ProArmory Experts Choice For
20 Gauge Ammo for Sale:
What Are The 3 Main Different Types of 20 Gauge Ammo?
Birdshot:
Birdshot contains numerous small pellets, making it ideal for hunting small game (pheasants, ducks, rabbits) and target shooting (trap, skeet, sporting clays).
- Smaller shot sizes (#7.5, #8, #9) are best for clay target sports.
- Larger shot sizes (#4, #5, #6) are used for waterfowl, turkey, and upland birds.
- Steel shot is required for waterfowl hunting in many areas due to environmental regulations.
Buckshot:
Buckshot shells fire multiple large-diameter pellets, making them highly effective for home defense, law enforcement, and hunting medium-sized game (deer, coyotes, wild hogs).
- 00 ("double-aught") buckshot – Most common for home defense and deer hunting, typically containing 8-9 pellets (.33-inch diameter).
- #1 and #4 buckshot – Smaller pellets that increase pattern density, preferred for self-defense and predator control.
Buckshot provides high stopping power at close range but spreads out over distance, reducing effectiveness at long range.
Slugs:
Slugs fire a single large projectile, offering higher accuracy, range, and stopping power compared to buckshot. Slugs are commonly used for big game hunting (deer, wild boar, bear) and self-defense.
- Foster Slugs (Rifled Slugs) – Designed for smoothbore shotguns, featuring grooves to help with limited stabilization.
- Sabot Slugs – Designed for rifled barrels, providing greater accuracy and longer range.
- Brenneke Slugs – European-style slugs with external fins for deep penetration and straight-line stability.