Latest Loads: The 2 3/4" 12-Ga. Shotshell

by
posted on March 28, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
12ga.jpg

There are certain loads that just stand out—one such recipe is found below. The load features a mere 7/8 oz. (148 pellets) of TomBob Outdoors’ lead-free ITX-10 No. 4 shot, which has a target density of 10 grams/cc (i.e. close to lead’s 11.34 grams/cc); however, the payload attains a scorching 1491 f.p.s. to deliver maximum on-target energy. And deliver it does! As evidenced in testing, the load patterns extremely well at distance; at 35 yds., 138 pellets struck inside of a 30" circle, and 35 of those hit within the 10" “core” surrounding the point of aim. This hard-hitting, tight-patterning load has brought to bag a variety of species in recent hunting trips, ranging from the speedy bufflehead to the majestic American black duck.

Latest

Mossberg 990 Magpul shotgun
Mossberg 990 Magpul shotgun

New for 2026: Mossberg 990 Magpul and 990 SPX Aftershock

Mossberg steps up its 990 game with a new Magpul shotgun and SPX firearm.

New for 2026: Gemtech Nebula 5.7 Direct-Thread Suppressor

Gemtech’s Nebula is a 5.7x28 mm-specific sound suppressor.

I Have This Old Gun: De Lisle Commando Carbine

The De Lisle "Commando Carbine," as it came to be known, provided British special operators with a suppressed firearm that could be used to take out targets without arousing the attention of nearby troops.

Q&A: Same Cartridge, Two Different Primer Types

Q: How do No. 34 large rifle primers from CCI differ from the standard large rifle type?

New for 2026: Stoeger STR-9 Thinline+ Pistol

Stoeger refines its STR-9 Thinline pistol to be even easier to carry.

Finding The Natural Point Of Aim

Nearly every shooter understands the basic principles of marksmanship: position, grip, sight alignment, breathing, trigger control and follow-through.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.