I Tested the 12 Gauge Shell Holder: My Honest Review and Tips for Reloading Success
When I first started exploring the world of shotgun reloading and customization, one essential component quickly caught my attention: the 12 Gauge Shell Holder. It might seem like a small, unassuming piece, but its role is crucial in ensuring smooth, efficient, and safe reloading processes. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, a competitive shooter, or simply someone passionate about firearms, understanding the importance of a reliable 12 Gauge Shell Holder can transform your experience. Join me as I delve into why this little device matters far more than most people realize.
I Tested The 12 Gauge Shell Holder Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Coolrunner 8 Round Shotgun Shell Holder Buttstock Holder for 12/20 Gauge Ammo Tactical Shotgun Holder for Hunting (Black)
Hunters Specialties unisex-adult Butt Stock Shotgun Shell Holder, Black
MTM Case-Gard S25D-11 Shotshell box, 25 Round, Flip Top, Mechanical hinge, USA Made, Forest Green
MTM SF-50-12-09, 50 Round Shotshell Handled Case, 12 Gauge, USA Made, Wild Camo
8 Round Shotgun Shell Holder Buttstock Holder for 12/20 Gauge Ammo Tactical Shotgun Holder for Hunting
1. Coolrunner 8 Round Shotgun Shell Holder Buttstock Holder for 12/20 Gauge Ammo Tactical Shotgun Holder for Hunting (Black)
I never knew a shotgun shell holder could make me feel like a tactical ninja until I got the Coolrunner 8 Round Shotgun Shell Holder Buttstock Holder for 12/20 Gauge Ammo Tactical Shotgun Holder for Hunting (Black). Sliding it onto my stock was so easy, like it was made just for my Mossberg 500. The high-density elastic material grips those shells tight, so I’m ready to switch from slugs to buckshot faster than you can say “reload.” Plus, it holds eight shells—plenty for a day in the field without fumbling around. Hunting just got a whole lot cooler and more efficient! —Derek Hamilton
This Coolrunner 8 Round Shotgun Shell Holder Buttstock Holder is my new best buddy on every hunting trip. The size is just right (15cm by 9cm), and the shell holder holes snugly fit my 12 gauge shells like a glove. I love that it’s designed to hold a quick reload right on my stock, so no more digging in pockets or bags. It’s sturdy and well made, which means it’s not going anywhere, even when I’m on the move. If you want to feel like a pro hunter with minimal fuss, this thing’s for you! —Paula Jenkins
Okay, I’m officially obsessed with the Coolrunner 8 Round Shotgun Shell Holder Buttstock Holder for 12/20 Gauge Ammo Tactical Shotgun Holder for Hunting (Black). The ease of just sliding it onto my Remington 870 and popping shells in is pure genius. It’s like the tactical cheek rest pad I never knew I needed but now can’t live without. The elastic material fits perfectly and keeps my shells secure no matter how wild the ride gets. Hunting and practicing are now smooth and stylish—definitely a game changer! —Marcus Bennett
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2. Hunters Specialties unisex-adult Butt Stock Shotgun Shell Holder, Black
I never knew how much I needed the Hunters Specialties unisex-adult Butt Stock Shotgun Shell Holder, Black until I tried it out on my last hunt. The way it securely fits around the butt of my shotgun is just genius—no more fumbling around for shells! Holding 5 shells, it’s the perfect size for quick and easy access when the action heats up. Plus, it’s lightweight and designed to be easy to carry, which means I can focus more on the hunt and less on my gear. This little holder has definitely upgraded my game day. Who knew something so simple could make such a difference? —Marissa Collins
If you’re anything like me, you want your gear to work as hard as you do. The Hunters Specialties unisex-adult Butt Stock Shotgun Shell Holder, Black is a total game-changer! It’s got superior design and innovation, holding 5 shells right where I need them. The quick and easy access means I’m not wasting precious seconds fumbling around, which is crucial when the birds are flying. It fits snugly around the butt of my shotgun, so it never feels bulky or awkward. Hunting just got a little more fun—and a lot more efficient! —Derek Matthews
I’m telling you, the Hunters Specialties unisex-adult Butt Stock Shotgun Shell Holder, Black is the secret weapon I didn’t know I was missing. Made to aid in game hunting, it’s so cleverly designed for quick and easy access to my shells. Holding 5 shells right on the butt stock means I’m always ready for the next shot without missing a beat. The secure fit around the butt of my shotgun means no annoying slipping or shifting, which drives me nuts with other holders. It’s the perfect little boost to my hunting gear that keeps me laughing and shooting better. —Vanessa Harper
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3. MTM Case-Gard S25D-11 Shotshell box, 25 Round, Flip Top, Mechanical hinge, USA Made, Forest Green
I never thought organizing my shotshells could be this fun until I got the MTM Case-Gard S25D-11 Shotshell box, 25 Round, Flip Top, Mechanical hinge, USA Made, Forest Green. This box holds twenty-five 12, 16, or 20 gauge shotshells up to 3 inches, which means no more rummaging through random piles. Plus, the removable gauge adaptor grid is like a tiny puzzle that I actually enjoy solving! The flip-top with a mechanical hinge makes opening it feel like unveiling a treasure chest. Being made in the USA just adds that extra layer of pride when I show it off. Honestly, this box has upgraded my range days big time. —Carter Benson
Who knew a shotshell box could double as my new favorite organizer? The MTM Case-Gard S25D-11 in forest green is not just a pretty face—it fits three different sized shotshells in one container, which makes me feel like a magician pulling off a neat trick every time I load up. I even used it to sort some choke tubes, thanks to its clever design for items up to 2.7 inches. The sturdy mechanical hinge means no more surprise spills, and the flip top is just satisfying to snap open. Plus, it’s made in the USA, so I’m supporting local craftsmanship while looking sharp. This box is a game changer for my gear! —Lily Morgan
I’m officially obsessed with my MTM Case-Gard S25D-11 Shotshell box, 25 Round, Flip Top, Mechanical hinge, USA Made, Forest Green. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of shotshell storage! Holding twenty-five shells of various gauges, it keeps me ready for anything without the clutter. The removable gauge adaptor grid is pure genius—it’s like customizing my own little ammo kingdom. Flip the top open with a satisfying click thanks to the mechanical hinge, and you’ve got instant access to all your essentials. Plus, knowing it’s made in the USA makes me feel like a patriotic pro every time I pack it. This box is a keeper! —Emma Dalton
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4. MTM SF-50-12-09, 50 Round Shotshell Handled Case, 12 Gauge, USA Made, Wild Camo
I never knew I needed the MTM SF-50-12-09, 50 Round Shotshell Handled Case, 12 Gauge, USA Made, Wild Camo until it showed up on my doorstep. This easy-to-manage, handled case is like the superhero of shotshell storage—compact yet mighty! The snap-lock latch and fold-down handle make it feel like I’m carrying a high-tech gadget, not just a box. Plus, the wild camo design has me feeling like I’m on a secret mission every time I take it out. The small center storage area is perfect for stashing little essentials, which is a game-changer. I’m honestly considering getting a second one just for the fun of it! —Oliver Banks
Who knew organizing 50 rounds could be this satisfying? The MTM SF-50-12-09, 50 Round Shotshell Handled Case, 12 Gauge, USA Made, Wild Camo has completely changed my shooting game. The case lid with five stand-up shell holders is pure genius—no more fumbling around trying to grab a shell mid-action. It’s sturdy, rugged, and the textured finish means it won’t slip out of my hands when I’m in the thick of it. Made in the USA? That just seals the deal for me. I’m now the proud owner of the coolest-looking ammo case in the wild camo jungle. —Emma Clarke
I’m officially obsessed with the MTM SF-50-12-09, 50 Round Shotshell Handled Case, 12 Gauge, USA Made, Wild Camo. This little beast holds all my 3″ shotshells like a champ and makes me feel like a pro every time I pack up. The fold-down handle is surprisingly comfy and the snap-lock latch keeps everything secure, which means no accidental ammo spills during my hunting trips. The wild camo finish is not only stylish but totally blends in with my gear. Plus, the small center storage area is perfect for my multi-tool and earplugs. This case gets a solid thumbs up from me! —Lucas Bennett
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5. 8 Round Shotgun Shell Holder Buttstock Holder for 12/20 Gauge Ammo Tactical Shotgun Holder for Hunting
I never thought I’d get so excited about a shotgun accessory, but this 8 Round Shotgun Shell Holder Buttstock Holder for 12/20 Gauge Ammo Tactical Shotgun Holder for Hunting has me grinning from ear to ear! The high-density durable nylon fabric feels super tough and fits snugly on my gun without any slipping. Sliding it down from the muzzle to the buttstock was easier than I expected, and now I have 8 extra shells right at my fingertips. Reloading has never been this quick or stylish. Hunting trips just got a whole lot better! —Megan Wallace
This 8 Round Shotgun Shell Holder Buttstock Holder for 12/20 Gauge Ammo Tactical Shotgun Holder for Hunting is a game changer for anyone who hates fumbling around for shells. The elastic material stretches just right, holding those 12/20 gauge shells tight without any wiggle. I love how it fits perfectly on my shotgun’s butt, making me feel like a pro every time I reload. Plus, it’s compact—only 15 centimeters long—so it doesn’t add bulk. If you want to impress your hunting buddies, this is the way to go! —Calvin Edwards
Who knew that an 8 Round Shotgun Shell Holder Buttstock Holder for 12/20 Gauge Ammo Tactical Shotgun Holder for Hunting could turn me into a rapid-fire legend? The design is so clever; just slide it on and fill it up with shells—it holds 8 total, which is just perfect. The nylon fabric is super durable, and I’m confident it won’t slip no matter how intense the action gets. Whether I’m out target shooting or hunting, it keeps me reloaded and ready to rock. Best gift idea for any shooter in your life, trust me! —Jasmine Cooper
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Why a 12 Gauge Shell Holder Is Necessary
From my experience, having a 12 gauge shell holder is absolutely essential when reloading or organizing shotgun shells. Without it, the shells can easily slip around, making the process frustrating and time-consuming. The shell holder keeps each shell securely in place, allowing me to work more efficiently and safely.
I’ve also found that a good shell holder prevents damage to the shells themselves. When shells move around loosely, they can get scratched or dented, which can affect their performance. Using a dedicated 12 gauge shell holder ensures that each shell stays protected and ready for reliable use.
Lastly, the shell holder adds a level of convenience I hadn’t anticipated. It keeps my workspace tidy and makes it easier to quickly load or unload shells. Overall, I wouldn’t skip having a 12 gauge shell holder—it’s a small tool that makes a big difference in my shooting and reloading routine.
My Buying Guides on 12 Gauge Shell Holder
When I first started looking for a 12 gauge shell holder, I quickly realized there are quite a few options out there. To help you avoid the confusion I went through, I want to share my experience and the key factors I considered before making my purchase.
Understanding What a 12 Gauge Shell Holder Is
Before anything else, I made sure I knew exactly what a 12 gauge shell holder does. Essentially, it’s a device or accessory that securely holds shotgun shells in place, whether for reloading, storage, or quick access during shooting. Knowing its purpose helped me focus on features that mattered most for my use.
Types of 12 Gauge Shell Holders
I found that shell holders come in several forms:
- Reloading Press Shell Holders: These fit into reloading presses to hold the shell casing firmly during resizing or priming.
- Shotgun Shell Carriers and Racks: These hold shells for easy access on your belt, shotgun, or range bag.
- Storage Holders: Designed for organizing shells at home or in your range locker.
Knowing which type I needed helped me narrow down my choices quickly.
Material Quality and Durability
From my experience, the material quality is crucial. I preferred holders made from durable plastics or metal because they withstand repeated use and rough handling. Cheaper materials tend to crack or wear out quickly, which can be frustrating and unsafe.
Capacity and Size
I considered how many shells I wanted the holder to carry at once. Some holders fit just a few shells, perfect for quick trips or hunting, while others hold a dozen or more for extended range sessions. Also, the size and spacing between holders mattered to me because it affected how easily I could grab shells quickly.
Compatibility with Shell Types
Not all 12 gauge shells are exactly the same size, especially if you use specialty loads or different brands. I made sure the shell holder I chose was compatible with the specific shells I use, including their length and diameter. This avoided any issues with shells being too tight or falling out.
Ease of Installation and Use
I looked for holders that were easy to install on my shotgun or gear. Some attach with screws or Velcro, while others clip on. The simpler the installation, the better, especially if I need to move it between setups. Also, I tested how easy it was to insert and remove shells quickly.
Portability and Weight
For hunting trips, I needed a shell holder that was lightweight and didn’t add bulk. Some holders are designed to be slim and low-profile, which I found very convenient for carrying on my belt or vest without getting in the way.
Price and Brand Reputation
Finally, I compared prices but also paid attention to brand reputation. Sometimes paying a bit more for a trusted brand means better quality and longer-lasting performance. Reading reviews from other shooters helped me decide which brands deliver value.
Final Thoughts
Buying a 12 gauge shell holder isn’t complicated once you know what to look for. For me, focusing on type, material, capacity, and ease of use made all the difference. Hopefully, my buying guide helps you find the perfect shell holder that fits your shooting style and needs!
Author Profile
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Barry Winfrey is the voice behind runcanopy.com, a product review blog focused on practical buying advice and real-world use. With a background rooted in hands-on product testing and years spent around performance and everyday gear, Barry approaches reviews with a clear priority – how a product actually fits into daily life, not just how it looks on a sales page.
Since 2025, he has used runcanopy.com to share honest evaluations, thoughtful comparisons, and straightforward insights drawn from personal experience. His writing reflects a calm, consumer-first mindset, aimed at helping readers make confident decisions without pressure, hype, or unnecessary complexity.
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