is for clay targets and small birds. Buckshot is the go-to for home defense and many law enforcement roles. Slugs are single-projectile rounds for hunting medium to large game and precise shot placement.

Common lengths are 2 3/4 inch, 3 inch, and 3 1/2 inch. Longer shells typically hold more shot or powder and produce higher velocities and energy.

Rifled slugs stabilize from smoothbore barrels and are effective at short to moderate ranges. Sabot slugs need a rifled barrel and offer higher velocity and accuracy for longer-range shots.

Not always. Verify your shotgun’s chamber length and whether it is rated for magnum loads. Using a 3 1/2 inch magnum shell in a 2 3/4 inch only chamber can be dangerous.