#2 or #3 buck? Compare 20 gauge buckshot loads on pellet count and listed velocity, see how they stack up for home defense and deer, and learn how to pattern your gun.
2026
20 Gauge Ballistic Gel Results: Buckshot and Slugs Explained
A 20 gauge kicks less than a 12, but shell choice matters more. Learn how gel tests judge 20 gauge buckshot and slugs, what changes results, and how our defense and slug loads compare on build and listed velocity.
17 WSM Ballistics: Speed, Energy and How It Stacks Up
Published speed and energy for the 17 WSM loads we stock, how the round compares with the 17 HMR and 22 WMR, and why ammo can be hard to find.
17 HMR Ballistics: Speed, Energy and Bullet Choice by Load
Published muzzle velocity and energy for every 17 HMR load in stock, how to read them, and which bullet type suits varmints, small game and lead-free hunting.
16 Gauge Ammo Ballistic Data: Payload, Shot and Velocity
Payload, shot size and published velocity for every 16 gauge load we stock, from 1 oz target loads to steel, bismuth, TSS turkey loads, buckshot and slugs, plus how to read the data.
12 Gauge Slugs: Rifled vs Sabot, Chokes and Load Data
Rifled, sabot or attached-wad? Learn how 12 gauge slugs differ, what they weigh, which choke to use, and what the published velocity and energy figures mean for deer and defense.
Mini Shotgun Shells: 12 Gauge Minishell Guide
What 1-3/4 inch 12 gauge minishells are good for, whether they belong in a defense gun, how to test them in your pump or semi-auto, and how shorty loads compare on payload and speed.
12 Gauge Buckshot Guide: Sizes, Pellet Counts and Loads
What 00, #1 and #4 buck mean, how many pellets each 12 gauge shell holds, and how defense, hunting and magnum buckshot loads compare on listed velocity.
12 Gauge Ballistic Gel Data: How to Read Buckshot and Slug Tests
Shotgun gel tests are harder to read than rifle tests. Learn how buckshot, slugs and combo loads are judged, what changes results, and how our 12 gauge defense loads compare on build and listed velocity.
10mm Ballistic Gel Test Results: Mild vs Full-Power Loads
10mm ammo runs from mild to full power, and gel results swing with it. Learn how to read 10mm gel tests and compare our 10mm defense and woods loads by design and velocity.
