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Shotgun Shells

Shotgun Shells

Shop our selection of shotgun shells from top brands like Hornady, Kent Cartridge, Lambro, American Tactical / ATI, and Barnes. On Target Outdoors stocks hard-hitting, dependable shotgun shells built for upland hunters, waterfowlers, clay shooters, and home defense users who count on every shell to perform. Whether you're loading up for pheasant season, breaking clays at the range, or keeping your home defense shotgun ready, we carry birdshot, buckshot, and slugs in a range of gauges and loads. Stock up alongside shotguns and shotgun magazines to keep your shotgun ready, then fine-tune your setup with gun parts. Round things out with rifle ammunition, handgun ammunition, pump action shotguns, semi auto shotguns, and scopes sights and optics from our full inventory.

Shop our selection of shotgun shells from top brands like Hornady, Kent Cartridge, Lambro, American Tactical / ATI, and Barnes. On Target Outdoors stocks hard-hitting, dependable shotgun shells built for upland hunters, waterfowlers, clay shooters, and home defense users who count on every shell to perform. Whether you’re loading up for pheasant season, breaking clays at the range, or keeping your home defense shotgun ready, we carry birdshot, buckshot, and slugs in a range of gauges and loads. Stock up alongside shotguns and shotgun magazines to keep your shotgun ready, then fine-tune your setup with gun parts. Round things out with rifle ammunition, handgun ammunition, pump action shotguns, semi auto shotguns, and scopes sights and optics from our full inventory.

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Shotgun Shells Buying Guide

Buy shotgun shells at On Target Outdoors and find the right loads for every platform, season, and application across the Yellowstone Valley and greater Montana. From light target loads for sporting clays and upland bird season to heavy waterfowl steel, pheasant and Hungarian partridge field loads, turkey magnums, and rifled slugs for Montana deer season, our Laurel selection covers every gauge and shell type for hunters and shooters who want reliable performance from their pump action, semi-auto, or break-action shotgun through every Montana season and range session.

Match your shotgun shells to the right platform from the full On Target Outdoors shotgun lineup:

  • Pump action shotguns: The most proven and versatile shotgun platform available, handling everything from light upland field loads to heavy waterfowl steel and deer slugs with dependable reliability through every Montana hunting season and home defense application.
  • Semi auto shotguns: Gas-operated and inertia-driven semi-automatic shotguns deliver faster follow-up shots and meaningfully reduced felt recoil, making them a popular choice for Montana waterfowl hunters who run heavy steel loads through a long cold day along the Yellowstone River corridor.
  • Over under shotguns: Finely balanced over/under configurations for sporting clays, skeet, and Montana upland hunting where a refined trigger and consistent swing complement a quality field load for Hungarian partridge, pheasant, and sharp-tailed grouse.
  • Side by side shotguns: Classic double-barrel side-by-side configurations for Montana upland hunting and collection use, pairing traditional field aesthetics and quick two-shot handling with a quality upland field load.
  • Lever action shotguns: A distinctive and capable platform for home defense and range use that cycles shotgun shells through a tubular magazine with classic lever action character, pairing well with defensive buckshot and standard field loads.
  • Bolt action shotguns: Dedicated bolt action slug guns built for maximum slug accuracy during Montana deer season, delivering the deliberate lockup and consistent performance that makes rifled slug and sabot slug hunting practical at realistic deer distances.

Local And Compliance Notes

On Target Outdoors is the trusted firearms and ammunition dealer in Laurel, Montana, and serves customers in the nearby cities of Park City, Joliet, Columbus, and Billings. All firearm purchases at On Target Outdoors are conducted in full compliance with federal and Montana state law, including ATF Form 4473 and a NICS background check for every firearm sale. Shotgun shell purchases do not require a background check or special permit for adults who are legally permitted to possess firearms and ammunition.

Montana has constitutional carry, allowing law-abiding residents who are legally permitted to possess a firearm to carry it openly or concealed without a state-issued permit. Residents who travel out of state or want reciprocity recognition in other jurisdictions can obtain an optional Montana Concealed Weapons Permit through their county sheriff. Federal law requires non-toxic shot for all migratory waterfowl hunting nationwide, meaning steel, bismuth, or tungsten loads are required for duck and goose hunting in Montana. Lead shot remains legal for upland game hunting including pheasant, Hungarian partridge, sharp-tailed grouse, and turkey in Montana.

Montana hunters should consult Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks for current regulations on legal shot types, gauges, and loads for specific game seasons and hunting areas. The Yellowstone River corridor and surrounding wetlands support strong waterfowl populations, while the agricultural and prairie country of Carbon and Stillwater counties surrounding Laurel offers outstanding upland bird hunting for pheasant, Huns, and sharp-tailed grouse. Contact On Target Outdoors for help selecting the right shotgun shells for your platform, season, and Montana hunting application.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shotgun Shells

What shotgun shells does On Target Outdoors carry?

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On Target Outdoors carries a broad selection of shotgun shells covering target and sporting clays loads, upland field loads for pheasant, Hungarian partridge, and sharp-tailed grouse, non-toxic waterfowl loads including steel and bismuth, turkey magnums, defensive buckshot, and deer slugs. Available gauges include 12 gauge and other popular options across multiple shell lengths. Stop in or check online for current inventory across all available brands and loads.

What shotgun shells are required for waterfowl hunting in Montana?

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Federal law requires non-toxic shot for all migratory waterfowl hunting nationwide, including in Montana. Steel shot is the most widely used and affordable non-toxic option, while bismuth and tungsten loads offer better pattern density and downrange performance at a higher price. Montana waterfowl hunters along the Yellowstone River corridor and surrounding wetlands must use non-toxic loads at all times when hunting ducks and geese. Always use a choke rated for steel shot and verify current Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks regulations before your hunt.

What shotgun shells are best for Montana pheasant and upland bird hunting?

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For Montana pheasant hunting across the agricultural land and grasslands of the Yellowstone Valley region, 12 or 20 gauge loads with #4, #5, or #6 lead shot in 2 3/4- or 3-inch lengths are the standard recommendation for most flushing distances. For Hungarian partridge and sharp-tailed grouse, lighter #6 or #7.5 loads work well at typical distances over pointing dogs. Lead shot is legal for upland game hunting in Montana. Always check current Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks season dates and regulations before heading afield.

Can I use a shotgun for deer hunting in Montana?

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Yes. Shotguns with rifled slugs or sabot slugs are legal for Montana deer hunting and are a practical option for hunters in timbered terrain where shots are typically at closer distances. Rifled slugs through a smooth-bore barrel and sabot slugs through a fully rifled barrel are both effective at typical close-range deer hunting distances. Dedicated bolt action slug guns deliver the best slug accuracy, while pump and semi-automatic platforms with rifled barrels also perform well. Always verify current Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks regulations for your specific hunting district and season.

What is the best shotgun shell for Montana turkey hunting?

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For Montana turkey hunting, heavy magnum loads in larger shot sizes such as #4, #5, or #6 fired through a dedicated tight turkey choke are the standard recommendation, producing dense patterns at turkey hunting distances. Both lead and non-toxic turkey loads are available, with lead legal on most private and state land and non-toxic required on federal lands. A 3- or 3.5-inch 12 gauge turkey load through a purpose-built turkey choke delivers the pattern density needed for clean, ethical kills. Always verify current Montana FWP regulations for the unit and season you are hunting.

What is the difference between a 2 3/4-inch and 3-inch shotgun shell?

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The shell length designation refers to the loaded shell’s crimped length before firing. A 3-inch shell generally holds more shot or powder than a 2 3/4-inch shell in the same gauge, producing higher velocities and denser patterns at the cost of more felt recoil. Most modern shotguns chambered for 3-inch shells can safely fire 2 3/4-inch loads as well. 3-inch loads are popular for waterfowl, turkey, and longer-range upland hunting situations where extra payload provides an advantage, while 2 3/4-inch loads cover most target shooting and standard upland applications at lower recoil.

What choke should I use with steel shot in Montana?

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When running steel or other non-toxic shot, always use a choke specifically rated for steel use, typically improved cylinder or modified. Steel shot does not compress like lead, so tighter chokes can create dangerous pressure buildup and cause barrel damage. Many modern shotguns come with steel-rated chokes, and aftermarket extended steel-rated chokes are widely available for popular platforms. Never run steel or other hard non-toxic shot through a choke not specifically rated for its use.

Do I need a permit to buy shotgun shells in Montana?

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No. Shotgun shell purchases in Montana do not require a permit, background check, or special license for adults who are legally permitted to possess firearms and ammunition. A valid government-issued ID may be requested at the point of sale to confirm age. All firearm purchases from a licensed dealer require a background check, but those requirements do not extend to ammunition purchases. Contact On Target Outdoors for current shotgun shell inventory and recommendations for your specific platform and Montana hunting application.

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