In varmint calibers, AccuTip-V combines superb flight characteristics and match-grade accuracy with a design optimized for explosive on-game results.
More than just an all-new cartridge, the compact design represents an entirely new class of ammunition engineered for absolute performance by every measure.
Buy at least two (2) boxes of qualifying* Remington® turkey shotshell ammunition to get a rebate of up to $100.00 back.
Featuring our new and improved rimfire technology, each round offers Premier high performance in your gun and on target.
The same great lubricant since 1913, the advanced formula cleans, lubricates and protects your valuable firearms so they'll keep running smoothly and looking like new.
Developed with shooters of every experience level in mind, these in-house designed bags were built for convenience, protection, and accessibility.
The 12-gauge shotgun is arguably the most iconic firearm in the world of outdoor recreation. There isn’t much you can’t do with a 12-gauge. With proper load selection, a 12-gauge can take down all waterfowl, all upland birds, predators, and big game, ranging from hogs to bears. Outside of the woods, the 12-gauge is a popular choice for folks who enjoy clay shooting. Sporting clays, trap, skeet, or 5-stand, there isn’t a clay shooting activity the 12-gauge can’t tackle. The 12-gauge is popular due to its power, wide array of different payloads, and accessibility. However, much like hunting, proper load selection is crucial for achieving consistent clay busting results. Knowing what load is better in specific scenarios can be the difference between smashing that final pair or whiffing. Remington offers four product lines of clay shooting shells, so read along to learn how to select the best 12-gauge shells for your next outing.
Even though shotgun selection is primarily based on personal preference, the 12-gauge embodies specific characteristics that other sub-gauges don’t have.
Payloads loaded in the 12-gauge are typically larger than those available in sub-gauges. Take a look at this 20-gauge box and this 12-gauge box. These shells are both loaded with 7.5 shot (you say this as “seven and a half”) and are Remington’s Premier Nitro Sporting Clay Product line. You’ll notice that the shot weight (payload) of the 20-gauge, 7/8 oz, is less than the lightest payload of the 12-gauge, a 1 oz. This is the measurement of the number of 7.5 size pellets loaded in the hull. The larger measurement (1 oz > 7/8 oz) means the 12-gauge has more pellets. More pellets loaded equal more pellets flying through the air, giving you a greater chance of breaking an incoming clay.
Additionally, the number of clay shooting payloads for the 12-gauge far exceeds those available for sub-gauges.
Several factors contribute to a great target load. First and foremost, it's your shot size and payload. Shot size describes the size of the pellet loaded in your hull. The larger the shot size on the box, the smaller the pellet. The best shot sizes for clay shooting are 7.5, 8, and 9. Make sure to understand this: even though you can have more pellets in a shell with a smaller shot, the smaller shot loses energy quicker than larger pellets. This makes it more challenging to reach distant targets. For optimal results in Sporting Clays, Trap, or 5 -Stand, stick with the 7.5 and 8s. Skeet shooting, where the targets are closer, the 9s begin to stand out.
Second, velocity and recoil play a part. Having a shell with an adequate velocity is essential for clay shooting. A shell with a lower velocity makes it harder to hit targets, close and near! When selecting a shell, anything above 1100 FPS is sufficient. Going above 1200 FPS, you enter the realm of nitro fast shells, which will carry your shot pellets further. So, if you are shooting a course with distant targets, a nitro fast shell may be the one for you. Recoil can also affect the way you shoot. Remington offers both standard and low-recoil 12-gauge shells for target loads. The benefit of reduced recoil is that you can stay on target better after your initial shot. The lighter recoil also doesn’t beat down your shoulder as much throughout the day. Don’t let recoil make you timid. The recoil on a 12-gauge is very manageable with the correct form, gun, and mindset!
Third, the wad loaded in the shell can make a difference between target loads. The purpose of a wad is to cushion the shot upon ignition of the propellants. Cushioning the shot helps prevent pellet deformation and keeps the shot from scattering to extremes. Both these benefits make your patterns more consistent, giving you confidence to dust targets repeatedly. Remington’s iconic power piston wads are loaded in our target loads. These wads are trusted by shooters and reloaders worldwide.
Last, consider the hull quality of your 12ga shells. Remington’s Premier STS and Nitro 27 high-quality unibody hulls are engineered to withstand multiple reloads. Reloading not only lets you experiment with custom loads but also saves you money in the long run. If you’re an avid reloader, go ahead and get yourself a box of STS or Nitro 27s.
The most iconic Remington shotshell on the ammunition market is none other than the green Premier STS. Premier STS shotshells are trusted by shooters worldwide and are the choice of world champions. STS delivers consistency shot after shot with high-antimony shot, a power piston wad, premier propellants and primer, and a durable unibody hull. The 12-gauge loads are available in four different shot sizes and two different payloads. Versatility is what Premier STS is known for. If you shoot all clay shooting sports, this shell is for you. If you're a devoted Big Green supporter, this shell is also for you!
If you demand high performance from your 12-gauge on the sporting clay course, load your vest with Remington Premier Nitro Sporting Clays. The 12ga loads are available in either 7.5 or 8 shot, ensuring adequate energy to reach distant targets and crush your pairs. Combining the energy retention of 7.5 and 8 shot with blazin’ velocities of 1300 FPS and above is the recipe for a fierce sporting clay shell. Additionally, you can reap the same benefits as an STS or Nitro 27 because the hulls on these loads are a one-piece unibody, so they withstand multiple reloads.
If you are looking for a reliable 12-gauge shell that won't break the bank throughout your shooting career, pick up a case of Remington Gun Club. These loads are designed for high-volume shooters and are well-suited for all clay shooting activities. Perfect for an entry-level shooter, choosing a box of Gun Club and putting your trust in Big Green will make you a lifelong Remington fan. Loaded with shot formed from the iconic Big Green Shot Tower and a power piston wad, these budget-rated shells don’t compromise on quality.
To learn about shooting trap, check out this Big Green Blog. Trapshooting may seem simple, but staying consistent for over 100 targets in a single day becomes very challenging. Mastering your form and practicing regularly are the only roads to improvement. For trapshooting, Remington’s Nitro 27 takes the podium for best shell. Nitro 27s are loaded in 7.5 and 8 shot sizes, the perfect size for retaining energy over distance, and are propelled to a nitro-grade velocity, giving you an edge when it comes to shooting handicap.
Skeet shooting is notoriously fast. Skeet targets can appear and disappear in the blink of an eye. The nice thing about skeet shooting, the targets are predictable! They always come from the same house. There is no guessing game like you play with trap, or the constant adjustments you have in sporting clays. For skeet shooting, the versatility of Remington’s Premier STS target loads takes the cake. Since skeet targets are close, a shooter can get away with a shell with loaded with 9-shot. Being able to have nearly double the number of pellets as you would with a shell loaded with 7.5 shot. This is something skeet shooters should consider! Remember, though, 9-shot doesn’t perform as well as 7.5 or 8 over range because it loses energy at a faster rate! The nature of the targets in skeet makes using 9-shot a realistic possibility.
Out of the other clay shooting activities, sporting clays consistently has the furthest shots and arguably some of the most challenging targets. To tackle these clays effectively, a shooter should focus on a combination of the previously stated loads. The best Sporting Clays and 5-Stand loads combine a high-velocity shell with a large payload. What makes these Premier Nitro Sporting Clays suited? They are loaded with 7.5 or 8-shot, perfect for carrying energy over distance. They are loaded in a 1 oz or 1-1/8 oz payload, delivering a high pellet count downrange. They are blazing fast, giving you an edge when it comes to long crossovers and quick targets. Nitro 27 also serves as a great sporting clay load with a combination of high velocity and large payloads.
Ultimately, the decision to use a 12-gauge or 20-gauge is based on personal preference. On the one hand, with the 12-gauge, you can expect larger payloads, better versatility on the clay course, and a widely available product. Consider a 20-gauge if you’re introducing new shooters to the sport. The agile profile of the 20-gauge and the reduced recoil is more inviting for many. Please note that you may have smaller payloads in certain instances. Check out Remington’s line of 20ga shells here.
To get the most out of your target loads, you need to be burning powder consistently. Combine consistent clay shooting with a few different shotgun chokes, and you’ll figure out what you shoot well with in various scenarios. While selecting the best load won’t ensure you hit every target, it positions you to have the best possible odds after calling pull! Explore Remington’s renowned collection of 12ga ammo today!
Gun Club
Premier STS
Nitro 27