Shotgun Shells Explained: Birdshot, Buckshot, and Slugs
April 17, 2026 · AmmoBin.com
Shotgun ammo is more varied than any other type — the same gun fires tiny pellets, big buckshot, or a single slug. Here's how to read a shell and pick the right load.
The three families
- Birdshot — many small pellets; for birds, clays, and small game
- Buckshot — fewer, large pellets (e.g. 00 buck); the home-defense standard
- Slugs — a single solid projectile; for deer and big game at shotgun range
Shot size and shell length
Smaller shot numbers mean bigger pellets (#8 birdshot is tiny; #4 buck is large). Shell length (2¾", 3", 3½") must match your shotgun's chamber. More length generally means more payload and recoil.
Which to use
Birds/clays: birdshot. Home defense: reduced-recoil 00 buckshot (see best home-defense ammo). Deer: slugs or large buck where legal. Compare live 12 gauge and 20 gauge prices.
Frequently asked questions
Is birdshot or buckshot better for home defense?
Buckshot (typically reduced-recoil 00) is the home-defense standard — it delivers far more stopping power than birdshot while remaining controllable.
What do shotgun shot sizes mean?
Smaller numbers mean larger pellets. #8 birdshot is tiny (clays/birds); #4 and 00 buckshot are large (defense). Slugs are a single projectile.
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