---
title: "12 Gauge Hunting Ammo | JJ Armory"
description: "Recommended 12 ga hunting loads by game — shot size, steel or lead (or bismuth/TSS), and shop links at JJ Armory in Riverhead, NY."
url: "https://www.jjarmoryny.com/hunting-ammo-12-gauge"
site: "JJ ARMORY LLC"
---

# 12 Gauge Hunting Ammo | JJ Armory

> Recommended 12 ga hunting loads by game — shot size, steel or lead (or bismuth/TSS), and shop links at JJ Armory in Riverhead, NY.

[ HUNTING AMMO // 12 GA ]

[ HUNTING AMMO // 12 GA ]

## 12 GAUGE HUNTING

The most common hunting gauge. Loads for every game we cover, including waterfowl steel, turkey, upland, slugs, and buckshot. Choose the animal you are hunting to see the shot size and material we recommend, plus a link to shop matching ammo.

The most common hunting gauge. Loads for every game we cover, including waterfowl steel, turkey, upland, slugs, and buckshot. Choose the animal you are hunting to see the shot size and material we recommend, plus a link to shop matching ammo.

[ BACK TO ALL GAUGES ]

[ 01 / 12 GA ]

[ 01 / 12 GA ]

## DUCKS

Non-toxic shot only. Steel, bismuth, or tungsten — never lead.

Non-toxic shot only. Steel, bismuth, or tungsten — never lead.

[ VIEW DUCKS LOADS ]

[ 02 / 12 GA ]

[ 02 / 12 GA ]

## GEESE

Non-toxic only. Larger steel (BB–T) or dense bismuth/tungsten.

Non-toxic only. Larger steel (BB–T) or dense bismuth/tungsten.

[ VIEW GEESE LOADS ]

[ 03 / 12 GA ]

[ 03 / 12 GA ]

## TURKEY

Lead #4–#6 or TSS #7–#9. In NY, shot must be #2 through #8.

Lead #4–#6 or TSS #7–#9. In NY, shot must be #2 through #8.

[ VIEW TURKEY LOADS ]

[ 04 / 12 GA ]

[ 04 / 12 GA ]

## PHEASANT

Lead #4–#6, or bismuth where non-toxic is required.

Lead #4–#6, or bismuth where non-toxic is required.

[ VIEW PHEASANT LOADS ]

[ 05 / 12 GA ]

[ 05 / 12 GA ]

## GROUSE & WOODCOCK

Lead #7½ or #8, open choke; #6 for late grouse.

Lead #7½ or #8, open choke; #6 for late grouse.

[ VIEW GROUSE & WOODCOCK LOADS ]

[ 06 / 12 GA ]

[ 06 / 12 GA ]

## QUAIL

Lead #7½ or #8, open choke.

Lead #7½ or #8, open choke.

[ VIEW QUAIL LOADS ]

[ 07 / 12 GA ]

[ 07 / 12 GA ]

## DOVE

Lead #7½ or #8; steel or bismuth where the land requires non-toxic.

Lead #7½ or #8; steel or bismuth where the land requires non-toxic.

[ VIEW DOVE LOADS ]

[ 08 / 12 GA ]

[ 08 / 12 GA ]

## RABBIT & SQUIRREL

Lead #6 is the all-around size; #7½ up close, #4–#5 in thicker cover.

Lead #6 is the all-around size; #7½ up close, #4–#5 in thicker cover.

[ VIEW RABBIT & SQUIRREL LOADS ]

[ 09 / 12 GA ]

[ 09 / 12 GA ]

## DEER (SLUGS)

In New York: 20 gauge or larger, slug only — no buckshot. .410 is not legal.

In New York: 20 gauge or larger, slug only — no buckshot. .410 is not legal.

[ VIEW DEER (SLUGS) LOADS ]

[ 10 / 12 GA ]

[ 10 / 12 GA ]

## COYOTE & PREDATOR

Buckshot or a turkey load at modest range; slugs for selected longer shots.

Buckshot or a turkey load at modest range; slugs for selected longer shots.

[ VIEW COYOTE & PREDATOR LOADS ]

Questions? Call (631) 985-5527 — 38 W Main St, Riverhead. This is hunting advice, not legal advice; check current DEC and USFWS rules for the land you hunt.

Questions? Call (631) 985-5527 — 38 W Main St, Riverhead. This is hunting advice, not legal advice; check current DEC and USFWS rules for the land you hunt.