Description
Challenger Long Bird is a field load made for the wingshooter who wants a little extra sting behind the pattern. It sends a full 1 ounce of #8 lead shot downrange at a snappy 1250 fps, which is a step up from the softer target loads a lot of folks run through their 20 gauge. That combination of a heavier-than-average 20 gauge payload and higher velocity means you get a good, dense cloud of pellets reaching out to where flushing birds tend to be.
What the Long Bird 20 Gauge Does Best
This one lives in the uplands. #8 shot is the sweet spot for smaller, fast-moving birds like dove, quail, woodcock, snipe, and pigeon, giving you enough pellets in the air to make quick, instinctive shots pay off without chewing up the meat. Most of those shots happen inside 35 yards, and the Long Bird's speed and pellet count are tuned right for that window. It also doubles as a solid practice round if you like to knock down clays with a load that mimics your hunting setup.
Why the 1oz Load Carries Weight
Challenger has been building shotshells since 1983, and the Long Bird line leans on the same clean-burning powders and consistent primers the brand is known for. A full ounce of shot in a 20 gauge gives you more downrange energy than the 7/8 ounce loads without jumping up to a 12 gauge, so you keep the light, quick-handling feel of the smaller gun. Just know the extra payload and 1250 fps velocity give it a noticeable push at the shoulder, which is exactly what you want when the bird is quartering away and you need pellets on target fast.
Running the Long Bird in Your Shotgun
These are 2-3/4" shells, so they fit any standard 20 gauge chamber, whether you're carrying an over-under, a semi-auto, or a pump. Pair them with an improved cylinder or modified choke for the open, fast shooting that upland hunting usually calls for, and you've got a straightforward, workhorse round that just goes bang and puts birds in the bag.
Key Specifications
- Manufacturer: Challenger Ammo
- Manufacturer Part Number: CTA20LB8
- UPC: 859805005228
- Gauge: 20 Gauge
- Shell Length: 2-3/4"
- Shot Size: #8
- Shot Weight: 1 oz
- Shot Material: Lead
- Muzzle Velocity: 1250 fps
- Primary Use: Upland bird hunting / target
What’s Included
- One round of Challenger Long Bird 20 Gauge 2-3/4" 1oz #8 shot ammunition
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Challenger Long Bird 20 gauge best used for?
It's built for upland bird hunting, especially smaller fast-flying birds like dove, quail, woodcock, and pigeon. The #8 lead shot puts a lot of pellets in the air for close to mid-range shots, typically inside 35 yards. Plenty of folks also run it as a practice load on clays.
Why choose #8 shot in this load?
#8 is one of the most popular sizes for small upland birds because it gives you a dense pattern with lots of pellets, which helps on quick, snap-style shots. It puts enough pellets on target for a clean hit without doing heavy damage to the meat. For dove and quail specifically, it's a go-to size.
Will the Long Bird load kick more than a target shell?
It carries a full ounce of shot moving at 1250 fps, which is more payload and velocity than a typical light 7/8 ounce target load. That translates to a bit more felt recoil at the shoulder. It's very manageable in most 20 gauge guns, and the extra push is what gives it the downrange energy for hunting.
Does this shell fit any 20 gauge shotgun?
It's a standard 2-3/4" shell, so it works in any 20 gauge chambered for 2-3/4" or 3" shells, including over-unders, semi-autos, and pumps. For upland shooting, an improved cylinder or modified choke pairs well with it. Always match your choke to the range you expect to be shooting.





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