We don’t often get to describe ammunition as “cute” – but here’s the rare exception! Federal’s 12 Gauge Shorty Shotshell is a mere 1.75” long instead of the usual 2.75”, and that short stature poses two big benefits. First, you’ll be able to fit more rounds in a shotgun’s tubular magazine. Second, the Shorty Shotshell’s reduced recoil will cause less muzzle rise while making shooting more comfortable!

This shell is not loaded with #4 shot. It is loaded with #4 buckshot, a pellet which is 0.11” wider in diameter and approximately six times heavier. Even a Shorty Shotshell holds 15 pellets of #4 buck, which lets it still produce a dense and effective pattern. #4 buck is big enough to take down a large deer at close range, and over longer ranges you can trust it to level out a varmint. It is also effective over the short distances that are usually involved when it comes to home protection.

This round’s 15/16 ounces of solid lead shot clears a shotgun’s muzzle at a velocity of 1,200 fps. The whole shot column’s combined muzzle energy is 1,311 ft lbs, which is right on par with what a 5.56 bullet can do.

This American-made ammo is good for all break-open and single-shot shotguns. Semi-automatics cannot cycle it. Some pump actions cycle it just fine; other pump actions need a small plastic aftermarket part to reliably feed Shorty Shotshells.