28 Ga Ammo
The 28 gauge is the smallest mainstream shotshell that delivers genuine hunting performance — a 2¾-inch shell pushing ¾ ounce of shot at 1,200–1,300 fps with recoil so mild it feels like a gentle push rather than a kick. Called the “gentleman’s gauge” by upland hunters who appreciate its precision and its demand for good wing-shooting fundamentals, the 28 gauge has a devoted following in upland bird hunting, skeet (where it has its own competition class), and sporting clays. Impact Guns carries 28 gauge ammunition from Federal, Winchester, Fiocchi, RST, and other manufacturers.
Read our full 28 Gauge Ammo Buying Guide ↓
Why 28 Gauge? The Case for the Smallest Hunting Gauge
The 28 gauge exists in a sweet spot between the marginal .410 bore and the mainstream 20 gauge. It throws enough shot (¾ oz standard) to produce effective hunting patterns on quail, grouse, woodcock, and dove at reasonable distances (25–35 yards), while generating roughly half the recoil of a 12 gauge target load. The 28 gauge bore diameter is also proportionally efficient — the ¾-ounce payload fills the bore cross-section almost perfectly, producing patterns that many shooters describe as more uniform and consistent than larger gauges with proportionally smaller payloads.
28 Gauge for Upland Hunting
Quail, grouse, and woodcock are the 28 gauge’s natural prey — fast-flushing birds taken at close to moderate range in thick cover where the 28 gauge’s light weight and fast handling are an advantage. A 28 gauge over/under or semi-auto typically weighs 5–6 pounds, which makes a full day of walking rough terrain and mounting on flushes noticeably less tiring than carrying a 7–8 pound 12 gauge. Standard 28 gauge upland loads in #6, #7½, or #8 shot handle all common upland species inside 30 yards.
28 Gauge for Skeet and Sporting Clays
28 gauge is an official competition class in skeet shooting (NSSA/NSCA) and a popular sub-gauge event in sporting clays. Competition 28 gauge loads use ¾ oz of #9 shot at 1,200 fps — the same standard across all manufacturers. Fiocchi and Federal are the most popular competition 28 gauge loads. The mild recoil makes 28 gauge skeet one of the most pleasant competition disciplines in all of shotgun sports.
28 Gauge Ammunition Availability
28 gauge ammunition is less widely stocked than 12 or 20 gauge at local retailers, though all major manufacturers produce it. Federal, Winchester, Fiocchi, Remington, and RST (Rottweil Savage and Tom) all offer 28 gauge in hunting and target configurations. RST in particular is popular with 28 gauge enthusiasts for their vintage-spec low-pressure loads. Expect to pay a modest premium over 20 gauge for 28 gauge shells — roughly $12–18 per box of 25 for target loads.
28 Gauge vs. .410 Bore vs. 20 Gauge
The .410 is lighter and smaller but throws too little shot for reliable wing-shooting beyond 20 yards. The 20 gauge throws more shot with more reach but weighs more and recoils more. The 28 gauge hits the middle ground — enough shot for ethical kills at upland distances, mild enough recoil for all-day shooting, and light enough in a quality shotgun to feel alive in your hands. For experienced wing-shooters who want the most enjoyable upland experience, the 28 gauge is the answer. For maximum effectiveness, the 20 gauge. For maximum challenge, the .410.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 28 gauge good for hunting?
Excellent for upland birds (quail, grouse, woodcock, dove) inside 30–35 yards. Not recommended for waterfowl or turkey where heavier payloads are needed.
Is 28 gauge ammo hard to find?
Less common than 12 or 20 gauge at local stores, but readily available online from all major manufacturers.
Is 28 gauge more expensive than 20 gauge?
Slightly — expect a small premium per box due to lower production volume.
What shot size for 28 gauge upland hunting?
#7½ or #8 for quail and woodcock, #6 for pheasant and grouse at the outer edge of 28 gauge range.
See Also: 28 Gauge Shotguns • 20 Gauge Ammo • .410 Bore Ammo • 12 Gauge Ammo • Shotgun Ammo • Over/Under Shotguns