Bulk 20 Gauge Ammo

Overview of 20 Gauge Ammo

20 gauge is the second most popular shotgun gauge in the United States, after 12 gauge. A 20 gauge bore is about .615 inches, and standard 2-3/4-inch shells carry 3/4 to 1 ounce of shot. That means noticeably less recoil and lighter guns than 12 gauge, which makes 20 gauge a favorite for youth and smaller-framed shooters, upland bird hunters who walk all day, and clay shooters who want to shoot a lot without the fatigue.

Most 20 gauge shotguns are chambered for 2-3/4-inch or 3-inch shells. Check the barrel marking before buying, and never fire a shell longer than your chamber.

20 Gauge Brands We Carry

• Federal 20 Gauge Ammo: Top Gun target loads in #7.5, #8, and #9, Game-Shok field loads, Speed-Shok steel, and Power-Shok buckshot and slugs.
• Remington 20 Gauge Ammo: Gun Club target loads and Heavy Dove 1oz #8 for dove season.
• Winchester 20 Gauge Ammo: Super-X #3 buckshot and hollow point rifled slugs.

Best 20 Gauge Ammo for Specific Uses

Why Buy 20 Gauge Ammo from BulkMunitions?

• In stock and ready to ship. We only list ammunition that is physically in our warehouse. No backorders.
• Next-business-day shipping from our Knoxville, TN warehouse on orders placed before our daily cutoff.
• Case pricing for the season. 250-round cases cover a full season of clays or dove hunting for less per shell than single boxes.
• We tithe 10% of profits to Christian-based, 2A-supporting organizations every quarter, and our customers vote on where it goes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 20 gauge good for home defense?

Yes. A 20 gauge loaded with #3 buckshot puts multiple pellets on target with less recoil than 12 gauge, which helps with follow-up shots and makes it a good choice for smaller-framed shooters. #3 buckshot is the most common 20 gauge defensive load.

What is the difference between 12 gauge and 20 gauge?

A 12 gauge has a larger bore and carries more shot, typically 1 to 1-1/8 ounces in target loads, while 20 gauge carries 3/4 to 1 ounce. 20 gauge shotguns are lighter and kick less, while 12 gauge offers more payload and range. The shells are not interchangeable, and a 20 gauge shell in a 12 gauge chamber is dangerous.

What shot size should I use for dove hunting with a 20 gauge?

#7.5 and #8 lead shot are the most popular choices for dove. A 1oz load like Remington Heavy Dove #8 gives a dense pattern for fast, small birds. Check your state's regulations, since some areas require non-toxic shot.

More About 20 Gauge Ammo

Shotgun gauge is an old English measurement: it is the number of lead balls of the bore's diameter that add up to one pound. Twenty balls the size of a 20 gauge bore weigh a pound, so a 20 gauge is smaller than a 12 gauge, where only twelve balls make a pound.

20 gauge shells are made in yellow hulls by long industry convention. That color helps prevent a dangerous mix-up: a 20 gauge shell can slide past the chamber of a 12 gauge and lodge in the barrel, where a 12 gauge shell loaded behind it can cause a catastrophic failure. Keep your 20 and 12 gauge ammo separated.

Modern loads have made the 20 gauge more capable than ever. Sabot and rifled slugs make it a legitimate deer gun, and 3-inch magnum shells close much of the gap with 12 gauge in the field, all in a lighter gun that is easier to carry and shoot.

Related reading: What Is the Best Home Defense Shotgun Ammo?