Shotgun Ammunition
Home defense, hunting, and clay sports
About Shotgun Ammo
Ammunition engineered for home defense, hunting, and competitive shooting
Top Loads
Detailed specs on the 10 most popular shotgun ammunition loads
FAQ
Find answers about gauges, shot types, and hunting applications
Contact Us
Visit our store or call to check availability and get expert recommendations
Shotgun Ammunition
Engineered for home defense, hunting, and competition
Shotgun ammunition is engineered for versatility, power, and reliability. Whether you're defending your home, hunting game birds, or competing in clay sports, selecting the right gauge, load, and shot type is essential for success.
Hangtown Range carries shotgun ammunition in all popular gauges and load types—from home defense buckshot to hunting slugs, waterfowl steel shot, and competitive clay target loads. Due to California's regulations and ammunition availability constraints, specific gauges and types may vary. Contact our staff to verify current inventory or discuss your specific shotgun ammunition needs.
Buckshot & California Legal/Compliance Info
Buckshot Types & Sizes
Buckshot uses large pellets designed for hunting large game and home defense. Buck sizes range from 000 (largest) down to #4 (smaller but still substantial). Each offers different ballistics, recoil, and effective range.
000 Buck (Triple-Aught)
Largest buckshot pellet. Limited availability; niche use only.
00 Buck (Double-Aught)
Most common for home defense and large game hunting. 8–9 pellets per 2¾" shell.
#1 Buck
Slightly smaller pellets with higher pellet count. Effective for both defense and hunting.
#4 Buck
Smaller pellets with more per shell. Reduced recoil option for sensitive shooters.
California Legal & Compliance
Buckshot ammunition has NO state-level restrictions in California for home defense, hunting, or sport use. You can legally purchase and use 00 buck, #1 buck, and other buckshot loads in CA.
Home Defense
Buckshot is legal and widely used for residential defense. No permitting or registration required for defensive ammo.
Hunting Large Game
Buckshot is legal for deer and other large game. Check your hunting season tags and bag limits; local hunting seasons vary.
Range Use
Some ranges restrict buckshot due to backstop wear. Always check range rules before bringing buckshot ammunition.
Hangtown Pro Tip
If you're planning to use buckshot for home defense, we recommend testing your defensive load at your intended engagement distance (typically 7–15 yards indoors). Bring your shotgun to Hangtown Range and we'll recommend appropriate buckshot that patterns well in your gun and choke setup. Consistency matters more than brand prestige—find what works in YOUR shotgun.
Shot Size & Choke: The Basics
Two key factors determine how your shotgun ammo performs: shot size (the pellet diameter) and choke (how tight or loose the barrel constricts the pellet cloud). Understanding both helps you buy the right ammo for your gun and goal.
Understanding Shot Size
Shot sizes are numbered, with smaller numbers being larger pellets. Larger pellets carry energy farther and hit harder (good for hunting and defense); smaller pellets create denser patterns (good for clays and distant birds).
00 Buck, #1 Buck, #4 Buck
Largest pellets for home defense and hunting large game. Fewer pellets per shell, but each hits hard.
#5, #6, #7.5 Shot
Medium sizes for upland birds (pheasant, quail) and some duck hunting. Balanced pellet count and energy.
#8, #9 Shot
Smallest sizes for clay sports and small birds. Dense patterns but less per-pellet energy at distance.
Understanding Choke
Choke controls how tight the barrel constricts the pellet pattern as it leaves. Tighter chokes keep pellets grouped longer; more open chokes spread them out quickly.
Cylinder (Most Open)
Minimal constriction. Pattern spreads fast. Good for home defense and close-range hunting (under 20 yards).
Improved Cylinder, Modified
Medium constriction. Balanced pattern. Good for general hunting and some clay sports (15–35 yards).
Full, Extra Full, Turkey (Tightest)
Maximum constriction. Dense, tight pattern at distance. Good for long-range waterfowl, turkey, and trap shooting (30+ yards).
Hangtown Pro Tip
Bring your shotgun to Hangtown Range and tell us your intended use, distance, and choke. We'll recommend the right shot size for that choke and help you pick ammo you can pattern-test. Many shooters find certain brands pattern better in their gun than others—we can help you narrow down options.
Shotgun Ammo Selection Guide
| Application | Recommended Load | Shot Size / Type | Choke |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trap | 12 ga 2¾" 1⅛ oz #7.5 or #8 target load | #7.5, #8 | Modified to Full |
| Skeet | 12 ga 2¾" 1 oz #8 or #9 target load | #8, #9 | Skeet (Cylinder or IC) |
| Sporting Clays | 12 ga 2¾" 1–1⅛ oz target load | #7.5, #8 | Station-dependent (IC to Full) |
| Home Defense | 12 ga 2¾" 00 Buck (reduced-recoil or standard) | 00 Buck (8–9 pellets); #1 Buck or #4 Buck as alternative | Cylinder or Improved Cylinder |
| Deer (smoothbore barrel) | 12 ga 2¾" or 3" rifled Foster slug | 1 oz Foster slug (lead) | Cylinder or Slug choke only — do NOT use constricted choke |
| Deer (rifled barrel) | 12 ga 2¾" or 3" copper sabot slug (non-lead in CA) | 300–385 gr sabot slug | No choke / rifled choke tube only |
| Waterfowl — Ducks | 12 ga 3" steel shot (non-toxic required) | #2, #3, #4 steel | Modified or Improved Modified (steel-rated only) |
| Waterfowl — Geese | 12 ga 3" or 3½" steel, bismuth, or tungsten | BB, BBB, T steel; #2 bismuth | Modified (steel-rated); Light Full for bismuth/tungsten |
| Turkey | 12 ga 3" turkey load (lead, TSS, or non-toxic) | #4, #5, #6 lead; #7, #9 TSS | Extra Full / Turkey choke |
| Pheasant & Chukar | 12 ga 2¾" field load (non-toxic if on public land) | #5, #6 lead; #4, #5 steel or bismuth | Improved Modified to Modified |
| Quail & Dove | 12 or 20 ga 2¾" light field or target load | #7.5, #8 | Improved Cylinder to Modified |
| Youth / New Shooters | 20 ga 2¾" 7/8 oz target load | #7.5, #8 | Improved Cylinder or Modified |
| Bear / Large Animal Defense | 12 ga 2¾" or 3" 1 oz rifled slug or 00 Buck | 1 oz Foster slug or 00 Buck | Cylinder — never Full or Turkey choke with slugs |
| Tactical / Law Enforcement | 12 ga 2¾" FliteControl 00 Buck or reduced-recoil #1 Buck | 00 Buck (8 pellet); #1 Buck | Cylinder or Improved Cylinder |
Top 10 Shotgun Ammo Gauges, Loads & Types
Complete specs for the most popular shotgun loads
California Non-Lead Ammunition Requirement
California law requires the use of non-lead (lead-free) shot and slugs for all hunting statewide. This includes upland birds, waterfowl, deer, turkey, and all other game on all California lands. Lead shot and lead slugs are prohibited for hunting purposes. Hangtown carries California-compliant steel, bismuth, tungsten, and other non-toxic shotgun loads to meet this requirement. For home defense, range use, and clay sports, standard lead loads remain legal. Ask our staff to confirm your ammo is appropriate for your intended use.