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Need Help?Types of Shotgun Shells: Birdshot vs Buckshot vs Slugs
WriterAubrey McShan
13 min read
Ever pick up a box of shotgun ammunition in the store and have no clue what the numbers on the box mean? You’re not alone! Each shotgun shell type and size serves a distinct purpose: from bird hunting to self-defense.
In this guide, you’ll learn all about the different types and sizes of shotgun shells. We aim to help you navigate through all the choices to find the perfect ammunition for your specific hunting, target shooting, or self defense needs.
Key Takeaways
- Learn the difference between birdshot, buckshot, and slugs and the different-sized projectiles they each contain.
- Check out our shotgun shells types chart for an overview of each shell type and what type of hunting scenarios they’re best suited for.
- Understand the sizes of shotgun shells and how they’re determined by gauge, length, and shot size.
- Review our hunting shotgun shell pairing guide to determine the best shot size and gauge to use when hunting specific game.
- Get answers to your frequently asked questions like “Why are shotgun shells plastic?” and “How far does a shotgun shell travel?”
The Difference Between Birdshot, Buckshot, and Slugs
Birdshot, buckshot, and slugs are three distinct types of shotgun shells that each serve specific purposes:
- Birdshot is perfect for shooting small game like birds or clay targets. It typically contains a larger number of smaller pellets.
- Buckshot is great for larger game or self-defense. It contains fewer but larger pellets, has increased stopping power, and is effective at closer ranges.
- Slugs consist of a single large projectile. With their greater penetration and accuracy, slugs are well-suited to take down big game animals like deer.
Shotgun Shells Types Chart
So which shotgun shell types are best for small game compared to larger game, and what type of spread does each have? Check out our chart to get answers to these questions and more:
| Shotgun Shell Types: Overview | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shotgun Shell Type | Length (inches) | Shot Size | Details | Best For | |
| Birdshot Shotgun Shells | 2 3/4 - 3 1/2 | #2 - #9 |
|
Small game hunting and clay target shooting | |
| Buckshot Shotgun Shells | 2 3/4 - 3 1/2 | 00 - 4 |
|
Primarily used for hunting medium to large game, home defense, and law enforcement applications | |
| Slugs | 2 3/4 - 3 1/2 | 0.875, 1, 1.125 oz. |
|
Intended for medium to large game hunting, self-defense, and law enforcement purposes | |
Birdshot Shotgun Shells
Birdshot shotgun shell types are specifically crafted for shooting birds and other small game like snakes, doves, waterfowl, squirrels, and rabbits. These shells contain small-sized pellets that strike a balance between effectively killing the target and minimizing meat damage.
- The number of pellets can vary significantly: ranging from 25 to well over 700 rounds (depending on the specific load).
- Birdshot is most commonly used within a distance of around 40 yards.
- The size of birdshot pellets is denoted by numbers. Lower numbers indicate larger pellets (i.e. size 2 is larger than size 9).
- The average sizes used for birdshot typically fall within the range of 7 to 9.
Buckshot Shotgun Shells
Buckshot shotgun shells are primarily used for hunting large game and for home defense purposes. Unlike birdshot, buckshot cartridges contain fewer pellets: typically averaging around 8-12.
- These shells are effective at distances ranging from 30 to 40 yards — providing reliable stopping power within that range.
- Buckshots deliver multiple projectiles per shot. This increases the chances of hitting your target.
- The most common sizes used for buckshot include 00: where 000 is larger than 00 and 00 is larger than size 1.
- Similar to birdshot, lower numbers indicate larger pellets (e.g. a size 4 buckshot pellet is smaller than a size 1).
Slugs
Slugs are shotgun shells specifically designed for hunting large game like deer, bear, and boar. Unlike birdshot or buckshot, slugs consist of a single, high-impact projectile rather than multiple smaller pellets.
- Similar to standard bullets, slugs deliver their force through a single projectile. When fired, they travel a distance of roughly 75-100 yards: comparable to a bullet's range.
- They are available in various materials, including lead, steel, rubber, plastic, and brass.
- Slugs come in different weights — typically ranging from 0.875 to 1.125 ounces. Rifled slugs feature grooves on the slug itself that aid in swaging through choke tubes.
- With their significant stopping power, a single well-placed slug can achieve a similar outcome that would require multiple hits with buckshot.
Sizes of Shotgun Shells Explained
Shotgun ammunition is available in a wide range of sizes. Gauge is a key factor that determines the compatibility of bullets and the size of game you can effectively target. The length, weight, and size of the shot within the shells greatly influence your shooting experience.
Shotgun Shell Gauge Sizes
Shotgun gauge is a measurement that indicates the diameter of the bore or the inside diameter of the barrel.
- Among the various shotgun gauges, 12 gauge guns are the most prevalent and widely used.
- The common shotgun gauge sizes (listed from largest to smallest) include 12 gauge, 16 gauge, 20 gauge, and 28 gauge.
| Shotgun Gauges Explained | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gauge | Bore Diameter (inches) | Bore Diameter (mm) | Common Applications | ||
| 10 | 0.775 | 19.7 | Waterfowl hunting, turkey hunting, trap shooting | ||
| 12 | 0.729 | 18.5 | Versatile gauge suitable for various applications including hunting (upland game, waterfowl, turkey), clay shooting (trap, skeet, sporting clays), and self-defense | ||
| 16 | 0.662 | 16.8 | Upland game hunting, small game hunting | ||
| 20 | 0.615 | 15.6 | Upland game hunting, small game hunting, youth, and smaller-framed shooters | ||
| 28 | 0.550 | 14.0 | Upland game hunting, skeet shooting, small game hunting | ||
| .410 | 0.410 | 10.4 | Skeet shooting, small game hunting, youth and smaller-framed shooters | ||
Expert Tip:
When it comes to shotshells, the gauge numbering works inversely. The smaller the gauge number, the larger the diameter of the shotgun's bore.
Shotgun Shell Length
The length of shotgun rounds typically comes in three main sizes: 2¾ inch, 3 inch, and 3½ inch. A round’s length affects the number of shells you can load into your shotgun's magazine.
- Shorter shells allow you to load more ammunition into your magazine.
- It is important to consult your gun's manual to determine the appropriate round length for your firearm to ensure safe and optimal performance.
| Shotgun Shell Length Guide | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shell Length | Length (inches) | Length (mm) | Gauge Compatibility | Common Applications | |
| 2 3/4" | 2.75 | 70 | 10, 12, 16, 20, 28, .410 | Standard length for most shotgun shells, versatile applications | |
| 3" | 3.00 | 76 | 10, 12, 20, 28, .410 | Increased length for greater payload and higher velocities | |
| 3 1/2" | 3.50 | 89 | 12, 20 | Extended length for maximum payload and power | |
Shot Size
Shot size refers to the size of the individual pellets within a shotgun shell. You should consider shot sizes based on the type of game you’re hunting and the shotgun you’re using.
- The shot size inversely relates to the numbering system. Larger numbers indicate smaller pellets.
- The weight of the shot also helps determine the shot size. Heavier shells (which typically contain larger shot sizes) can result in a more pronounced recoil when fired.
Hunting Shotgun Shell Pairing Guide
Check your Fish and Game Regulations to make sure you comply with local laws: depending on the type of game you’re hunting. Certain game (like waterfowl) can only be hunted with a non-toxic shot.
You can view our recommendations for the best shot sizes and gauges to use when targeting small or large game:
| Best Shells for Different Types of Game | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Target | Specific Game | Shell Type | Shotgun Shot Sizes | Best Gauge | |
| Pest control | Snakes, rats | Rimfire, Handgun, Shotgun | #12 (rimfire), #12 to 4 (handgun), #10 up to #8 (shotgun) | .410 bore | |
| Small game | Quail, doves, pigeons, rabbits, squirrels | Shotgun | #7.5 up to #5 | 12ga or smaller | |
| Upland birds | Grouse, pheasant, Ptarmigan, partridges | Shotgun | #7.5 up to #4 | 12ga or smaller | |
| Waterfowl | Geese, ducks | Shotgun | #6 to #1, B to BBB, T to TT, F to FF | 10ga to 20ga | |
| Turkey | (With turkey choke) | Shotgun | #6 to #1, B to BBB, T, F, specialized Turkey models | 10ga to 20ga | |
| Big/Midsize game | Deer, hogs (buckshot) | Shotgun | #4 Buck to #1 Buck, 0 to 000 | 10ga to 20ga | |
| Big/Midsize game | Deer, hogs (slugs) | Shotgun | Rifled slugs for smoothbore barrels, sabot slugs for rifled barrels | 10ga to .410 bore | |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why Are Shotgun Shells Plastic?
Plastic is a cheap, lightweight alternative to brass casings. They provide added moisture resistance compared to paper casings. However, the majority of shotgun shells still utilize a small amount of brass where the powder is located.
Q: How Many Shells Can a Shotgun Hold?
Most shotguns can hold anywhere from 2-5 shells. However, most states only allow hunters to load no more than 3 shells in their shotgun.
Q: Do Shotgun Shells Go Bad?
Most ammo has a shelf life of roughly ten years. If you notice signs like rust or corrosion then it’s best to dispose of your ammo.
Expert Tip:
Most local police departments (via the non-emergency number) accept old or unusable ammo. At minimum, they should be able to tell you of other local resources you can leverage.
Q: How Far Does a Shotgun Shell Travel?
Slugs can travel the farthest — reaching 75 yards. Buckshots can travel 30 to 50 yards. Birdshots can travel 15 to 50 yards.
Have Fun Out There!
Ready to load your magazine? Use birdshot to practice shooting at clay targets, buckshot to hunt deer, and use slugs for bear and home defense purposes. At Academy, we carry different shotgun shell types and sizes so you have everything you need for your next hunting trip.
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