KIR Ammo carries a wide variety of shotgun shells. It is important to consider which shell is best for you and your gun. Shotguns can fire a variety of shot sizes, including birdshot, buckshot, and slug. Birdshot is typically used for hunting birds or small game, while buckshot is used for self-defense and larger game hunting. Slugs are a single projectile that are used for hunting larger game or for self-defense.
Shotgun shell sizes are distinguished by their gauge, which is a measurement of the diameter of the shotgun’s bore. The most common shotgun gauges are:
- 12 Gauge: This is the most popular shotgun gauge and has a bore diameter of .729 inches. 12 gauge shotgun shells are used for a variety of applications, including bird hunting, clay target shooting, and self-defense.
- 20 Gauge: This shotgun gauge has a bore diameter of .615 inches, making it smaller than the 12 gauge. 20 gauge shotgun shells are often used for hunting smaller game, like upland birds, and for target shooting.
- 28 Gauge: This shotgun gauge has a bore diameter of .550 inches and is often used for upland bird hunting, as it produces less recoil than larger gauges.
- .410 Gauge: This is not actually a gauge, but rather a caliber measurement. The .410 bore diameter is .410 inches, making it the smallest shotgun bore. .410 shotgun shells are often used for hunting small game and for teaching young or inexperienced shooters.
The choice of shotgun gauge and shell size will depend on the intended purpose of the shotgun, the shooter’s preference, and local laws and regulations. Generally speaking, larger gauges like 12 gauge produce more recoil and can handle larger shot and slug loads, while smaller gauges like 28 gauge produce less recoil and are better suited for smaller game.
Birdshot
Shotgun birdshot is a type of shotgun ammunition that is designed for hunting birds and small game. It consists of multiple small lead or steel pellets that are packed into a shotgun shell. The pellets are generally small in size and are spread out in a wider pattern as they leave the shotgun’s barrel.
The size of the birdshot pellets can vary depending on the intended target. For example, smaller pellets would be used for smaller birds like quail, while larger pellets would be used for larger game like pheasants or ducks. Birdshot is typically used at close to medium ranges, as the spread of the pellets becomes wider and less effective at longer distances.
It’s worth noting that some types of birdshot, particularly those with lead pellets, may not be legal for hunting in certain areas due to environmental concerns. Hunters should always consult their local hunting regulations before using shotgun birdshot.
Shotgun shells designed for birdshot can vary based on a few different factors, including the gauge of the shotgun, the size of the shot pellets, and the overall length and weight of the shell. Some of the key differences between shotgun shells for birdshot are:
- Shot size: The size of the shot pellets in birdshot shells can vary from very small, like size #9 or #8, to larger sizes like #4 or #6. The size of the shot pellets will affect the density and spread of the shot pattern, as well as the amount of energy each pellet carries.
- Payload weight: The amount of shot pellets in a shell, or the payload weight, can also vary. Smaller birdshot shells may contain as few as 1/2 of an ounce of shot, while larger shells may contain up to 1 1/2 ounces of shot.
- Velocity: The velocity of the shot can also vary between shells, with some loads being faster or slower than others. Higher velocities can increase the effective range of the shot and help it penetrate thicker cover, but may also increase recoil.
- Wad type: The type of wad used in the shotgun shell can also affect the performance of the shot. Some wads are designed to create a tighter pattern, while others are designed to cushion the shot and reduce recoil.
Ultimately, the choice of birdshot shell will depend on factors such as the size of the bird or game being hunted, the distance of the shot, and the shooter’s preference for recoil and pattern density. Hunters should always use the appropriate shotgun shells for their intended purpose and follow all local hunting regulations.
Buckshot
Shotgun buckshot is a type of shotgun ammunition that is designed for self-defense and hunting larger game, such as deer or wild boar. Buckshot consists of several large lead or steel pellets, typically between eight and 20, that are packed into a shotgun shell. Unlike birdshot, which spreads out in a wide pattern, buckshot pellets are tightly clustered together and designed to deliver a lot of stopping power to a single target.
Buckshot is typically used at close ranges, as the pellets will spread out as they travel through the air. This makes it effective for self-defense situations, where a shooter needs to quickly incapacitate an attacker. It is also commonly used by hunters who need to take down larger game, as the multiple pellets can increase the chances of hitting a vital area.
As with all types of ammunition, it’s important to use the appropriate type of buckshot for the intended purpose and to follow all local laws and regulations.
Shotgun Slugs
Shotgun slugs are a type of shotgun ammunition that consist of a single, large projectile that is designed to travel at high velocities and deliver a lot of energy to a single target. They are used primarily for hunting larger game, such as deer or wild boar, and can also be used for self-defense.
Shotgun slugs come in a variety of materials, including lead, steel, copper, and even tungsten. They can be designed to have various shapes, including round, hollow point, or sabot, which can affect their accuracy, penetration, and expansion upon impact.
When fired, shotgun slugs travel at high velocities and produce significant recoil, making them more difficult to shoot accurately compared to birdshot or buckshot. However, they can deliver a lot of energy to a single target and are effective at longer ranges than buckshot.
Shotgun slugs are typically available in a range of sizes, measured by their diameter in inches or millimeters. The most common shotgun slug sizes are:
- 12 Gauge: 12 gauge shotgun slugs typically have a diameter of .729 inches, which is the same as the diameter of the shotgun’s bore. However, some manufacturers produce slightly larger or smaller slugs, depending on the design.
- 20 Gauge: 20 gauge shotgun slugs typically have a diameter of .615 inches, which is the same as the bore diameter of a 20 gauge shotgun.
- .410 Gauge: .410 shotgun slugs typically have a diameter of .410 inches, which is the same as the bore diameter of a .410 shotgun.
The size of a shotgun slug can affect its performance in a number of ways, including accuracy, penetration, and energy transfer. Generally speaking, larger slugs will produce more energy and have greater penetration, but may be less accurate at longer ranges. Smaller slugs will produce less recoil and may be more accurate at longer ranges, but will have less energy transfer and may not be as effective against larger game.
As with all types of ammunition, it’s important to use the appropriate type of shotgun slug for the intended purpose and to follow all local laws and regulations.