12 Gauge Shotgun Shells: Sizes, Loads and the Law
A shell too long for your chamber still fits — and raises pressure. Shot sizes, published loads, and what federal law actually requires for waterfowl.
Shotgun Gauges
Buckshot Explained: Sizes, Pellet Counts and Range
Buckshot sizes from #4 to 000 buck, pellet counts from Federal specs, effective range for deer, and why the same size can carry a different count.
Read the articleShotgun Gauges
Shotgun gauges and bores compared on shell length, pressure ceiling and payload, with the SAAMI rating named for every shell length on the page.
-
-
20 Gauge Shells: Loads, Pressure and the 12 Gauge Trade
A 3-inch 20 gauge shell buys payload, not pressure — SAAMI rates both lengths the same. Published loads, slugs and how it really compares with 12.
-
410 Ammo: Bore Not Gauge, and Why 3-Inch Runs Hotter
The 3-inch .410 is rated 1,000 psi above the 2½-inch — the only common shotshell whose lengths differ. Loads, specs and what the makers publish.
-
12 Gauge vs 20 Gauge: More Shot, Not More Pressure
The 20 gauge is rated to a higher pressure than the 12. What the bigger bore buys is payload — 29% more shot at the same speed, on the same load.
