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About 12 Gauge Ammunition

Since the mid-1800s, shotgun shells have come in a variety of forms and utilized different types of materials. Common shotgun shell materials have included brass, paper, and plastic. These cartridges feature distinct rims and are of a cylindrical, straight-walled nature. These shells usually feature some form of crimping or sealing to contain the payload they carry. Some loadings such as birdshot and buckshot feature substantial crimping shells while some feature caps or minimal, rolled crimping to contain something like a slug.

12 gauge ammunition can be found in various styles and forms, often tailored towards specific use cases. These types of loadings can come in a variety of lengths such as 2.75,” 3”, and 3.5” shotshell sizes. Naturally, the larger shells feature larger payloads and generally yield a more significant recoil impulse.

Types of 12 Gauge Ammunition Loadings

• Birdshot: These loadings feature multiple small projectiles. These types of loadings are well-suited for bird hunting, pest control, casual clay shooting, and recreational shooting. These loadings tend to be some of the most common loadings one will find on the market.
• Birdshot: These loadings feature multiple large projectiles. These projectiles are considerably larger than the projectiles found in birdshot and target loadings. For example, a 00 buckshot loading will feature 8 pellets which are about .33” in diameter. There are also some buckshot loadings which feature more projectiles and utilize smaller projectiles. These types of loadings are well-suited for hunting use and for self-defense.
• Slugs:These types of loadings feature single, solid projectiles rather than multiple projectiles. As these loadings feature solid projectiles, one does not have to consider a potential pattern or spread of multiple projectiles. Slugs are often found in the form of rifled and sabot loadings. Rifled slugs are intended for use in smoothbore barrels while sabot slugs are intended for use in rifled barrels. Ultimately, slugs allow a user to extend the effective range of their shotgun.

Firearms that Use 12 Gauge Shotshells

12 Gauge firearms are found in the form of shotguns. These offerings are most commonly found in pump action, double barrel, and semi-automatic form.