Shotgun Shot Size Chart - Guide To Choose The Right Shot.
Choose The Right Shotgun Shot Size For Different Applications.
Want to know which shot size is right for your Shotgun? If not, we are here to guide you.
Shot size is one of the most important considerations in choosing the right shotgun shot for different applications.
Choosing the right shotgun shot size will help hunt more effectively.
As there are many shot size options available & it's very confusing for a new gun owner to choose the right shot size.
Through this Shotgun shot size chart, we'll take a closer look at the different shotgun shot sizes and their typical uses. This will help you choose the right shotgun shells for your needs.
If you want to know about the handgun bullet size chart check our previous post here: Handgun Bullet Size Chart - What Sizes Do Bullets Come In?
Let's come back to the topic about shotgun shot size charts.
Shotgun Shot Size Basic Concepts
The word "shot" in shotgun refers to small, metal balls used as projectiles.
Shot size is the physical size of the pellets loaded into the shell. Shot size is measured by number, generally from No. 9 (very small) to BB (large). It goes even larger if you get into buckshot sizing.
The larger numbers indicate smaller shot sizes and smaller numbers indicate larger shot sizes.
The shot's size affects the shot pattern's spread when the shotgun is fired, as well as the amount of energy delivered to the target.
Smaller shot sizes are typically used for smaller games or birds, while larger shot sizes are used for larger games or shooting targets.
The appropriate shot size depends on the shotgun's intended use, the distance to the target, and other factors.
Types of Shotgun Shot Sizes By Material
Shotgun shots are typically made of lead, steel, Copper-Plated, and many other marital. Different types of shots are suitable for various hunting applications.
Before moving to the shotgun shot size chart, let's discuss the shotguns shots material.
Lead Shot Size
| Lead Shot Sizes | Pellet Diameter (Inches) | Pellet Diameter (mm) |
| 12 | .05 | 1.27 |
| 9 | .080 | 2.30 |
| 8 1/2 | .085 | 2.16 |
| 8 | .090 | 2.29 |
| 7 1/2 | .095 | 2.29 |
| 6 | .110 | 2.78 |
| 5 | .120 | 3.05 |
| 4 | .130 | 3.30 |
| 2 | .150 | 3.81 |
| BB | .180 | 4.57 |
Lead is known as an ideal material for shot. Lead shot is dense, that is helpful to retain energy and helpful to flatten on impact.
- #8, #7 ½: quail, Doves, pigeons, woodcock, small shoreline birds such as rail and snipe:
- #7-1/3 : Grouse and partridge, and short-range upland birds (woodcock and ruffed grouse.
- #7 ½, #6: short range pheasant, Squirrel, rabbit, hare, long-range grouse.
- #6, #4: long-range chukar, Long range pheasant,
Steel Shot Sizes
| Steel Shot Sizes | Pellet Diameter (Inches) | Pellet Diameter (mm) |
| 6 | .11 | 2.79 |
| 5 | .12 | 3.05 |
| 4 | .13 | 3.30 |
| 3 | .14 | 3.56 |
| 2 | .15 | 3.81 |
| 1 | .16 | 4.06 |
| BB | .18 | 4.57 |
| BBB | .19 | 4.83 |
| T | .20 | 5.08 |
| F | .22 | 5.59 |
Steel shot is another popular non-toxic shot for hunting waterfowl. Compared to lead shots, steel shots are lighter and harder & does not perform as well.
- #2, #1, BB: long-range ducks
- #4, #3, #2: short-range ducks.
- BB, BBB: short-range geese.
- BBB, T: Long-range geese.
Buckshot Sizes
| Buckshot Size | Pellet Diameter (Inches) | Pellet Diameter (mm) |
| #4 Buck | .24 | 6.10 |
| #3 Buck | .25 | 6.35 |
| #2 Buck | .27 | 6.86 |
| #1 Buck | .30 | 7.62 |
| #0 (single-ought) Buck | .32 | 8.13 |
| #00 (double-ought) Buck | .33 | 8.38 |
| #000 (triple-ought) Buck | .36 | 9.14 |
Buckshot is a larger size of shot, typically ranging from 000 (triple-ought) to #4. It's commonly used for hunting large game, such as deer or wild boar. Here’s a chart of buckshot sizes;
The above charts will be helpful to choose the right type of shotgun shot size by material for different hunting needs.
Shotgun Shot Size Chart
Below we are going to share the popular shotgun shot size chart. Details for each bullet caliber include information about the shot size, pellet diameter, pellet per ounce, weight per lead pellet & use of a particular shot size.
The shot size chart below will be helpful for new gun owners to choose the shot size for hunting various game animals.
Note: (Please make sure to verify shot size from the retail & brands once before buying any shotgun shells)
| Shot Size | Pellet Diameter | Pellets Per Ounce | Weight Per Lead Pellet(Grains) | Uses |
| 9 | .08 | 585 | 0.75 | Small birds, Doves, Quail |
| 9 | .09 | 409 | 0.97 | Doves, Quail, Ruffed Grouse, Pigeons, Woodcock |
| 7 1/2 | .095 | 350 | 1.09 | Sage Grouse, Sharptail Grouse, Hungarian Partridge, Pigeons, Woodcock |
| 6 | .11 | 223 | 1.62 | Pheasant, Sage Grouse, Sharptail Grouse, Chukar |
| 5 | .12 | 172 | 1.99 | Pheasant, Turkey, Waterfowl |
| 4 | .13 | 136 | 2.58 | Turkey, Waterfowl |
| 2 | .15 | 88 | 4.37 | Waterfowl |
| B | .17 | 60 | 7.29 | short range geese |
| BB | .18 | 50 | 8.75 | long-range ducks, short range geese |
| BBB | .19 | 43 | 10.17 | short range geese |
| T | .20 | 37 | 11.82 | short range geese |
| TT | .21 | 32 | 13.67 | |
| TTT | .22 | 27 | 16.20 | |
| No. 4 Buck | .24 | 21 | 20.83 | |
| No. 3 Buck | .25 | 18 | 24.31 | |
| No. 2 Buck | .27 | 14 | 31.25 | |
| No. 1 Buck | .30 | 10 | 43.75 | |
| 0 Buck | .32 | 9 | 48.61 | |
| 00 Buck | .33 | 8 | 54.69 | |
| 000 Buck | .36 | 6 | 72.92 |
Shotgun Shot Size Chart By Gauge
| Gauge | Length, Shot size and Types |
| 10 Gauge | Length: 3-1/2" Shot size: BB, BBB, #00 Buc, #2, #4, #5, k, T Type: Buckshot, Waterfowl, Slug, Turkey Shotshell: 10 Gauge |
| 12 Gauge | Length: 1-3/4", 3-1/2", 2-3/4", 3", Shot size: #7.5, #8, #9, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #1, #7, BB, BBB, #00 Buck, #000 Buck, T Type: Buckshot, Waterfowl, Slug, Upland, Turkey Shotshell: 12 Gauge |
| 16 Gauge | Length: 2-3/4" Shot size: BB, #8, #7.5, #2, #4, #5, #6, Type: Buckshot, Waterfowl, Slug,, Upland Shotshell: 16 Gauge |
| 20 Gauge | Length: 2-3/4", 3" Shot size: #3 Buck, #2 Buck, #1 Buck, BB, #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #7.5, #8, #9 Type: Waterfowl, Upland, Turkey, Slug, Buckshot, Shotshell: 20 Gauge |
| 28 Gauge | Length: 2-3/4", 3" Shot size: #5, #6, #7.5, #8, #9 Type: Waterfowl, Upland Shotshell: 28 Gauge |
| 410 Gauge | Length: 2-1/2", 3" Shot size: #000 Buck, #4, #6, #7.5, #8, #9, Type: Buckshot, Upland, Slug, Turkey Shotshell: 410 Gauge |
Shot Size Chart for Common Game Birds, Large Games & Small Games
Small Ducks 
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Large Ducks 
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Geese 
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Pheasant 
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Quail 
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Grouse 
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Doves 
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Turkeys 
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Shot Size For Small Games
Rabbit 
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Squirrel 
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Shot Size For Large Game
Black Bear 
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Deer 
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Elk 
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Grizzy Bear 
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What Shot Size Should You Use?
The choice of shotgun shot size depends on several factors, including the type of game being hunted, the distance at which the game will be shot, and personal preferences. Here are some general rules for choosing shotgun shot size:
- Small Game: For small games such as birds, rabbits, and squirrels, smaller shot sizes like #6, #7.5, or #8 are usually used. These shot sizes have more pellets in the shotshell, increasing the chances of hitting the small target.
- Medium Game: For medium-sized games such as ducks, geese, and pheasants, larger shot sizes like #4 or #5 are commonly used. These shot sizes provide enough power to take down the medium-sized game.
- Large Game: For larger games such as deer or bear, slugs are usually used instead of shot. If the shot is used, it's typically larger, like #00 buckshot.
- Distance: For longer distances, larger shot sizes are generally preferred as they have greater kinetic energy and momentum at longer ranges.
- Self-defense: Although shotguns are a reliable alternative for home defense, the shot size selection is a difficult and debatable topic. Remember that a bigger shot has both a positive and a negative effect because it penetrates more effectively.
- Target shooting: For clay target competitions, tiny shots are preferred. Therefore, #9 or #8s are best. When firing at a clay target from a close distance, you don't need a powerful load; instead, you want a lot of little pellets pounding at the target from the air.
- Personal Preference: Ultimately, the choice of shot size depends on personal preference, and hunters may have different preferences for different games, distances, and shooting conditions.
Before choosing a shot size, it's important to understand the game and its behavior, the hunting conditions, and the shotgun's capabilities. Always follow local hunting regulations and safety guidelines when hunting with a shotgun.
Final Words
So, what shot size do you use for different types of shooting? Remember, your choice of shotgun shell sizes will depend on many factors, including the type of hunting or shooting you plan.
Larger shots hit harder and penetrate more deeply in the game. A larger shot is for larger targets, and a smaller shot is for smaller targets.
So, before buying a shotgun shell, check the shotgun shot size chart properly to get the best hunting results.
Disclaimer: We strive to provide the most accurate information we can. If there are any errors, please let us know. Please confirm once from the retailers & manufacturers before making any purchase.
