Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
The Fiocchi Exacta 12 gauge buckshot is a home defense load engineered around 27 nickel-plated #4 buck pellets in a standard 2-3/4″ hull. Nickel plating reduces friction during flight, preserving pellet shape through bore contact and choke constriction. At 1325 feet per second, this load delivers higher velocities than most standard-pressure buckshot while maintaining manageable recoil in pump-action and semi-automatic shotguns. Fiocchi loads the Exacta line in Ozark, Missouri, using boxer primers and non-corrosive propellants suitable for home storage. Each case contains 250 rounds organized as 25 boxes of 10 shells.
Performance at a Glance
#4 buckshot sits between #1 buck (16 pellets, .30 caliber) and #00 buck (9 pellets, .33 caliber) in the defensive shotgun hierarchy. The 27-pellet payload trades individual pellet mass for higher pellet count, yielding broader pattern coverage at typical home defense ranges of 7 to 15 yards. Nickel plating hardens the lead core, which reduces flyers and maintains tighter groups through cylinder and improved cylinder chokes. Energy per pellet is sufficient for penetration of heavy clothing and wallboard while minimizing over-penetration risk compared to larger buckshot sizes.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Shell Length | 2-3/4″ |
| Shot Type | Nickel Plated Lead Shot |
| Shot Size | #4 Buck |
| Number of Pellets | 27 |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1325 fps |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Crimp | 6-Point Star |
| Rounds/Box | 10 |
| Quantity | 250 Round (25 Boxes) |
| Intended Use | Self Defense |
| Manufacturer | Fiocchi |
The 6-point star crimp and smooth-bore barrel compatibility make this load suitable for defensive shotguns with cylinder, improved cylinder, or modified chokes. Fiocchi’s quality control ensures consistent shot columns and uniform velocities across production lots. For more 12 gauge buckshot ammo options, compare similar loads by pellet count and velocity.
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.
- Always treat every firearm as if it is loaded — keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and finger off the trigger until ready to fire.
- Verify your state and local laws permit possession of lead shot ammunition — some jurisdictions require non-toxic shot for all shotgun use.
- This product contains lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm — wash hands after handling.
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