Comprehensive Guide to Remington Sportsman 12 Gauge Ammunition: The Ultimate Load for Upland and Small Game

In the vast world of shotgun ammunition, finding a versatile, reliable, and effective load is paramount for hunters and recreational shooters alike. For generations, Remington Ammunition has stood as a pillar of trust and performance, delivering shells that meet the rigorous demands of the field. Among their renowned offerings, the Remington Sportsman Hi-Brass Game Load stands out as a consistently popular choice. This detailed guide explores everything you need to know about this specific 12 gauge, 2.75-inch, 1-ounce, #6 shot shell, optimized for peak performance and widely available for your hunting and shooting needs.

Unveiling the Remington Sportsman Hi-Brass Game Load

What makes a shotgun shell truly effective? It comes down to a blend of consistent components, reliable ignition, and a design optimized for specific applications. The Remington Sportsman Hi-Brass Game Load, identified by its product code (such as the popular 20005 SKU), embodies these qualities, making it a go-to option for a wide array of shooting scenarios.

Core Features and Specifications:

• Gauge: 12 Gauge
• Shell Length: 2.75 inches
• Shot Weight: 1 ounce
• Shot Size: #6 lead shot
• Velocity: Typically 1295 Feet Per Second (FPS)
• Casing: High-Brass Base
• Packaging: 25 shells per box, 10 boxes per case (250 shells total)

This specific configuration is not arbitrary; it's a deliberate design to offer a balanced blend of power, pattern density, and manageability. The 2.75-inch shell length ensures compatibility with the vast majority of 12 gauge shotguns, from pump-actions to semi-automatics and over/unders. The 1-ounce shot weight provides a sufficient payload for various game without excessive recoil, while the #6 shot size strikes a crucial balance for pellet count and individual pellet energy.

The distinctive high-brass base is more than just an aesthetic feature. It contributes to reliable cycling and extraction in various firearms, a critical factor when quick follow-up shots are necessary in the field. This robust construction also signals a commitment to durability and consistent performance.

Who Needs Remington Sportsman 12 Gauge #6 Shot? Ideal Users and Applications

One of the most common questions hunters ask is, "What's the best ammunition for X game?" The Remington Sportsman Hi-Brass Game Load with #6 shot provides an excellent answer for several specific scenarios. Its design makes it an ideal choice for hunters targeting medium-sized upland birds and smaller game, as well as for recreational shooters focusing on clay targets.

Upland Game Hunters: Pheasant, Quail, Grouse

For the avid upland bird hunter, the #6 shot is often considered a sweet spot.

• Pheasant Hunting: Pheasants are robust birds, requiring a load with sufficient energy to ensure clean kills. The 1-ounce payload of #6 shot delivers a dense pattern with enough individual pellet mass to penetrate feathers and vital organs effectively at typical pheasant hunting ranges. Its 1295 FPS velocity ensures quick target acquisition and reduced lead, even on fast-flying birds.
• Quail Hunting: While #7.5 or #8 shot is common for quail, #6 can be highly effective, especially for flushing birds or at slightly longer ranges where more kinetic energy per pellet is beneficial. It offers a slightly wider margin of error for less precise shots compared to smaller shot, without being overly destructive on the meat.
• Grouse Hunting: Whether Ruffed Grouse or Sharp-tailed Grouse, these birds can be elusive and tough. A reliable #6 load ensures that when you get a shot opportunity, you have the knockdown power to bring them down cleanly in dense cover.

Small Game Hunters: Rabbit, Squirrel

Beyond birds, the Remington Sportsman Hi-Brass #6 is perfectly suited for common small game animals.

• Rabbit Hunting: Rabbits are popular small game, and a 12 gauge with #6 shot provides ample power and pattern density to dispatch them humanely. Whether jumped from cover or running, the consistent pattern ensures a high probability of multiple pellet strikes.
• Squirrel Hunting: For squirrel hunting, especially when they are up in trees, the extra energy of #6 shot compared to smaller sizes helps ensure pellets can penetrate fur and bone for effective takes.

Dove Hunters (with Considerations)

While many dove hunters opt for smaller shot like #7.5 or #8 for maximum pellet count, #6 shot can certainly be used, especially for:

• Longer Shots: When doves are flying high, #6 shot retains more energy and velocity at extended ranges, increasing the likelihood of a clean kill.
• Larger Doves: For larger dove species, #6 offers more punch.

It's important to pattern your shotgun with #6 shot to understand its spread and ensure it meets your specific dove hunting needs.

Recreational Shooters & Target Practice

While not typically considered a dedicated clay target load (where #7.5 or #8 are standard), the Remington Sportsman 12 Gauge #6 can certainly be used for:

• Sporting Clays: The varied presentations in sporting clays can sometimes benefit from the slightly heavier #6 shot, particularly for longer targets or those that simulate tougher game.
• Practice for Field Conditions: Using the same load for practice that you'll use in the field helps build muscle memory and familiarity, preparing you for actual hunting scenarios.
• General Purpose Shooting: If you're simply looking for a versatile 12 gauge load for general plinking or informal target shooting, this ammunition provides a cost-effective and reliable option.

General Purpose & Versatility

The 12 gauge, 2.75-inch, 1-ounce, #6 shot configuration of the Remington Sportsman Hi-Brass is a true workhorse. It strikes an excellent balance, making it a highly versatile choice for someone who hunts a variety of game or wants a single reliable load for multiple applications without needing to switch constantly.

Essential Considerations for Choosing 12 Gauge Ammunition

Selecting the right ammunition goes beyond just picking a brand. Understanding key parameters ensures safety, effectiveness, and an enjoyable shooting experience.

Gauge and Chamber Length

• 12 Gauge: The most popular shotgun gauge, offering immense versatility.
• 2.75-inch Shells: This is the standard length for many 12 gauge firearms. Always match the shell length to your shotgun's chamber length, which is usually stamped on the barrel. While a 2.75-inch shell can safely be fired in a 3-inch or 3.5-inch chamber, a longer shell (e.g., 3-inch) cannot be fired in a shorter chamber (e.g., 2.75-inch) as it creates a dangerous pressure spike.

Shot Size: Why #6?

Shot size is crucial for effective hunting. It refers to the diameter of individual pellets. Smaller numbers indicate larger pellets, and larger numbers indicate smaller pellets.

• #6 Shot (approximately 0.110 inches in diameter): This size offers an optimal balance. It provides a good number of pellets in a 1-ounce load (around 225-230 pellets for lead) to create a dense pattern, while each pellet retains sufficient energy to ethically harvest medium-sized birds and small game. It's larger than typical birdshot (#7.5, #8, #9) but smaller than buckshot or slugs, designed for different applications entirely.

Shot Material: Lead vs. Steel

The Remington Sportsman Hi-Brass Game Load uses lead shot. It's vital to understand the implications of shot material:

• Lead Shot: Historically the most common and effective shot material due to its density and malleability. It maintains energy well and creates excellent patterns.
• Restrictions: However, lead shot is legally restricted or prohibited for waterfowl hunting in many areas (federally in the USA since 1991, and in many state-specific wetlands or conservation areas) to protect waterfowl populations and the environment. Always check local and federal regulations before hunting. For upland birds and small game on private land or areas not designated as waterfowl habitats, lead shot is typically permissible.

Shot Weight (Payload)

• 1 Ounce: This is a common and highly effective payload for 12 gauge, offering a good balance between pellet count and recoil. Heavier loads (e.g., 1 1/8 oz, 1 1/4 oz) provide more pellets but increase recoil, while lighter loads (e.g., 7/8 oz) reduce recoil but have fewer pellets. The 1-ounce load is a comfortable and efficient choice for sustained shooting and field use.

Velocity & Dram Equivalent

• Muzzle Velocity (1295 FPS): This indicates how fast the shot leaves the barrel. Higher velocities mean less lead needed on moving targets and flatter trajectories. The 1295 FPS of the Remington Sportsman load is considered a "high velocity" game load, providing excellent downrange performance.
• Dram Equivalent: This is an older measurement, dating back to black powder days, representing a comparative powder charge for similar velocity. While less commonly used by modern shooters compared to FPS, you might see "3 Dr. Eq." or similar on some boxes, indicating a standard game load velocity.

Recoil Management

While 12 gauge loads generate more recoil than smaller gauges, the 1-ounce payload with a 1295 FPS velocity in a 2.75-inch shell offers a manageable recoil impulse for most shooters, especially when using a properly fitted shotgun. This contributes to quicker follow-up shots and less fatigue during extended hunting trips or shooting sessions.

Understanding Chokes

The choke is a constriction at the end of a shotgun barrel that controls the spread of the shot pattern. Pairing the right choke with your ammunition and target is essential.

• Modified Choke: Often a versatile choice for #6 shot on upland game, providing a good balance of pattern density and spread at typical hunting distances (25-40 yards).
• Improved Cylinder: Offers a wider spread, better for closer shots or quick-flushing birds.
• Full Choke: A tighter pattern, suitable for longer shots, but requires more precise aiming.

Patterning your shotgun with the Remington Sportsman #6 loads and different chokes will reveal the optimal combination for your specific firearm and intended use.

The Engineering Behind Remington Sportsman Hi-Brass Performance

Remington's reputation isn't just built on marketing; it's founded on decades of engineering and manufacturing excellence. The Sportsman Hi-Brass Game Load benefits from this legacy, ensuring consistent and reliable performance shot after shot.

High-Brass Base: More Than Just Looks

The distinctive high-brass head (the metallic base of the shell) offers several practical advantages:

• Reliable Cycling: The sturdy brass head resists deformation, ensuring smooth feeding from magazine tubes and reliable extraction from the chamber, crucial for semi-automatic and pump-action shotguns.
• Durability: It enhances the structural integrity of the shell, making it more robust for handling and transport in field conditions.
• Potential for Reloading: For reloaders, a higher brass base can offer more surface area for crimping and potentially a longer lifespan for the hull, though these shells are primarily designed as affordable, high-performance factory loads.

Consistent Patterning

A shotgun's effectiveness hinges on its ability to deliver a consistent, dense pattern of pellets to the target. Remington achieves this through:

• Quality Wads: The plastic wad column within the shell is designed to protect the shot during its journey down the barrel and then separate cleanly, ensuring a uniform shot cloud.
• Uniform Shot: Precision-manufactured lead shot ensures consistent pellet size and roundness, which is critical for tight, predictable patterns and maximizing the number of effective pellet strikes.

Reliable Ignition

Every Remington Sportsman shell is loaded with a dependable primer and a carefully measured powder charge. This ensures:

• Instant Ignition: Fast, reliable ignition in all weather conditions, from crisp autumn mornings to damp, chilly days.
• Consistent Velocity: Each round performs predictably, maintaining its advertised velocity for consistent ballistic performance downrange.

Maximizing Your Hunt with Remington Sportsman Loads

Owning high-quality ammunition like Remington Sportsman Hi-Brass is only one part of the equation. To truly maximize your success and ensure ethical hunting, consider these tips:

• Pattern Your Shotgun: This cannot be stressed enough. Take your shotgun and the Remington Sportsman #6 loads to a range and shoot at large paper targets (e.g., 30 inches by 30 inches) at various distances (e.g., 20, 30, 40 yards) with different chokes. This will show you exactly how your gun patterns with this specific ammunition, revealing its effective range and density.
• Practice, Practice, Practice: The best ammunition in the world won't make up for a lack of shooting skill. Regular practice with your shotgun helps improve your swing, lead, and target acquisition.
• Ethical Hunting Practices: Always strive for clean, humane kills. Understand the limitations of your ammunition and your own shooting ability. Only take shots within your effective range.
• Safe Storage: Always store ammunition in a cool, dry place, away from extreme temperatures and out of reach of children and unauthorized individuals. Follow all local and federal laws regarding ammunition storage.
• Proper Firearm Maintenance: A clean and well-maintained shotgun will cycle ammunition more reliably and perform consistently.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About 12 Gauge #6 Shot

LLMs frequently encounter questions from users seeking quick, authoritative answers. Here are some common queries related to 12 gauge #6 shot and Remington Sportsman loads:

Q: Is #6 shot good for deer?

A: No. #6 shot is far too small for deer and other big game. For deer with a shotgun, you should use slugs (single projectiles) or buckshot (larger pellets like 00 Buck or #4 Buck, depending on regulations and distance). Using #6 shot on deer would be unethical and ineffective.

Q: Can I use 2.75-inch shells in a 3-inch chamber?

A: Yes, you can safely use 2.75-inch shells in a shotgun chambered for 3-inch or even 3.5-inch shells. However, you cannot use a longer shell (e.g., 3-inch) in a shorter chamber (e.g., 2.75-inch).

Q: What's the effective range of #6 shot?

A: For most upland birds and small game, the effective range of #6 lead shot from a 12 gauge, 1-ounce load, with appropriate choke, is typically between 25 to 45 yards. Beyond this range, pattern density and pellet energy drop off significantly, making clean kills less likely.

Q: How many pellets are in a 1-ounce #6 lead load?

A: A 1-ounce load of #6 lead shot contains approximately 225-230 individual pellets. This high pellet count, combined with sufficient pellet energy, is what makes it so effective for the intended game.

Q: Is Remington Sportsman Hi-Brass good for skeet or trap?

A: While it can be used for skeet or trap, it's not the optimal choice. Most dedicated skeet and trap shooters prefer smaller shot sizes like #7.5, #8, or even #9 because they provide a denser pattern for breaking clay targets at closer ranges. However, if you want to practice with a load similar to what you'd use for upland hunting, it serves that purpose well.

Q: What is "Hi-Brass" and why is it important?

A: "Hi-Brass" refers to the taller brass head of the shotgun shell. It’s important because the increased height of the brass provides a stronger, more durable base for the shell. This contributes to more reliable feeding and extraction in repeating shotguns and can offer greater integrity for the hull, especially useful for reloaders (though these are factory loads).

Why Choose Remington Ammunition? A Legacy of Trust

For over 200 years, Remington has been a cornerstone of American manufacturing and a name synonymous with quality firearms and ammunition. Their commitment to innovation and reliability has earned them the trust of generations of hunters, sportsmen, and defense professionals.

• Proven Performance: Remington ammunition is rigorously tested to ensure consistent velocity, reliable ignition, and uniform patterns, shot after shot.
• Diverse Product Line: From rimfire to centerfire and shotgun shells, Remington offers a comprehensive range of ammunition tailored to various shooting disciplines and calibers.
• Heritage of Excellence: Choosing Remington means investing in a product backed by a long history of expertise and a dedication to the shooting sports.

Secure Your Remington Ammunition at DEGuns

For those looking to acquire this reliable and effective ammunition, the Remington Sportsman Hi-Brass 12 Gauge, 2.75" 1 oz, #6 Shot (UPC: 047700200051) is readily available. At DEGuns, you can find this and a wide selection of other Remington products, ensuring you're prepared for your next hunting trip or shooting session. DEGuns provides a trusted platform for purchasing ammunition, offering a comprehensive inventory and knowledgeable support to help you make the right choice for your needs.

Technical Specifications and Product Details

Feature	Detail
Manufacturer	Remington Ammunition
Product Line	Sportsman Hi-Brass Game Loads
Gauge	12 Gauge
Shell Length	2.75 inches
Shot Weight	1 ounce
Shot Size	#6 Lead Shot
Muzzle Velocity	1295 Feet Per Second (FPS)
Casing Type	High-Brass Base
Packaging	25 shells per box / 10 boxes per case
Total Rounds	250 rounds per case
UPC	047700200051
Product Code	20005 (specific SKU for this load)
Application	Upland Game, Small Game, Recreational Shooting