Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, competitive shooter.
You’re reaching for Browning BXD Upland when dove, quail, or chukar are the quarry and your shotgun chambers 16 gauge — a gauge that splits the difference between the ubiquitous 12 and the featherweight 20. This load pushes 1-1/8 ounce of nickel plated #6 shot to 1295 feet per second from a 2-3/4 inch hull, delivering pattern density and energy retention where non-toxic shot isn’t mandated. Nickel plating is the performance lever here: pellets resist flattening on ignition and setback, maintaining spherical geometry through the choke and downrange, which translates to tighter patterns and cleaner kills at extended ranges. Sixteen gauge upland ammo refers to shotshells chambered for 16 gauge smoothbore shotguns, sized between 12 and 20 gauge, and optimized for walking bird hunts where weight savings matter but payload capacity still counts.
Performance at a Glance
Browning engineers this load with a Boxer primer and non-corrosive powder, housed in a reloadable hull. The 1-1/8 ounce payload sits in the performance sweet spot for upland work — heavy enough to carry energy past 35 yards, light enough to keep recoil manageable over a full day afield. Muzzle velocity of 1295 fps puts this shell in the high-velocity category without crossing into magnum territory. You’re not dealing with buffered shot or cushioned wads — the nickel plating does the heavy lifting for pattern consistency. This ammunition is intended for smooth bore barrels; rifled slug barrels will not stabilize shot payloads.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 16 Gauge |
| Shell Length | 2-3/4″ |
| Shot Type | Nickel Plated Lead Shot |
| Shot Size | #6 |
| Shot Weight | 1-1/8 Ounce |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1295 Feet Per Second |
| Buffered | No |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Intended Use | Upland, Dove & Small Game |
| Rounds per Box | 25 |
| Manufacturer | Browning |
Pattern this load through your choke before opening day — Modified and Improved Cylinder are typical starting points for most upland guns. The nickel plating will show its advantage when you compare pattern density against standard lead shot of the same size and velocity. Number 6 shot bridges the gap between the finer #7.5 preferred for close-flushing quail and the heavier #5 used on pheasants, making it a versatile choice for mixed-bag days. Browse the full selection of 16 gauge shotgun ammo when you’re stocking up for the season.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Federal law requires purchasers to be at least 18 years old for rifle and shotgun ammunition, and at least 21 for handgun ammunition. Ammunition cannot be shipped to certain states, counties, and cities — review our ammunition shipping restrictions before ordering. Store ammunition in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and out of reach of unauthorized users.
- Treat every firearm as if it is loaded; keep muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times.
- This product contains lead, a substance known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm — review Prop 65 warnings for details.
- Store shotshells upright in factory packaging, away from moisture and temperature extremes; rotate stock annually.
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