The shotgun is the most versatile firearms design because of the great variety of ammunition that is available for it. In any gauge (size) of shotgun, you will be able to find dozens of types of shotgun ammo. The variety of shot loads, power and sizes can be very intimidating when it comes time to choose your ammunition, even for experienced shooters. Understanding the nature of various types of shotgun ammo can help you make the best choice for your needs: hunting small or large birds, competition shooting, home defense or hunting large game.