28 GAUGE SHOTGUN AMMO

28 Gauge Ammo: Best Shotgun Loads, Ballistics & Hunting Performance

Introduction to 28 Gauge Shotgun Ammo

The 28 gauge shotgun is often overlooked compared to 12 gauge and 20 gauge, but it offers exceptional balance, light recoil, and versatility for hunting, sport shooting, and home defense. Known for its efficient patterning and smooth shooting experience, 28 gauge ammo has gained popularity among upland bird hunters, clay target shooters, and even small game hunters.

Whether you're new to 28 gauge shotguns or looking for the best factory ammo, this guide will help you understand 28 gauge ballistics, recommended loads, and hunting applications.

Why Choose 28 Gauge Ammo?

Shooters and hunters prefer 28 gauge shotgun shells for several key reasons:

• Light Recoil & Smooth Shooting – The 28 gauge produces noticeably less recoil than 12 or 20 gauge, making it a great choice for youth shooters and recoil-sensitive individuals.
• Efficient Ballistics – While smaller than 12 gauge, 28 gauge shells deliver excellent pattern density and energy for hunting and sport shooting.
• Ideal for Upland Bird Hunting – Perfect for quail, pheasants, doves, and grouse, thanks to its tight patterning and lightweight shot loads.
• Great for Clay Shooting & Skeet – The 28 gauge is widely used in sporting clays, skeet, and trap shooting due to its balanced performance and shot consistency.
• Versatile Hunting Capabilities – While commonly used for birds, 28 gauge ammo can also be effective for small game hunting with the right loads.

28 Gauge Ballistics: What to Expect

Factory-loaded 28 gauge shotgun shells typically feature ¾ oz to 1 oz shot loads, reaching speeds of 1,200 to 1,350 fps depending on the shell type and manufacturer.

Typical Ballistics Data (Factory Ammo)

The balance of velocity, shot weight, and patterning makes 28 gauge ammo an efficient choice for hunting and sport shooting, offering tight patterns and effective energy transfer.

28 Gauge vs. 20 Gauge: Key Differences

Many hunters and shooters compare 28 gauge vs. 20 gauge to determine the best option for their needs.

• 28 Gauge – Lighter recoil, more efficient patterning, and excellent for upland bird hunting and skeet shooting.
• 20 Gauge – More powerful, better for larger game and waterfowl hunting, but has slightly more recoil than 28 gauge.

For those seeking a lighter, smoother-shooting shotgun for small game and birds, 28 gauge shells offer exceptional performance without the kick of larger gauges.

Best 28 Gauge Factory Ammo

If you're looking for the best 28 gauge shotgun ammo, these factory loads provide top-tier performance for various applications.

Best 28 Gauge Ammo for Hunting

1. Federal Game Load Upland 28ga ¾ oz #6 – Perfect for pheasant, quail, and other upland birds, offering consistent patterning and knockdown power.
2. Fiocchi Golden Pheasant 28ga 1 oz #5 – Hard-hitting load designed for long-range upland bird hunting.
3. Winchester Super-X 28ga ¾ oz #7.5 – A reliable hunting load for dove, quail, and grouse.
4. Kent Bismuth Upland 28ga ¾ oz #4 – Lead-free alternative for bird hunting with superior penetration.

Best 28 Gauge Ammo for Sporting Clays & Skeet

1. Remington STS Target 28ga ¾ oz #9 – One of the best sporting clays and skeet loads, offering tight patterns and low recoil.
2. Federal Top Gun Sporting 28ga ¾ oz #8 – Designed for sporting clays and trap shooting, providing consistent patterns and smooth cycling.
3. Fiocchi Exacta Target 28ga ¾ oz #7.5 – A top-tier competition load for clay target shooting.

Best 28 Gauge Steel Shot for Waterfowl

1. Hevi-Shot Hevi-XII 28ga ¾ oz #4 – Superior steel shot alternative for duck hunting, offering dense patterns and extended range.
2. Federal Speed-Shok 28ga ¾ oz #2 Steel – Ideal for waterfowl hunting, providing high velocity and non-toxic shot.

Reloading 28 Gauge Shotgun Shells

For reloaders, 28 gauge shells offer plenty of flexibility with popular powders like:

• Hodgdon Longshot – Known for consistent velocities and smooth performance.
• Alliant 20/28 – A great powder for sporting clays and hunting loads.
• Winchester WAA28 Wads – Commonly used in 28 gauge reloads to optimize shot patterns.

Reloading 28 gauge ammo allows shooters to customize shot loads and velocities to fit their specific hunting or target shooting needs.

Is 28 Gauge Good for Hunting?

Yes! 28 gauge shotguns are excellent for hunting upland birds, small game, and even waterfowl with the right ammunition.

Best Uses for 28 Gauge Hunting Ammo:

•  Upland Birds (Pheasants, Quail, Grouse, Doves) – #5-7.5 lead shot for tight patterning and controlled energy.
• Waterfowl (Ducks, Teal, Geese) – Steel or bismuth shot in #2-4 for legal non-toxic loads.
• Small Game (Rabbits, Squirrels) – #4 or #6 shot for clean kills with minimal damage.

Best Shotguns Chambered in 28 Gauge

Many manufacturers produce high-quality 28 gauge shotguns for hunting and sport shooting. Here are some top choices:

1. Browning Citori 725 28 Gauge – A premium over/under shotgun designed for sporting clays and hunting.
2. Beretta Silver Pigeon III 28 Gauge – A lightweight hunting shotgun with superior balance.
3. Remington 1100 Sporting 28 Gauge – A semi-auto shotgun ideal for skeet and trap shooting.
4. Benelli Ethos 28 Gauge – A reliable semi-auto shotgun for upland bird hunting.
5. CZ Drake 28 Gauge – An affordable over/under shotgun with excellent versatility.

Final Thoughts: Why 28 Gauge is a Top Choice

The 28 gauge shotgun is one of the best-kept secrets in the shotgun world, offering light recoil, exceptional accuracy, and effective performance for hunting and sport shooting. Whether you’re chasing upland birds, breaking clays, or enjoying a lightweight field gun, 28 gauge ammo delivers outstanding patterning and shooting comfort.

For those looking for the best factory ammo, waterfowl loads, or target shells, 28 gauge shotgun shells provide versatility and reliability for any shooting scenario.