Shotshells By Purpose
Different types of shotshells are designated for different purposes. They are classified by numeric value, with the lowest number given to the largest pellet size, and the highest number given to the smallest pellet size.
Buckshot
Typically used for larger game and self defense applications, buckshot encompasses anything in the "aught" category: Single Aught (0), Double Aught (00), Triple Aught (000), and 4 Aught ( 0000 ). Double Aught is by far the most commonly produced and purchased, whereas 4 Aught is the largest.
Fiocchi 12EX00BK 12 Gauge 00 Buckshot, 9 Pellet, 2.75", Blue Hulls *LTD* 25 Round Boxes - 250 Shot Case
Birdshot
Birdshot is generally classified as the top three options (7.5 shot, #8 shot, and #9 shot) in small pellet loads, with 7.5 and #8 being the most popular choices for hunting dove and quail. Due to the smaller pellet size, birdshot is less effective for personal protection when compared to buckshot. Read our comparison of birdshot vs. buckshot to discover why.
Panzer Wing & Clay 12 Gauge, 2 3/4", 8 Shot, 1 1/8 oz, 1350 FPS, High Velocity Shotgun Shell - 250 Round Case - PAWC128SHV
Waterfowl Loads
For ducks, geese, grouse, and pheasants, most hunters prefer to run a heavier shotshell load (such as a #6 shot) due to the size of the game and the distance these birds must be engaged at. These loads are typically referred to as separately as Waterfowl loads and may also include steel shot instead of lead shot.
Panzer Game Load 12 Gauge, 2 3/4", 6 Shot, 1 1/4 oz, 1400 FPS, High Velocity Shotgun Shell - 250 Round Case - PAGL126SHV
Intermediate Loads
There are many other types of shotshell that span the gap between birdshot and buckshot: B-Shot, BB-Shot, #1 Shot, #2, #3, #4, #5, and the #6 shot mentioned above. These shot sizes are commonly referred to as Game Loads for medium-size game or predators (foxes, coyotes, etc.) and make up a huge part of the shotgun shell market.
Winchester Ammo XU12H4 Super-X Heavy Game Load 12GA 2.75" 1 1/8oz #4 Shot - 25sh Box
A Caveat For Home Defense
The United States military issues buckshot as their preferred defensive load due to its effective range. However, for civillian self-defense scenarios within the confines of a home or apartment, most experts consider buckshot to have far too great a potential for over-penetration and therefore recommend mid-range shot for home defense.
Learn more about using shotguns for home defense in our video below!
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