(Newswire.net — January 5, 2023) — Are you new to shotgun shooting? If so, congratulations.
Shooting is a great sport, and understanding the differences between different types of shotgun ammo is half the battle. There are many types of shotgun shells on the market, and all have their own characteristics. Learning about each can help you find the best shotgun for your needs.
Let us help. This guide has everything you need to know about shotgun ammo types:
What is Shotgun Ammo?
Shotgun ammo comes in various shapes and sizes, with different weights and velocities. Here are the three most common types:
#1 Buckshot is made up of small pellets that are shot out of the gun at high speed. It’s effective at close range but can also damage objects beyond the target.
#2 Slug is a larger round that travels slower than buckshot but still retains its accuracy. It’s used for shooting targets at longer distances.
#3 Birdshot is a tiny pellet that’s meant for smaller games such as birds. It’s not as effective as other rounds, but it can be more humane.
What Shotgun Ammo Types are There?
Shotguns come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but all use a similar firing mechanism. A shotgun is basically a tube that holds rounds, and the user fires the rounds by pumping the shotgun’s action.
There are three main types of shotguns: 12-gauge, 20-gauge, and 28-gauge.
12-gauge shotguns are the most common type found in the United States. They fire a round called a “ buckshot ” that is made up of several small pellets. These pellets travel very close to one another, which makes them effective at close range. You can shop 12ga shotgun ammo here.
20-gauge shotguns are also popular in the United States. They fire a round called “ slugs ” that are much larger than buckshot pellets. This makes them more effective at long range, as they will hit a target more easily than buckshot pellets would.
28-gauge shotguns are rarer but can be very powerful. They fire a round called a “ magnum ” cartridge that is even bigger than slugs. This makes them useful for hunting big game or defending oneself against attackers who are armed with firearms larger than typical handguns.
Gauge and Chamber Sizes
If you’re just starting out with shotguns, it can be difficult to decide which ammo to shoot. There are a bewildering array of gauges and chamber sizes, all with their own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we’ll outline the most common shotgun ammo types and give you an overview of their properties.
12 Gauge Shells
The standard size for shotguns is 12 gauge. These shells are loaded with lead shot, which makes them effective against small game such as rabbits and birds. They also have a wide range of ballistic properties, making them suitable for hunting both big game and pests such as squirrels.
6 Gauge Shells
6 gauge shells are much smaller than 12 gauge shells, and they’re typically used for target shooting or bird hunting. They’re loaded with a smaller shot that’s less likely to wound or kill large animals, but they have a higher muzzle velocity than 12 gauge shells, making them more capable of penetrating soft targets such as feathers or clothing.
Shotgun Shooting is Fun With the Right Ammo
In this beginner’s guide to shotgun ammo types, we have outlined the different types of ammunition that are available to shooters. We have also provided a brief description of each type so that you can understand what it is and why you might want to use it.
And, for more guides like this, please check out the rest of our articles today!