17 Different Types Of Shotgun Shells!

Published on August 19, 2025
Duration: 1:58

This video provides an expert-level demonstration of 17 different 12-gauge shotgun shells, including slugs, buckshot, and various birdshot sizes, tested through a GForce Arms Gatlander semi-automatic shotgun. The host, a specialized firearms content creator with practical range experience, details the effects of different loads on recoil, muzzle rise, and cycling reliability. Key takeaways include the significant recoil from heavy slugs, the manageability of buckshot, and the inverse relationship between birdshot size number and pellet diameter.

Quick Summary

This expert review tests 17 types of 12-gauge shotgun shells, including slugs, buckshot, and birdshot, through a GForce Arms Gatlander. It details recoil differences between heavy slugs, magnum loads, and standard birdshot, demonstrating the inverse relationship between birdshot size number and pellet diameter, and highlighting the performance of vintage paper shells.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: 17 Different Shells
  2. 00:17Slug Testing: Weights and Recoil
  3. 00:35Buckshot Testing: #0 and #00
  4. 00:44Power Level Comparison: Recoil Analysis
  5. 01:09Vintage Paper Shell Functionality
  6. 01:17Birdshot Pattern Comparison: #2 to #8

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of 12-gauge shotgun shells were tested in the video?

The video tested 17 different types of 12-gauge shotgun shells, including various slug weights (1/2 oz, 1 oz, 2.5 oz Seismic slug), buckshot (#0 and #00), and multiple sizes of birdshot (from #2 to #8), as well as vintage paper-cased shells.

How does ammunition power affect recoil in a 12-gauge shotgun?

Heavier slugs and magnum loads significantly increase felt recoil and muzzle rise. Ultra-light and low-recoil loads are designed to mitigate this, offering a more manageable shooting experience, especially for extended sessions or smaller-framed shooters.

What is the difference between #2 and #8 birdshot?

#8 birdshot consists of much smaller pellets than #2 birdshot. As the number increases, the pellet size decreases, leading to a denser pattern of smaller projectiles, which is typically used for smaller game birds.

Which shotgun was used for testing the 17 different shells?

The primary firearm used for testing the 17 different 12-gauge shotgun shells was a GForce Arms Gatlander, a semi-automatic shotgun, allowing for observation of cycling reliability across various load pressures.

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