The crisp autumn air smells like dry grass and anticipation. You’re waiting in the dove field, shotgun ready, but a nagging thought pops up: Are these the right shells? Choosing the perfect shotshell for dove hunting can feel like a game of chance. You want clean kills and ethical harvests, but the sheer number of shot sizes, shell lengths, and velocities available is overwhelming. Picking the wrong load means missed opportunities or, worse, wounded birds.
Many hunters waste time and money guessing which shells perform best for fast-flying mourning doves. Some loads kick too hard, making follow-up shots difficult. Others lack the necessary punch for birds flying high on a windy day. This confusion stops now. We cut through the marketing jargon to give you clear, practical advice.
Inside this guide, you will learn exactly which shell specifications deliver consistent success in the dove field. We break down the science behind shot selection so you can walk into any sporting goods store with confidence. Get ready to stop guessing and start limiting out. Let’s dive into the best shells for your next dove hunt.
Top Shells For Dove Hunting Recommendations
- DURABLE & ADJUSTABLE: The hunting dove belt has a popular and proven cotton webbing belt reinforcement fabric for increased durability. The adjustable belt can be quickly tightened or loosened with the help of the buckles, making it easy to suit your activity and preferences. All pockets can be removed or adjusted for personal preference and easy cleaning.
- SPACIOUS DOVE BELT GAME BAG: Equipped with two large shell pockets, game bag pocket and water bottle pocket, all detachable and with duck blind camouflage, the hunting dove belt offers plenty of room for storing and carrying different types of hunting essentials. It helps to keep your gear better organized and within reach at all times.
- CONVENIENT DESUGN TO QUICK ACCESS: SKIGUARD Dove Belt make quick retrieval of hunting gear, It helps to keep your gear better organized and within reach at all times, Two "hold-open" shell pockets for easy and quick access to your shells. The front shell pockets hold two boxes of 12GA ammunition while the blood-proof lined game bag has enough space to fit the doves from your morning hunt.
- DESIGNED FOR DOVE HUNTING: Designed for dove duck crow upland game hunting , also can be used as dog treat training bags, Our Dove Belt is a must have on your next hunt, Length adjustable from 27" to 60 " Fits for both men and women. Hold all you need for shooting, hunting, and dog training with our improved SKIGUARD Dove Belt.
- DURABLE MATERIAL: The dove belt game bag is made waterproof rugged 1000D fabric, that's proven to be rugged, yet more lightweight than a traditional canvas.The polyester lining reinforces strength, making this hunting accessory more resistant to outdoor wear & tear.
- SPACIOUS DOVE BELT GAME BAG: Equipped with two large shell pockets, game bag pocket and water bottle pocket, all detachable and with duck blind camouflage, the hunting dove belt offers plenty of room for storing and carrying different types of hunting essentials. It helps to keep your gear better organized and within reach at all times.
- DESIGNED FOR DOVE HUNTING: Designed for dove duck crow upland game hunting , also can be used as dog treat training bags, Our Dove Belt is a must have on your next hunt, Length adjustable from 27" to 60 " Fits for both men and women. Hold all you need for shooting, hunting, and dog training with our improved UIIHUNT Dove Belt.
- CONVENIENT DESUGN TO QUICK ACCESS: UIIHUNT Dove Belt make quick retrieval of hunting gear, It helps to keep your gear better organized and within reach at all times, Two "hold-open" shell pockets for easy and quick access to your shells. The front shell pockets hold two boxes of 12GA ammunition while the blood-proof lined game bag has enough space to fit the doves from your morning hunt.
- DURABLE & ADJUSTABLE: The hunting dove belt has a popular and proven cotton webbing belt reinforcement fabric for increased durability. The adjustable belt can be quickly tightened or loosened with the help of the buckles, making it easy to suit your activity and preferences. All pockets can be removed or adjusted for personal preference and easy cleaning.
- DURABLE MATERIAL: The dove belt game bag is made waterproof rugged 1000D fabric, that's proven to be rugged, yet more lightweight than a traditional canvas.The polyester lining reinforces strength, making this hunting accessory more resistant to outdoor wear & tear.
- Blend Into the Landscape – Featuring a Withered Weed Wetland camo pattern, this belt keeps you hidden whether you’re waiting in a cornfield or set up in a marsh. Perfect for staying concealed in the open areas where game birds gather.
- Fast Access, Secure Hold – The pouches feature elastic openings and snap-button closures, giving you quick reloads while keeping your gear locked in place. Ideal for holding shells, spent casings, or harvested game without slowing you down.
- Built for the Outdoors – Made with sturdy, long-lasting materials, this belt is tough enough for repeated trips to the range or rugged days in the field. Dependable gear you can trust season after season.
- Organize Your Hunt Your Way – Equipped with 1 bird game bag, 1 drink pouch, and 2 ammo shell pouches, this belt lets you set it up just how you like. Each piece is detachable for easy swapping, and the 27"–60" adjustable length ensures it fits comfortably on hunters of all sizes.
- Made for More Than Dove Hunting – Take it into the field for duck, crow, or upland game, or even to the range for clay shooting. When the hunt is over, it works just as well as a dog training treat bag, making it useful year-round.
- Customizable Organization: Stay organized and prepared with the belt's one bird game bag, one drink pouch, and two ammo shell pouches, all detachable for easy customization. Whether shotgun shells for clay shooting or ammo for hunting, this belt keeps your essentials close and accessible.The adjustable length from 27" to 60" ensures a comfortable fit for both men and women, making it versatile and suitable for various hunters.
- Versatility and multifunction： Beyond dove hunting, this belt is perfect for duck, crow, and upland game hunting, showcasing its versatility for multiple hunting scenarios and shooting sports like clay shooting. Additionally, it doubles as an excellent dog treat training bag, making it a practical accessory for dog owners who love hunting with their loyal companions.
- Camouflage and Concealment: Our Auscamotek Dove Belt features the Withered Weed Wetland camo pattern, blending seamlessly with your hunting attire. Whether you're in a cornfield or marshland, this design ensures effective concealment in the agricultural open areas where birds are commonly hunted. Stay hidden and maximize your hunting success with this cleverly crafted camouflage belt.
- Quick Access and Secure Storage: The bags' middle opening with elastic slits and snap buttons ensures swift and convenient access to your gear, spent shells, while securely holding them in place. Enhance your clay shooting experience with quick reloads and seamless transitions, and easily store your harvested game without disrupting your shooting rhythm.
- Rugged Durability: Crafted with high-quality materials, the Auscamotek Dove Belt is built to endure the demands of the shooting range or hunting grounds. Its sturdy construction ensures lasting performance, making it a reliable companion for countless shooting adventures.
- DURABLE MATERIAL: The dove belt game bag is made waterproof rugged 1000D fabric, that's proven to be rugged, yet more lightweight than a traditional canvas.The polyester lining reinforces strength, making this hunting accessory more resistant to outdoor wear & tear.
- SPACIOUS DOVE BELT GAME BAG: Equipped with two large shell pockets, game bag pocket and water bottle pocket, all detachable and with duck blind camouflage, the hunting dove belt offers plenty of room for storing and carrying different types of hunting essentials. It helps to keep your gear better organized and within reach at all times.
- CONVENIENT DESUGN TO QUICK ACCESS: Huntarmor Dove Belt make quick retrieval of hunting gear, It helps to keep your gear better organized and within reach at all times, Two "hold-open" shell pockets for easy and quick access to your shells. The front shell pockets hold two boxes of 12GA ammunition while the blood-proof lined game bag has enough space to fit the doves from your morning hunt.
- DURABLE & ADJUSTABLE: The hunting dove belt has a popular and proven cotton webbing belt reinforcement fabric for increased durability. The adjustable belt can be quickly tightened or loosened with the help of the buckles, making it easy to suit your activity and preferences. All pockets can be removed or adjusted for personal preference and easy cleaning.
- DESIGNED FOR DOVE HUNTING: Designed for dove duck crow upland game hunting , also can be used as dog treat training bags, Our Dove Belt is a must have on your next hunt, Length adjustable from 27" to 60 " Fits for both men and women. Hold all you need for shooting, hunting, and dog training with our improved Huntarmor Dove Belt.
- Best suited for larger builds or over layers. Adjustable Size with Three Fit Levels (XL, XXL, XXXL) – This upland vest adjusts easily over light layers or heavy jackets and uses front buttons for the base fit plus two side snaps that add up to two larger sizes. A total of three fit settings let you wear it snug in warm weather or expand over winter gear—ideal for all-season hunting comfort.
- Four Large Front Pockets for Essentials – Built for practical hunters, this bird hunting vest packs four roomy front pockets—two on each side—for shells, calls, gloves, or a phone. Deep enough to store spent shells too, so you keep the field clean and hunt responsibly while carrying all your gear securely and silently.
- Secure 12-Gauge Shell Holders – Designed for shotgun hunters, the shell loops keep 12-gauge rounds snug and ready when you need a quick reload. Perfect setup for pheasant, dove, or small-game hunts where speed and smooth handling count.
- Rear Game Pouch for Your Harvest – This upland hunting vest for men carries your take without slowing you down. The back game pouch holds a few squirrels or doves—just enough for a solid morning afield—while keeping weight balanced and easy to rinse clean after the hunt.
- Rugged, Comfortable & Wind-Resistant Build – Crafted from lightweight rip-stop fabric with reinforced stitching, this hunting vest stands up to briars, brush, and heavy wind. Comfortable to wear all day, it stays flexible, and breathable through every upland or small-game hunt.
- Real-Looking Dove Decoys That Fool Real Birds: Lifelike hard-body doves with detailed paint patterns. These decoys look real from a distance and close-up, making your hunting setup more believable.
- Clip-On Mount That Goes Just About Anywhere: Built with a smart breast peg and clothespin-style clip. Easily attaches to limbs, fence wires, branches, or poles—no tools needed.
- Set Them Up Fast – No Complicated Gear: You don’t need extra parts or special stands. Snap them into place in seconds so you’re ready when the birds start flying.
- Boost Results by Pairing with Spinning-Wing Decoys: Designed to work well with MOJO’S motorized dove decoy. Add motion to your spread and increase your chances of pulling birds in.
- 4 Decoys in Each Pack: Comes with four durable clip-on decoys. Build a full spread or add to your current setup without spending a lot.
- 🕊️RUGGED DURABILITY: The hunting dove belt has cotton webbing belt reinforcement fabric, the game bag is made of waterproof Oxford fabric and reinforced polyester lining which are more flexible and durable. It can meet the requirements of shooting range or hunting range.
- 🕊️DURABLE & ADJUSTABLE: The dove belt can be quickly adjusted with the help of buckles, Length adjustable from 27" to 60 " fit for both men and women, making it versatile and suitable for various hunters. All pockets can also be removed or repositioned to suit personal preference and are easy to clean.
- 🕊️LARGE AND SPACIOUS: The dove belt game bag equipped with two shell pockets, one game bag and one water bottle pocket, all can be disassembled at will, providing you with ample space to store and carry different types of hunting equipment. It helps to keep you gear better organized and free your hands in outdoor.
- 🕊️QUICK ACCESS: The dove belt game belt can quick access to hunting gear, It helps to keep your gear better organized and always within reach, Two "hold-open" shell pockets give you easy and quick access to your shells for whole day hunting. Two shell pockets are large enough to be placed in two box 12GA ammunition while the blood-proof lined game bag has enough space to fit the doves from your morning hunt.
- 🕊️DESIGNED FOR DOVE HUNTING: Our Dove Belt designed for dove, duck, crow and upland game hunting, also can be used as dog treat training bags, , showcasing its versatility for multiple hunting scenarios and shooting sports like clay shooting. Hold all you need for shooting, hunting, and dog training with our Dove Belt.
Shells for Dove Hunting: Your Essential Buying Guide
Dove hunting requires the right tools for a successful and enjoyable day afield. Choosing the correct shotgun shells is just as important as picking your shotgun. This guide helps you understand what makes a good dove shell.
Key Features to Look For
When buying shells, you need to check a few important things first. These features decide how well the shell performs when you shoot.
Shot Size
- #6 Shot: This is the most common size for doves. It offers a good balance between pattern density and penetration for small, fast-moving birds.
- #7.5 Shot: Many hunters prefer this slightly smaller size. It gives you more pellets in the shell, which makes your pattern wider and more forgiving if your aim is slightly off.
- #8 Shot: This is usually too small for serious dove hunting unless the birds are very close.
Shell Length
Most dove hunting shotguns use 2 ¾ inch shells. Check your shotgun’s manual. Never use a shell longer than what your gun is rated for. Shorter shells (like 2 ¾ inch) fit almost all modern shotguns.
Shot Material
The material the shot is made from matters a lot.
- Lead Shot: This is the standard and most affordable option. It works very well for dove hunting in most areas.
- Steel Shot: Some hunting areas require non-toxic shot, meaning you must use steel. Steel is lighter than lead, so you might need a slightly smaller size (like a #7 steel instead of a #6 lead) to get good performance.
Important Materials and Construction
The shell itself needs strong materials. A quality shell holds up under pressure and weather.
Hull and Casing
The plastic hull (the main body of the shell) needs to be tough. Good hulls resist cracking when you load them into the chamber or when they sit in a hot game vest pocket. Look for shells with strong, uniform crimps (the folded end of the shell). A tight, clean crimp keeps the powder and shot secure.
Wad System
The wad is the plastic cup that separates the powder from the shot. A quality wad protects the shot as it travels down the barrel. This protection helps keep the shot pattern tight and effective downrange. Better wads result in better patterns.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What separates a great shell from a mediocre one often comes down to consistency and velocity.
Velocity (Speed)
Higher velocity (often listed as “High Velocity” or a speed rating like 1250 fps) means the shot hits the bird harder and faster. This improves your chances of a clean kill. However, very high-velocity shells can sometimes create a tighter pattern that is harder to hit the fast-moving dove with, especially for newer shooters.
Consistency and Reliability
The biggest quality reducer is inconsistency. Cheap shells sometimes jam or fail to fire (a “dud”). You want shells that feed smoothly through your semi-automatic or pump shotgun. Always test a few boxes before buying a whole case to ensure your specific gun likes them.
User Experience and Use Cases
Dove hunting is often done in hot, dusty conditions. Your shells must handle this.
Hot Weather Performance
If you hunt early in the season when temperatures are high, avoid extremely cheap shells. Hot powder can sometimes cause pressure issues in very low-quality casings. Stick to reputable brands for summer hunting.
Patterning Your Shotgun
The best way to judge a shell’s quality is by patterning it. This means shooting the shell at a large piece of paper (a pattern target) at 30 to 40 yards. A good shell will create a dense, even pattern. If you see large empty holes in the paper, that shell has a poor pattern and will lead to missed birds.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dove Hunting Shells
Q: What is the standard gauge for dove hunting?
A: The most common and widely used gauge for dove hunting is the 12 gauge. You can also use 20 gauge, especially for younger hunters.
Q: Should I use lead or steel shot for doves?
A: Lead is generally preferred because it is denser and performs better. However, you must use non-toxic steel shot if the hunting area specifically requires it due to environmental rules.
Q: What is the best shot size for doves?
A: Most hunters agree that #6 or #7.5 shot sizes are best. They give you the right balance of pellet count and impact energy.
Q: How much recoil should I expect from a dove load?
A: Dove loads use lighter shot weights than waterfowl loads. Therefore, they produce significantly less recoil, making them comfortable to shoot all day.
Q: Can I reuse spent shotgun hulls?
A: Yes, dedicated reloaders often reuse hulls. However, for standard factory-bought shells, once they are fired, they are discarded.
Q: Does the color of the shell matter?
A: No, the color of the plastic hull does not affect performance. It is purely for branding or aesthetics.
Q: What does “dram equivalent” mean on a box of shells?
A: Dram equivalent measures the power or perceived recoil of the shell, relating to the amount of gunpowder used. Higher numbers mean more power.
Q: What is the ideal velocity for a dove shell?
A: Velocities between 1150 feet per second (fps) and 1300 fps are great for general dove hunting.
Q: How many shells should I bring when hunting?
A: Doves are plentiful, and you might shoot a lot. Bring at least 50 shells per hunter, but having 100 on hand is safer, especially if you are practicing your swing.
Q: Should I buy cheap bulk ammo or premium shells?
A: For doves, you do not always need the absolute most expensive shells. However, avoid the very cheapest, unbranded options, as they can be inconsistent. Mid-range, name-brand shells offer the best value and reliability.