The 12 Gauge is a shotshell standardised by SAAMI in ANSI/SAAMI Z299.2, which lists it in 2 3/4, 3 and 3 1/2 inch shells, at maximum average pressures of 11,500 psi (2 3/4 and 3 inch) and 14,000 psi (3 1/2 inch). This guide sets out SAAMI’s published reference velocity for each shot weight in each shell length, for lead and non-lead shot, then its slug and buckshot reference loads, and compares the 12 Gauge with the 20 Gauge on the same basis.
12 Gauge ballistics chart: SAAMI reference data
SAAMI lists shotshell reference loads by shot weight within each shell length, and publishes a nominal mean instrumental velocity for each, measured at 3 feet from the standard test barrel. Rifle and handgun cartridges are measured at 15 feet, so a shotshell velocity is not measured on the same basis as theirs. SAAMI lists lead shot and non-lead shot loads separately and fires them in test barrels with different chokes, so the tables give them in separate columns. SAAMI publishes no energy for shot loads, so no energy is shown.
12 Gauge, 2 3/4 inch shell
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| Shot weight | Lead shot: velocity at 3 ft | Non-lead shot: velocity at 3 ft |
|---|---|---|
| 24 gm | 1,350 fps | Not listed |
| 7/8 oz | 1,100; 1,200; 1,390 fps | Not listed |
| 26 gm | 980 fps | Not listed |
| 1 oz | 1,145; 1,180; 1,235; 1,290; 1,350; 1,500 fps | 1,235; 1,300; 1,375; 1,450 fps |
| 1 1/16 oz | Not listed | 1,500 fps |
| 1 1/8 oz | 900; 1,145; 1,200; 1,255; 1,310; 1,450 fps | 1,145; 1,300; 1,365; 1,400 fps |
| 1 1/4 oz | 1,165; 1,220; 1,275; 1,330; 1,400; 1,500 fps | 1,275; 1,325 fps |
| 1 3/8 oz | 1,300; 1,450; 1,500 fps | 1,250 fps |
| 1 1/2 oz | 1,260; 1,315 fps | Not listed |
| 1 5/8 oz | 1,250 fps | Not listed |
12 Gauge, 3 inch shell
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| Shot weight | Lead shot: velocity at 3 ft | Non-lead shot: velocity at 3 ft |
|---|---|---|
| 1 1/16 oz | Not listed | 1,625 fps |
| 1 1/8 oz | Not listed | 1,350; 1,400; 1,450; 1,500; 1,550; 1,650; 1,700 fps |
| 1 1/4 oz | 1,450 fps | 1,300; 1,375; 1,450; 1,700 fps |
| 1 3/8 oz | 1,295 fps | 1,265; 1,375; 1,450 fps |
| 1 1/2 oz | 1,300 fps | 1,300 fps |
| 1 5/8 oz | 1,280; 1,350 fps | 1,225 fps |
| 1 3/4 oz | 1,200; 1,300 fps | Not listed |
| 1 7/8 oz | 1,050; 1,210 fps | Not listed |
| 2 oz | 1,175 fps | Not listed |
12 Gauge, 3 1/2 inch shell
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| Shot weight | Lead shot: velocity at 3 ft | Non-lead shot: velocity at 3 ft |
|---|---|---|
| 1 1/4 oz | Not listed | 1,625 fps |
| 1 3/8 oz | Not listed | 1,450; 1,550; 1,650; 1,700 fps |
| 1 1/2 oz | Not listed | 1,400; 1,500 fps |
| 1 9/16 oz | Not listed | 1,300 fps |
| 1 5/8 oz | Not listed | 1,350; 1,400 fps |
| 1 3/4 oz | Not listed | 1,300 fps |
| 1 7/8 oz | 1,225 fps | 1,225 fps |
| 2 oz | 1,200; 1,300 fps | Not listed |
| 2 1/8 oz | 1,050 fps | Not listed |
| 2 1/4 oz | 1,150 fps | Not listed |
12 Gauge slug ballistics: SAAMI reference data
SAAMI lists slug loads separately from shot loads, and for slugs it publishes velocity at both 3 feet and 15 feet from the test barrel. A slug is a single projectile, so its energy can be computed from its weight as grains × fps² ÷ 450,437, taking 1 ounce as 437.5 grains. SAAMI’s slug weights are nominal, so the computed energy is nominal too, and it is energy at the test barrel, not downrange.
12 Gauge rifled slugs
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| Shell length, slug weight | Velocity at 3 ft / computed energy | Velocity at 15 ft / computed energy |
|---|---|---|
| 2 3/4 inch, 5/8 oz | Not established | 1,610 fps / 1,574 ft-lb |
| 2 3/4 inch, 5/8 oz | Not established | 1,805 fps / 1,978 ft-lb |
| 2 3/4 inch, 3/4 oz | 1,510 fps / 1,661 ft-lb | 1,450 fps / 1,532 ft-lb |
| 2 3/4 inch, 7/8 oz | 1,820 fps / 2,815 ft-lb | 1,770 fps / 2,663 ft-lb |
| 2 3/4 inch, 1 oz | 1,195 fps / 1,387 ft-lb | 1,170 fps / 1,330 ft-lb |
| 2 3/4 inch, 1 oz | 1,550 fps / 2,333 ft-lb | 1,520 fps / 2,244 ft-lb |
| 2 3/4 inch, 1 oz | 1,605 fps / 2,502 ft-lb | 1,585 fps / 2,440 ft-lb |
| 2 3/4 inch, 1 oz | 1,680 fps / 2,741 ft-lb | 1,650 fps / 2,644 ft-lb |
| 2 3/4 inch, 1 1/8 oz | 1,660 fps / 3,011 ft-lb | 1,625 fps / 2,885 ft-lb |
| 2 3/4 inch, 1 1/4 oz | 1,460 fps / 2,588 ft-lb | 1,430 fps / 2,483 ft-lb |
| 2 3/4 inch, 1 3/8 oz | 1,150 fps / 1,766 ft-lb | 1,125 fps / 1,690 ft-lb |
| 3 inch, 7/8 oz | 1,875 fps / 2,988 ft-lb | Not established |
| 3 inch, 1 oz | 1,760 fps / 3,009 ft-lb | 1,730 fps / 2,907 ft-lb |
| 3 inch, 1 1/8 oz | 1,690 fps / 3,121 ft-lb | 1,655 fps / 2,993 ft-lb |
2 3/4 inch rifled slug load of 1 3/8 oz: SAAMI notes that the original load introduced at this payload and velocity was a 1-ounce lead rifled slug with 3 lead 00 buck shot pellets.
12 Gauge saboted slugs
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| Shell length, slug weight | Velocity at 3 ft / computed energy | Velocity at 15 ft / computed energy |
|---|---|---|
| 2 3/4 inch, 300 gr | 2,000 fps / 2,664 ft-lb | Not established |
| 2 3/4 inch, 375 gr | 1,720 fps / 2,463 ft-lb | 1,700 fps / 2,406 ft-lb |
| 2 3/4 inch, 385 gr | 1,845 fps / 2,910 ft-lb | 1,825 fps / 2,847 ft-lb |
| 2 3/4 inch, 400 gr | 1,460 fps / 1,893 ft-lb | 1,450 fps / 1,867 ft-lb |
| 2 3/4 inch, 400 gr | 1,700 fps / 2,566 ft-lb | Not established |
| 2 3/4 inch, 1 oz | 1,200 fps / 1,399 ft-lb | Not established |
| 2 3/4 inch, 1 oz | 1,300 fps / 1,641 ft-lb | Not established |
| 2 3/4 inch, 1 oz | 1,450 fps / 2,042 ft-lb | Not established |
| 2 3/4 inch, 1 oz | 1,500 fps / 2,185 ft-lb | Not established |
| 2 3/4 inch, 1 1/8 oz | 1,345 fps / 1,977 ft-lb | 1,320 fps / 1,904 ft-lb |
| 2 3/4 inch, 1 1/4 oz | 1,545 fps / 2,898 ft-lb | 1,525 fps / 2,824 ft-lb |
| 3 inch, 300 gr | 2,065 fps / 2,840 ft-lb | 2,050 fps / 2,799 ft-lb |
| 3 inch, 300 gr | 2,330 fps / 3,616 ft-lb | 2,300 fps / 3,523 ft-lb |
| 3 inch, 375 gr | 1,845 fps / 2,834 ft-lb | 1,825 fps / 2,773 ft-lb |
| 3 inch, 385 gr | 1,895 fps / 3,069 ft-lb | 1,875 fps / 3,005 ft-lb |
| 3 inch, 1 oz | 1,300 fps / 1,641 ft-lb | Not established |
| 3 inch, 1 oz | 1,400 fps / 1,904 ft-lb | Not established |
| 3 inch, 1 oz | 1,565 fps / 2,379 ft-lb | Not established |
| 3 inch, 1 3/8 oz | 1,495 fps / 2,985 ft-lb | 1,475 fps / 2,906 ft-lb |
12 Gauge buckshot: SAAMI reference data
SAAMI lists buckshot by buck size and number of pellets, with one velocity measured at 3 feet from the standard test barrel. It publishes no pellet weight, so no energy is computed for buckshot.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| Shell length, buck size | Number of pellets | Lead buckshot: velocity at 3 ft | Non-lead buckshot: velocity at 3 ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 3/4 inch, 000 buck | 8 | 1,325 fps | Not listed |
| 2 3/4 inch, 00 buck | 8 | 1,200 fps | 1,200; 1,650 fps |
| 2 3/4 inch, 00 buck | 9 | 1,125; 1,325 fps | 1,250; 1,325; 1,650 fps |
| 2 3/4 inch, 00 buck | 12 | 1,290 fps | Not listed |
| 2 3/4 inch, 0 buck | 12 | 1,275 fps | Not listed |
| 2 3/4 inch, 1 buck | 16 | 1,250 fps | Not listed |
| 2 3/4 inch, 1 buck | 20 | 1,075 fps | Not listed |
| 2 3/4 inch, 4 buck | 27 | 1,325 fps | 1,200; 1,450 fps |
| 2 3/4 inch, 4 buck | 34 | 1,250 fps | Not listed |
| 3 inch, 000 buck | 10 | 1,225 fps | Not listed |
| 3 inch, 00 buck | 15 | 1,210 fps | Not listed |
| 3 inch, 1 buck | 24 | 1,040 fps | Not listed |
| 3 inch, 4 buck | 41 | 1,210 fps | Not listed |
| 3 1/2 inch, 00 buck | 18 | 1,200 fps | Not listed |
What the numbers mean for a shot
SAAMI lists 3 shell lengths for the 12 Gauge: 2 3/4, 3 and 3 1/2 inch. Its lead shot loads carry from 24 gm to 2 1/4 oz of shot and its non-lead shot loads carry from 1 oz to 1 7/8 oz. At 3 feet, SAAMI’s lead shot reference velocities are from 900 to 1,500 fps, and its non-lead shot reference velocities are from 1,145 to 1,700 fps.
SAAMI’s rifled slug reference velocities run from 1,150 to 1,875 fps at 3 feet, and its saboted slug reference velocities run from 1,200 to 2,330 fps at 3 feet. Computed from the nominal slug weight, the most energetic slug reference load is the 300 gr saboted slug in the 3 inch shell, at 2,330 fps at 3 feet: 3,616 ft-lb. Its buckshot reference loads run from 1,040 to 1,650 fps at 3 feet, with 8 to 41 pellets.
None of the shot or buckshot figures is a pattern, range or energy figure. SAAMI’s tables give shot weight rather than shot size, measure shot and buckshot velocity at 3 feet, and publish no pattern or energy data, so they cannot say how far a load is effective or how hard it hits. The slug energy figures are computed at the test barrel only: SAAMI measures no further than 15 feet, so they say nothing about energy or drop at hunting distances. Each product in our 12 Gauge ammo range lists whatever its maker publishes for that item.
Shell length, chamber and pressure
The maximum average pressure for the 12 Gauge is 11,500 psi (2 3/4 and 3 inch) and 14,000 psi (3 1/2 inch). Never fire a shell longer than the chamber of your shotgun. Check the chamber length marked on the barrel or given in the owner’s manual, and match the gauge and shell length printed on the box to it.
SAAMI’s lead shot reference velocities were measured in test barrels with a choke constriction of .031 ± .005 in (0.79 mm ± 0.13 mm), and its non-lead shot velocities in test barrels with .005 ± .005 in (0.13 mm ± 0.13 mm). Those are the barrels every velocity above was measured in, not a statement about your shotgun: your own barrel and choke can give different figures. Check the barrel and choke maker’s instructions before firing non-lead shot, and check the current regulations where you hunt, because rules on which shot may be used, for waterfowl in particular, vary by location.
SAAMI’s rifled slug data is for loads intended to be fired from smooth-bore firearms, and its saboted slug data is for loads intended for use in rifled-barrel shotguns and rifled choke tubes. Match the slug type to your barrel, and check the choke maker’s instructions before firing any slug through a choke tube.
12 Gauge vs 20 Gauge: the SAAMI comparison
A figure from one maker’s catalogue cannot be laid beside a figure from another’s: each picks its own test barrel, choke and payload. SAAMI is the shared basis, because it fixes one standard test barrel and one way of measuring velocity for every shotshell it lists.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| SAAMI specification | 12 Gauge | 20 Gauge |
|---|---|---|
| Shell lengths SAAMI lists | 2 3/4, 3 and 3 1/2 inch | 2 3/4 and 3 inch |
| Maximum average pressure, 2 3/4 inch shell | 11,500 psi | 12,000 psi |
| Maximum average pressure, 3 inch shell | 11,500 psi | 12,000 psi |
| Maximum average pressure, 3 1/2 inch shell | 14,000 psi | Not listed |
| Lead shot, 2 3/4 inch shell | 24 gm to 1 5/8 oz; 900–1,500 fps | 3/4 oz to 1 1/8 oz; 980–1,390 fps |
| Non-lead shot, 2 3/4 inch shell | 1 oz to 1 3/8 oz; 1,145–1,500 fps | 3/4 oz to 1 1/8 oz; 1,100–1,425 fps |
| Lead shot, 3 inch shell | 1 1/4 oz to 2 oz; 1,050–1,450 fps | 1 1/8 oz to 1 7/16 oz; 1,100–1,300 fps |
| Non-lead shot, 3 inch shell | 1 1/16 oz to 1 5/8 oz; 1,225–1,700 fps | 7/8 oz to 1 1/4 oz; 1,175–1,600 fps |
| Rifled slug, 2 3/4 inch shell | 5/8 oz to 1 3/8 oz; 1,150–1,820 fps | 1/2 oz to 7/8 oz; 1,540–1,810 fps |
| Saboted slug, 2 3/4 inch shell | 300 gr to 1 1/4 oz; 1,200–2,000 fps | 250 gr to 1 oz; 1,270–1,900 fps |
| Lead buckshot, 2 3/4 inch shell | 000, 00, 0, 1 and 4 buck; 1,075–1,325 fps | 3 buck; 1,200 fps |
| Non-lead buckshot, 2 3/4 inch shell | 00 and 4 buck; 1,200–1,650 fps | Not listed |
| Rifled slug, 3 inch shell | 7/8 oz to 1 1/8 oz; 1,690–1,875 fps | 3/4 oz; 1,800 fps |
| Saboted slug, 3 inch shell | 300 gr to 1 3/8 oz; 1,300–2,330 fps | 260 gr to 1 oz; 1,495–1,915 fps |
| Lead buckshot, 3 inch shell | 000, 00, 1 and 4 buck; 1,040–1,225 fps | 2 buck; 1,200 fps |
In the 2 3/4 inch shell, SAAMI standardises the 12 Gauge at 11,500 psi and the 20 Gauge at 12,000 psi, so the 12 Gauge runs 500 psi lower. The heaviest lead shot load SAAMI lists in that shell is 1 5/8 oz for the 12 Gauge and 1 1/8 oz for the 20 Gauge. In the 3 inch shell, SAAMI standardises the 12 Gauge at 11,500 psi and the 20 Gauge at 12,000 psi, so the 12 Gauge runs 500 psi lower. The heaviest lead shot load SAAMI lists in that shell is 2 oz for the 12 Gauge and 1 7/16 oz for the 20 Gauge. A higher pressure limit is a ceiling on the load, not a measure of its power.
What SAAMI cannot settle is anything past the muzzle. It publishes no pattern, shot size or downrange data, so it cannot say which gauge is more effective at a given distance; that depends on the load and the choke. We stock the other side of this comparison too: 20 Gauge ammo.
12 Gauge ballistics questions
What is the maximum pressure of the 12 Gauge?
ANSI/SAAMI Z299.2 sets the maximum average pressure for the 12 Gauge at 11,500 psi (2 3/4 and 3 inch) and 14,000 psi (3 1/2 inch).
How fast is a 12 Gauge shotshell?
SAAMI’s reference velocities for the 12 Gauge, measured at 3 feet from the standard test barrel, are from 900 to 1,500 fps for lead shot and from 1,145 to 1,700 fps for non-lead shot.
How fast is a 12 Gauge slug, and how much energy does it carry?
SAAMI’s rifled slug reference velocities run from 1,150 to 1,875 fps at 3 feet, and its saboted slug reference velocities run from 1,200 to 2,330 fps at 3 feet. Computed from the nominal slug weight, the most energetic slug reference load is the 300 gr saboted slug in the 3 inch shell, at 2,330 fps at 3 feet: 3,616 ft-lb. SAAMI publishes velocity only, so the energy figure is computed, not published.
What buckshot loads does SAAMI list for the 12 Gauge?
SAAMI lists 22 buckshot reference loads for the 12 Gauge, in buck sizes 000, 00, 0, 1 and 4, carrying 8 to 41 pellets, with reference velocities from 1,040 to 1,650 fps measured at 3 feet. It publishes no pellet weight, so no buckshot energy can be computed from it.
What is the difference between 2 3/4 and 3 inch 12 Gauge shells?
SAAMI standardises both at 11,500 psi. SAAMI lists lead shot loads carrying from 24 gm to 1 5/8 oz in the 2 3/4 inch shell and from 1 1/4 oz to 2 oz in the 3 inch shell. A shell must never be longer than the chamber of the shotgun it is fired in.
Is the 12 Gauge more powerful than the 20 Gauge?
Power is not a SAAMI measure. What SAAMI publishes is a maximum average pressure and the shot weights and velocities of its reference loads. In the 2 3/4 inch shell, which both list, the heaviest lead shot load SAAMI lists is 1 5/8 oz for the 12 Gauge and 1 1/8 oz for the 20 Gauge, at maximum average pressures of 11,500 psi and 12,000 psi.
What shot weights does SAAMI list for the 12 Gauge?
SAAMI lists lead shot loads carrying from 24 gm to 2 1/4 oz and non-lead shot loads carrying from 1 oz to 1 7/8 oz.
What is the effective range of a 12 Gauge?
Effective range is not a SAAMI specification. SAAMI measures velocity at 3 feet and publishes no pattern or energy data, so it says nothing about performance at distance; that depends on the load, the shot size and the choke.
Where to buy these loads
Hilltop Armory carries 12 Gauge ammunition from Federal, Winchester, Remington, Fiocchi, Hornady and HEVI-Shot. Browse the full 12 Gauge ammo range.
