12 Gauge Shotgun Shells for Sale Up to 87% Off

What Do 12 Gauge Shotgun Shells Contain?

The contents of 12ga ammo vary depending on the design. Some manufacturers load 12 Gauge Ammo with either lead or a lead-free material like steel or tungsten. It also depends on the type of shotshell you need, such as birdshot, slugs, buckshot, or a different self-defense projectile. What is loaded in 12 gauge ammo also affects it's muzzle velocity and energy. For example, on paper, a 12ga target shell by Winchester Ammunition weighing 1 ounce and measuring in at 2.75-inches in length will deliver a muzzle velocity of 1,180 feet per second. While this is standard for this shell, a 12 gauge shell from Federal Premium Field & Range with a 1-ounce slug has a muzzle velocity of 1,375 ft/s.

What Is Buckshot vs. Slug?

If you're new to shotguns, you may not know how these two popular types of 12 Gauge Ammo differ. To start, buckshot was originally designed for deer hunting. Buckshot shotgun ammo holds a varying number of large, round pellets. For example, one of the most common types of buckshot is 00 Buck (pronounced double-aught buck), and it holds 9 pellets. On the other hand, a slug is a single projectile, usually shaped like a traditional bullet but being much larger and weighing about 1 ounce. Buckshot works because the pellets spread, but it loses accuracy at range. Slugs are beneficial because they tend to remain accurate at longer distances and pack a larger punch, but sacrifice the spread.

What Is the Difference Between 12 Gauge Ammo and 20 Gauge Ammo?

The smaller the gauge of a rifle, the larger the shell it accepts. This also usually means that the shell is more powerful, has larger projectiles, and contains more propellant. Therefore, a 12 gauge shotgun is made for much larger game than a 20 gauge, which is usually only used for target shooting and small bird and game hunting. Additionally, the shells are often longer in length with smaller gauges, which is why 12 gauge 3 inch shells are so popular.

Shop 12 Gauge Ammo Today!

Find a variety of 12 gauge shotgun shells in stock from top brands like Winchester 12-Gauge Ammo, Fiocchi 12 Gauge Ammo, Hornady 12 Gauge Ammo, Federal Premium 12 Gauge Ammo, and more on OpticsPlanet. Get the best deals possible whether you shop on our desktop website or top-rated mobile app. Buy a box of shotgun ammo or buy bulk ammo today!