Description
Sterling's Exclusive Series brings you a straightforward, field-tested birdshot load that handles the work without unnecessary expense. Built with a 1 3/16 oz shot charge in the standard 2.75-inch hull, these shells offer the pellet density and velocity that upland and waterfowl outings demand.
Why Sterling Exclusive Series Shells Work in the Field
There's nothing fancy here, and that's part of their appeal. The #5 shot size gives you enough pellets per round to build a pattern that reaches out to realistic hunting distances. Duck decoys rarely sit at 60 yards, and rabbits at the edge of brush aren't far off either. This load sits right in that sweet spot where the shell cost stays down but performance doesn't take a hit. The 2.75-inch case length means less recoil per shot, which matters when you're walking upland cover or working a blind all morning.
What to Expect From Sterling Exclusive Shotgun Shells
Stirling shells are engineered to resist weather. The special wad design confines powder and air efficiently, and the star-shaped tip closes tight enough that you don't have to worry if one goes overboard during a boat hunt. That reliability extends to storage as well, since the shell resists humidity and moisture that can cause swelling or misfires. You get 25 rounds per box, a practical quantity for a day in the field or patterning your gun at the range.
These shells pair well with modified or improved cylinder chokes when you're hunting waterfowl at decoy distances. For upland birds and rabbits, standard chokes will serve you just fine. The consistent payload means your gun's point of impact and pattern shape stay the same from round to round, making it easier to build confidence in your setup.
Key Specifications
- Gauge: 12 Gauge
- Shell Length: 2.75 inches
- Shot Size: #5
- Shot Weight: 1 3/16 oz
- Rounds per Box: 25
- Intended Use: Duck, rabbit, upland game hunting
- Manufacturer: Sterling (Nikko Stirling)
- Manufacturer Part Number: 8698779951030
- UPC: 8698779951030
- Shell Type: Lead Birdshot
What’s Included
- 25 Sterling Exclusive Series 12 Gauge 2.75-inch #5 shot shells
Frequently Asked Questions
What hunting applications work best with #5 shot?
Number 5 shot works well for ducks and small upland game like rabbits where you need pellet density without excessive shot size. The smaller pellets in #5 create a tighter pattern at decoy distances and realistic hunting ranges. For larger waterfowl at longer ranges, many hunters step up to #4 or #2 steel, but standard decoy hunting over water or in brush benefits from the pattern you get with #5.
Can I use these Sterling shells in any 12-gauge shotgun?
Yes, these 2.75-inch shells work in any standard 12-gauge shotgun that's chambered for 2.75-inch loads. Check your gun's markings to confirm it doesn't require 3-inch or 3.5-inch shells. The standard 2.75-inch case length ensures compatibility with pump actions, semi-autos, over-unders, and side-by-sides designed for this length.
How does the recoil compare to longer shells?
The 2.75-inch shell produces noticeably less recoil than 3-inch or 3.5-inch loads because there's less volume for powder and pellets. If you're sensitive to kick or plan to shoot multiple rounds during a hunt or range session, the reduced recoil makes a real difference in comfort and shooting accuracy.
What makes these shells suitable for wet conditions?
Sterling designed these shells with a water-resistant closure and special wad system that keeps moisture out. The star-shaped tip seals tight, and the design resists humidity during storage. This means you can reload your gun with confidence even after a shell accidentally goes overboard during a boat hunt or gets rained on during a long day in the marsh.








Reviews
There are no reviews yet.