And if you shoot a 20-gauge or even a 12-gauge with a 2 3/4-inch chamber, the higher pellet count of the smaller shot will make up for the limited hull capacity.Īlthough small shot has convention on its side, bigger pellets have advantages as well. The extra velocity provides greater downrange energy, which makes smaller pellets almost, but not quite, the equal of the next size up in a slower load, especially at ranges inside 40 yards. Smaller shot works well with high-velocity loads that range between 1,675 and 1,700 fps, if you can stand the recoil. Denser patterns are likewise better for finishing cripples on the water when you have only the head and neck to shoot for. Having more pellets will also help fill out the fringes of the pattern, which means you'll bag more birds when you're not hitting with the center of the pattern. Small shot translates into more pellets, and the more pellets in your pattern, the greater the chance of an instantly fatal head or neck shot. Using shot that packs more than 'adequate' energy is theoretically unnecessary. The following advice will help you narrow down those choices to pick the best size for your specific hunting needs.Ĭonventional wisdom recommends choosing the smallest shot size that will have adequate energy to cleanly kill the bird at the distance you're shooting. In fact, on the sides of ammo boxes there are little charts that offer different size recommendations.

If, however, you select a shot size that's too big, you'll have pellets with more than enough energy but insufficient pattern density to ensure enough hits on the target.Ī range of shot sizes will work for any bird. Your shell should put enough shot in the air to ensure multiple hits on a bird, and each of those pellets must carry enough energy to reach vital organs.Ĭhoose a size that's too small and you'll have plenty of pattern density, but not enough pellet energy to penetrate deep enough for a clean kill. The right shot size strikes a balance between pattern density and pellet energy.

12 gauge buckshot size chart