Last reviewed: 2026-04-19 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
Sellier & Bellot 12 gauge 00 buckshot delivers nine .33-caliber lead pellets at a muzzle velocity of 1213 feet per second from a standard 2-3/4″ hull. This load fits the definition of defensive shotgun ammunition: a pattern density sufficient to stop a threat at hallway distances without excessive wall penetration compared to slugs. Chambered in the most common shotgun gauge in North America, the round cycles reliably in pump-action, semi-automatic, and break-action platforms designed for 2-3/4″ shells. Sellier & Bellot has manufactured centerfire and rimfire ammunition in the Czech Republic since 1825; in 2009, the company joined the CBC/Magtech group, consolidating production standards across continents while maintaining boxer-primed, non-corrosive specifications that allow shooters to reload spent hulls.
Performance at a Glance
The 00 buckshot pellet — .33 caliber, roughly 54 grains each — represents the middle ground between the lighter #1 buck (30 grains, 15-16 pellets) and the heavier 000 buck (70 grains, 8 pellets). At nine pellets per shell, this load balances pellet count with individual pellet energy, a compromise that has made 00 buck the issued load for U.S. military and law enforcement agencies since the Vietnam era. Muzzle velocity of 1213 fps falls within the 1150-1325 fps band typical of tactical buckshot; slower loads reduce felt recoil and muzzle flash, while faster loads flatten trajectory slightly at 15-25 yards. The roll crimp — as opposed to a star crimp — compresses the shot column into a cylinder, historically favored for uniform ignition and consistent patterns in smooth-bore barrels.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Shell length | 2-3/4″ |
| Shot type | Lead Shot |
| Shot size | #00 Buck |
| Number of pellets | 9 |
| Muzzle velocity | 1213 Feet Per Second |
| Buffered | No |
| Crimp | Roll |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Barrel type | Smooth Bore |
| Rounds per box | 10 Round |
| Intended use | Self Defense |
| Manufacturer | Sellier & Bellot |
Pattern testing at seven yards — the FBI standard for indoor engagements — reveals that nine pellets group within an eight-inch circle when fired through improved cylinder or cylinder chokes. Tighter chokes (modified, full) may constrict the pattern to five inches, increasing center-mass hit probability but narrowing the margin for aiming error under stress. Unbuffered pellets deform slightly during launch, allowing the outer pellets to spread faster than buffered loads; this characteristic makes the round more forgiving at close range but reduces effective range beyond 15 yards. For additional 12 gauge buckshot ammo options, compare pellet counts and velocities across Federal Flite Control, Hornady Critical Defense, and military-surplus offerings.
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.
- Follow the four universal safety rules: treat every firearm as loaded, never point at anything you are not willing to destroy, keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire, and be certain of your target and what lies beyond it.
- Verify that local and state laws permit possession and use of buckshot ammunition — some jurisdictions restrict buckshot for hunting or impose magazine capacity limits that affect tubular shotgun magazines.
- This ammunition contains lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause birth defects and reproductive harm — wash hands after handling and ensure adequate ventilation when firing indoors or at enclosed ranges.
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