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shotgun ammo is perhaps the most specialized type of ammunition available today.

With a wide range of shot sizes and materials, there is an option perfectly suited to

your shooting needs—whether you’re hunting birds, deer, squirrels, rabbits, or

nearly any other small to medium game.

The History of shotgun ammo

All of our shotgun shell caliber histories are published under a Creative Commons

Attribution 4.0 International License. You’re welcome to republish or share them, in

full or in part. We simply ask that you credit Ammo.com and include a link to the

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The development of shotgun ammunition, like many stories in the history of

firearms, is rich and multifaceted. From its early origins to the innovations that

followed, the evolution of shotgun shells reflects the ongoing demand for precision

and performance in the field. shotgun ammo

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Since the first ignition of black powder to propel a projectile from a tube, ideas for

enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the process have continually evolved. This

journey began over a century ago when hunters discovered that small, fast-moving

game and birds were ideal targets for shot pellets. These pellets soon gained

popularity among military shooters as well. However, significant advancements in

technology, powder, and firearm design were required before shotguns underwent

substantial changes.

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The real breakthrough in shotgun ammunition came with the introduction of breech-

loading shotguns, which initially fired two types of shells—brass and paper. The first

brass shotgun shells were loaded either by the shooter or by ammunition

manufacturers sometime after 1865, marking a turning point in the development of

shotgun technology. shotgun ammo

The reusability of brass shells led to their rapid rise in popularity. By the mid to late

1860s, paper-hulled shot shells also gained traction, with the Union Metallic

Company (UMC) producing a significant number of them, helping to solidify their

prominence in the market.

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Shortly after UMC began manufacturing these shells, Frank Chamberlin developed

a machine capable of loading 1,200 to 1,500 shotshells per hour. These impressive

figures, especially for the mid-1880s, placed Chamberlin in direct competition with

the very supplier of his components. As a result, his supply was cut off, ultimately

driving him out of business. In 1933, Remington acquired his company.

In 1960, Federal Ammunition introduced color-coded shotshells, a practice that

quickly gained widespread adoption across the ammunition industry. shotgun ammo

To prevent the accidental loading of the wrong shell, such as placing a 20-gauge

shell into a 16-gauge shotgun, the color-coding system was introduced. This

innovation helped shooters easily identify the correct ammunition for their firearm.

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The next major advancement in shotgun ammunition came in the 1960s with the

introduction of plastic shells by Remington. These plastic hulls were superior to

their paper counterparts, as they could be reloaded more frequently and offered

better resistance to moisture. Another key development was the one-piece wad,

which prevented shot deformation as it traveled through the barrel. This innovation

allowed pellets to maintain more consistent patterns and increased their range.

With the wide variety of shotgun shells available, the versatility of shotgun

ammunition remains one of its greatest strengths, making it an indispensable tool

for hunters, sport shooters, and law enforcement alike.

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For hunting deer-sized game, larger shot sizes such as 00 buck through #4 buck are commonly used, while smaller shot sizes like #7, 7.5, 8, and 9 are ideal for small game and birds. Slugs, designed to be fired from a shotgun, are solid projectiles that are particularly effective for hunting larger game. These slugs may be encased in sabots, which help guide the projectile down the barrel, or they may feature rifling cut into them. Both methods enhance performance, and when paired with the right shotgun, they can offer effective ranges exceeding 100 yards.

A wide variety of materials are used in shotgun shot, and there are numerous types available, each designed for specific purposes and offering unique advantages.

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Whether you’re a hunter, competitive shooter, civilian seeking self-defense, law enforcement officer, or military member, there is likely an affordable shotgun shell to suit your needs. For those seeking bulk options, a cost-effective 12 gauge ammunition choice is available that will meet your specific requirements while offering the best price per round.