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Shooters looking to bust clays or hunt small game and birds with 12 gauge ammunition should check out birdshot loads. Which typically fire 1-1/8 ounces of shot at a muzzle velocity of 1,100 to 1,400 feet per second. Recoil varying accordingly. Birdshot's low penetration makes it inappropriate for self-defense. However, the high density of the shot is very useful for ensuring multiple hits on small targets. Shotgun slugs are the best option for taking deer and other game at ranges beyond the reach of buckshot. 12 gauge shotgun slugs typically weigh one ounce (437.5 grains) and are fired at a relatively high muzzle velocity of 1,600 feet per second or more. At these speeds, soft lead slugs will expand and bring down targets quickly even at 75 yards or more. For longer distances, saboted slugs firing a smaller, lighter projectile with greater stabilization should be used.