Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, lifelong hunter.
For whitetail hunters working dense brush or hog control in tight quarters, 20 gauge buckshot ammo offers meaningful recoil reduction without sacrificing close-range authority. Federal Premium Vital-Shok 20 gauge buckshot ammo in 3″ magnum shells delivers 18 copper-plated #2 buckshot pellets at 1100 fps — a payload that balances pattern density with moderate shoulder impulse for follow-up shots. Twenty gauge buckshot shells bridge the gap between 12 gauge power and reduced recoil, making them an effective choice for shooters who prioritize control under stress or hunt from elevated stands where rapid second shots matter. Federal Premium builds these shells for medium game — primarily whitetail deer, antelope, and feral hogs inside 40 yards.
Built for the Box
Federal Premium loads each 3″ hull using a patented spiral-stacking process that arranges copper-plated #2 buckshot pellets in a helical column inside the wad. This geometry reduces pellet deformation during barrel transit, which translates to tighter patterns downrange compared to random-stacked payloads. Copper plating adds hardness to the lead core, further limiting flattening against bore walls and neighboring pellets. The 6-point star crimp secures the payload during transport, and Boxer primers permit reloading for handloaders who run progressive presses. Each 5-round box ships with non-corrosive primers and reloadable hulls — Federal Premium manufactures these shells in the United States.
The Numbers
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 20 Gauge |
| Shell length | 3″ |
| Shot type | Copper Plated Lead Shot |
| Shot size | #2 Buck |
| Number of pellets | 18 |
| Muzzle velocity | 1100 fps |
| Buffered | No |
| Crimp | 6-Point Star |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Barrel type | Smooth Bore |
| Rounds per box | 5 |
| Intended use | Big Game |
| Manufacturer | Federal Premium |
Eighteen #2 buckshot pellets (0.150″ diameter per pellet) deliver a combined frontal area comparable to three .38 Special projectiles — adequate for medium game vitals inside the 30-40 yard envelope where pattern spread remains predictable. Pattern your specific shotgun and choke combination at 20, 30, and 40 yards before hunting; every barrel throws pellets differently. Browse our full selection of 20 gauge shotgun shells for additional loads in birdshot, slugs, and alternative buckshot sizes.
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.
- Observe the four universal rules of firearms safety at all times — treat every firearm as loaded, keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire, never point at anything you are not willing to destroy, and know your target and what lies beyond it.
- Verify current state and local laws regarding buckshot possession and use — some jurisdictions restrict buckshot for hunting or self-defense applications.
- This ammunition contains lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands thoroughly after handling ammunition and fired cases.
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