Ammo & Guns Blog
Best Ammo for the Remington 870: A Complete Shotgun Guide
Choosing the best ammo for the Remington 870 starts with identifying your shotgun’s gauge, chamber length, and intended use. The Remington 870 is available in several configurations, including 12-gauge and 20-gauge models, with different chamber specifications and barrel options.
For many owners, 12-gauge ammunition is the primary consideration. However, birdshot, buckshot, and slugs serve different purposes, and not every shell is suitable for every Remington 870. Understanding these differences helps you compare ammunition, avoid compatibility mistakes, and make a more informed purchase.
This guide covers common Remington 870 ammunition types, shotgun shell lengths, shot sizes, and important details to check before buying.
What gauge and shell length does the Remington 870 use?
The Remington 870 is a pump-action shotgun platform available in multiple gauges and configurations. Common versions include 12-gauge and 20-gauge models, although other variants have existed.
The correct ammunition depends on the markings on your specific shotgun and its owner’s manual.
Two specifications are especially important:
- Gauge: Common Remington 870 models are chambered in 12 or 20 gauge.
- Chamber length: Common configurations include 2¾-inch and 3-inch chambers.
A shotgun marked for 3-inch shells may generally accommodate shorter shells of the same gauge when permitted by the manufacturer. However, a shotgun with a 2¾-inch chamber should not be loaded with 3-inch ammunition.
Never assume that all Remington 870 shotguns share the same chamber specifications.
Comparing ammunition types for the Remington 870
Shotgun ammunition is available in several projectile configurations. Each has a different design and intended application.
| Ammunition type | Common application | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Birdshot | Target shooting and hunting small game | Shot size and payload vary |
| Buckshot | Specific hunting and defensive applications | Pellet size and shell specifications matter |
| Slugs | Hunting and other applications permitted by local regulations | Check barrel and choke compatibility |
| Specialty shotgun loads | Specific applications | Verify manufacturer instructions and firearm compatibility |
The correct choice depends on the shotgun’s configuration, the ammunition manufacturer’s specifications, and the intended application.
Birdshot: Understanding shot sizes
Birdshot contains numerous small pellets rather than a single large projectile. It is commonly used for clay-target sports and hunting suitable small game.
Common birdshot sizes include:
- #7½ shot: Commonly associated with clay-target shooting.
- #8 shot: Another widely available target-shooting option.
- #6 shot: Common in certain small-game hunting loads.
- #4 shot: A larger birdshot option used in some hunting applications.
Shot size is only one specification to consider. Payload weight, shell length, manufacturer guidance, and applicable hunting regulations also matter.
Buckshot: Understanding common options
Buckshot uses larger pellets than birdshot. It is available in several configurations, with 00 buckshot and #4 buckshot among the commonly recognized options.
| Buckshot type | General characteristics |
|---|---|
| #4 buckshot | Contains smaller pellets than 00 buckshot |
| 00 buckshot | A widely recognized buckshot size |
| 000 buckshot | Uses larger pellets than 00 buckshot |
Product specifications vary by manufacturer. Compare the actual pellet count, payload, shell length, and published specifications rather than assuming all buckshot loads are identical.
Shotgun slugs: What to know before buying
A shotgun slug is a single projectile rather than a collection of pellets. Slug ammunition is available in different designs, including rifled and sabot varieties.
However, slug compatibility depends on the specific Remington 870 configuration.
Important considerations include:
- Barrel type and manufacturer specifications
- Choke restrictions
- Shell length
- Slug design
- The firearm manufacturer’s instructions
Do not assume that every slug is suitable for every Remington 870 barrel. Consult the owner’s manual and ammunition manufacturer before selecting a product.
2¾-inch vs. 3-inch Remington 870 shells
Shell length is one of the most important compatibility checks when purchasing Remington 870 ammunition.
| Shell length | General description | Compatibility consideration |
|---|---|---|
| 2¾ inch | Common shotgun shell length | Must match the shotgun’s gauge and chamber specifications |
| 3 inch | Longer magnum shell option | Only for shotguns specifically chambered and approved for it |
| Other specialty lengths | Available for certain shotgun applications | Verify exact firearm and ammunition compatibility |
The chamber marking on your shotgun determines which shell lengths are appropriate. A 3-inch chamber does not mean every load or specialty shell is automatically suitable.
How to choose compatible Remington 870 ammo
Before purchasing ammunition, review these essential details.
Confirm the gauge
Check the barrel marking and owner’s manual. Never select ammunition based only on the Remington 870 model name.
Check chamber length
Verify whether your shotgun is marked for 2¾-inch or 3-inch shells. Using ammunition that exceeds the approved chamber length can create a serious safety hazard.
Review barrel and choke specifications
Barrel and choke configurations can affect ammunition compatibility, particularly with certain slug and specialty loads. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Inspect ammunition condition
Avoid shells with damaged hulls, corrosion, moisture exposure, or other visible defects. Follow the manufacturer’s safety guidance when inspecting ammunition.
Compare product specifications
Check the manufacturer, gauge, shell length, payload, shot size, and intended application. Product descriptions should provide enough information to identify the ammunition accurately.
What to consider when buying Remington 870 ammunition in bulk
Bulk shotgun ammunition can offer a lower price per shell, particularly for regular target shooting. However, compare the complete package specifications before purchasing.
Consider these factors:
- Shell quantity: Confirm the number of shells in each package.
- Gauge and length: Make sure the ammunition matches your shotgun.
- Shot size or projectile type: Compare equivalent products.
- Manufacturer: Review the product specifications and published quality information.
- Cost per shell: Divide the total package price by the number of shells.
- Shipping and handling: Include applicable fees when comparing total costs.
A larger package is not automatically a better value if the ammunition does not match your shotgun’s specifications.
Common mistakes when choosing Remington 870 ammunition
Avoid these common purchasing mistakes:
- Assuming every Remington 870 uses 12-gauge ammunition: Confirm the actual gauge.
- Ignoring chamber length: Never use shells longer than the shotgun’s approved chamber specification.
- Confusing birdshot and buckshot: They have different projectile sizes and intended applications.
- Assuming all slugs are interchangeable: Check barrel and choke compatibility.
- Choosing ammunition based only on price: Verify specifications before comparing costs.
- Ignoring manufacturer instructions: The owner’s manual should guide ammunition selection.
Frequently asked questions
What ammo does a Remington 870 use?
It depends on the specific model. Many Remington 870 shotguns use 12-gauge ammunition, while 20-gauge versions are also available. Check the barrel markings and owner’s manual.
Can a Remington 870 use 3-inch shells?
Only models specifically chambered and approved for 3-inch ammunition should use those shells. Check the chamber marking on your shotgun before purchasing.
Can I use 2¾-inch shells in a 3-inch Remington 870?
A shotgun marked for a 3-inch chamber generally accommodates 2¾-inch shells of the correct gauge, subject to the manufacturer’s instructions. Always verify the exact model specifications.
What is the difference between birdshot and buckshot?
Birdshot contains smaller pellets and is commonly used for target shooting and suitable small-game hunting. Buckshot contains larger pellets and is intended for different applications.
Can I use slugs in a Remington 870?
Slug compatibility depends on the shotgun’s barrel, choke, and manufacturer specifications. Check the owner’s manual before selecting a slug product.
Is 12-gauge or 20-gauge better for a Remington 870?
Neither is universally better. The choice depends on the specific shotgun, intended use, ammunition availability, and shooter preferences.
Is bulk shotgun ammunition cheaper?
Bulk packages may reduce the price per shell, but savings depend on the manufacturer, shell type, quantity, and shipping costs. Compare equivalent products using the total cost per shell.
Final thoughts
Choosing the best ammo for the Remington 870 begins with confirming the shotgun’s gauge, chamber length, and barrel specifications. Birdshot, buckshot, and slugs have different designs and applications, so selecting ammunition requires more than matching the Remington 870 name.
Check the owner’s manual, compare complete product specifications, and make sure every shell is approved for your exact shotgun configuration. Careful compatibility checks help prevent purchasing mistakes and support safer ammunition handling.
