Best 20 Gauge Shells for Clays and Essential Accessories for Clay Shooting
Ready to optimize your clay shooting setup with 20 gauge shells and practical accessories? This guide highlights five top Amazon picks that help with quick access, organized transport, and efficient reloading. Geared for clay shooters, trap and skeet competitors, and field enthusiasts, these selections balance durability, usability, and portability. The following shortBuying table provides a quick snapshot of each product.
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| MTM SF-50-20-09 50-Round Shotshell Case | Hunting and range trips | Large capacity with quick-access shell holders |
| Kapow Outdoors Shell Catcher (20 Gauge) | Trap singles and semi-auto users | Catches ejected casings for cleaner shooting |
| TRINITY 6-Round Shell Holder For Maverick 88 | UV-resistant field use | Universal 20-gauge compatibility with rugged nylon |
| MTM S-25-20-30 25-Round Box | Range days with quick access | Flip-top lid for easy loading |
| Allen Shell Carriers (Various) | On-belt and buttstock loading | Easy reach and secure attachment |
MTM SF-50-20-09 50-Round Shotshell Case
Best for extended range days or hunts where extra ammo alongside calls and tubes is beneficial. This MTM case stores up to 50 20-gauge shells and accommodates duck or goose calls, choke tubes, and other hunting accessories. The design includes a lid with five shell holders for quick access to cripple loads during hunts. Durable construction features a Snap-Lock latch, fold-down handle, and a textured finish for secure transport. This option is ideal for shooters who prioritize high capacity, organized transport, and fast access during busy sessions. Caution: larger case may feel bulky in tight blind setups.
Kapow Outdoors Shell Catcher For 20 Gauge Semi-Auto
Best for trap shooters using 20-gauge semi-auto shotguns who want a cleaner range experience. This shell catcher is designed for right-handed use and catches empty casings as they eject. It’s tailored for singles in trap shooting, and it’s compatible with 20-gauge semi-auto platforms. The matte black, non-glare finish minimizes reflection in bright conditions. Limitation: intended primarily for singles in trap; may not suit fast multi-shot sequences in some configurations. Choose this if you want to reduce spent shell clutter on the firing line.
TRINITY 6-Round Shell Holder For 20 Gauge
Best for Maverick 88 owners and similar 20-gauge platforms seeking a universal fit. This nylon side saddle holds six shells and is built from 800D nylon for lightweight strength and longevity. It supports rapid reloading during skeet, trap, or field practice and keeps shells within easy reach. Best for shooters who want a durable, low-profile shell carrier that attaches to the shotgun or belt. Limitation: may not accommodate larger shotgun models beyond standard 20-gauge configurations.
MTM S-25-20-30 25 Round Shot Shell Box
Best for shooters who want a compact, reliable storage solution with a flip-top lid. This MTM 25-round box specifically holds 20-gauge shells and Magnum variants, with a snap-lock latch for secure closure. The flip-top design facilitates quick loading at the bench or alongside a shooting station. Use this for range days, clay sessions, or field trips where organized, quick-access ammo storage is valuable. Caution: capacity is lower than some multi-case options, so plan for reloads accordingly.
Allen Shell Carrier On-Belt (Clay, Trap, Skeet)
Best for quick draw and quick reloads during competition or range work. This soft canvas shell carrier attaches to a belt with a metal clip, allowing easy access to shells on the firing line. It is well-suited for clay, trap, and skeet shooting practice where mobility and fast reloading matter. Limitation: capacity is limited to a few shells, so it’s best used as a supplementary carrier rather than a primary ammo box.
Allen Next Shot Shell Carrier – Buttstock Holder
Best for shooters who want a universal, low-profile shell carrier that integrates with the buttstock. The silicone band stretches to fit most buttstock sizes and accommodates three shells. This carrier supports quick follow-up shots with horizontal shell orientation, making it a practical choice for skeet or field practice. Limitation: holds fewer shells than belt-based options, so plan accordingly for longer sessions or high-volume shooting. Choose this if you value stability and firearm finish protection on the stock.
Buying Guide
What to consider when choosing 20 gauge shells and accessories for clays and field use:
- Capacity vs. accessibility: Higher-capacity cases are great for long sessions but may be bulky. For competition days, smaller, quick-access carriers can improve reload speed.
- Compatibility: Ensure adapters or holders fit your shotgun model (Maverick 88, semi-autos, etc.). Universal or model-specific designs have different benefits.
- Durability and material: Nylon, canvas, and rugged plastics offer varying levels of weather resistance and longevity in field conditions.
- Attachment method: On-belt, buttstock, and pack-style carriers affect mobility and reload timing. Consider your typical shooting stance and range layout.
- Maintenance: Easy-to-clean designs and detachable parts help keep accessories in good condition after rain or mud exposure.
- Use-case alignment: Choose shell catchers for cleaner ranges, side saddles for rapid access, and carry cases for transport from vehicle to range.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the typical capacity advantage of a 50-round case? It minimizes trip reloads during long sessions and can carry additional tools or calls.
- Are shell catchers useful for all 20-gauge semi-autos? They are most beneficial for trap singles or stages where ejected shells need collection, though placement and fit vary by model.
- Can I use a 6-round shell holder on any 20-gauge shotgun? It fits most standard 20-gauge setups but verify compatibility with your exact model.
- Is a buttstock shell carrier better than a belt carrier for skeet? It depends on shooting style; buttstock carriers offer quick proximity to the stock while belt carriers provide more shells at the waist for rapid reloading.
- Do these products require special maintenance? Regular cleaning and drying after exposure to rain or mud help maintain performance and longevity.
- Which accessory should I buy first for a beginner? A simple three-shell buttstock carrier or lightweight shell pouch can be a practical starting point for managing shells on the range.