Shotgun Shells Buying Guide
Shop shotgun shells at Loftus Firearms and find the right load for every application, from pheasant fields and waterfowl marshes to home defense and competitive shooting. Whether you’re breaking clays on a Sunday morning or heading into the timber for turkey season, selecting the right shell makes all the difference in performance and results.
Stock up on shotgun shells from Loftus Firearms and keep your favorite scattergun fed all season long:
- Over under shotguns: Pair your shell selection with a finely balanced over/under, the go-to platform for sporting clays, skeet, and upland bird hunting where a smooth second shot is everything.
- Side by side shotguns: A classic double-barrel configuration that pairs beautifully with light field loads for upland game, offering quick handling and traditional aesthetics in the field.
- Lever action shotguns: Feed your lever gun with the right shells for a smooth cycling experience, whether you’re running buckshot for deer season or slugs for dense timber hunting.
- Shotgun parts: Keep your shotgun running at peak performance with quality replacement and upgrade components that ensure reliable feeding and ejection of every shell you run.
- Shotgun barrels: Match your barrel choke and length to your shell selection for optimized patterns downrange, whether you’re hunting tight timber or open fields.
- Shot size and gauge selection: From 12 gauge to .410 bore, from #8 target loads to 3-inch magnum turkey loads and rifled slugs, choosing the right combination of gauge, shot size, and payload is the foundation of effective shotgunning.
Local And Compliance Notes
Loftus Firearms is the trusted firearms retailer in Hudson, Iowa, and serves customers in the nearby cities of Waterloo, Cedar Falls, Evansdale, Dunkerton, and Jesup. Iowa enacted constitutional carry in 2021 under Senate File 535, meaning law-abiding Iowans who are legally permitted to possess a firearm may carry it, openly or concealed, without a state permit. Residents who travel across state lines or want reciprocity recognition in other states can still obtain an Iowa Permit to Carry Weapons through their county sheriff’s office.
Shotgun shell selection in Iowa is closely tied to the state’s rich hunting tradition. Iowa is one of the country’s premier pheasant hunting destinations, and the Iowa DNR manages seasons, bag limits, and public hunting land access statewide. Waterfowl hunters along the Mississippi Flyway corridor and interior wetlands rely on non-toxic shot, including steel, bismuth, or tungsten loads, as required by federal law for migratory bird hunting. Always verify current Iowa DNR regulations before heading afield, as season dates, zones, and shot requirements can change year to year.
For deer hunters, Iowa’s firearm deer season allows shotguns with slugs as legal hunting ammunition, making rifled slugs and sabot loads popular choices among hunters heading into the timber. Transport your ammunition in accordance with Iowa law and store it securely at home, away from unauthorized access. Contact Loftus Firearms directly for help selecting the right shells for hunting, home defense, or competitive shooting.
