It is no secret that the shotgun in Escape from Tarkov is one of the top guns to use when in close range combat. So naturally you are going to want to use the best ammo possible to make those shots count. 

5. 23x75mm “Shrapnel-10” Buckshot

The 23x75 mm R "Shrapnel-10" buckshot round has a maximum effective range of 10 meters. 

• Great for close range combat
• Great for taking out limbs first to slow down your target
• Very low chance of for misfire 

How to get 23x75 mm R "Shrapnel-10" buckshot:

• This is only available at Loyalty Level 3 with Prapor 

23x75 mm R "Shrapnel-10" buckshot Stats:

• Damage - 87 x8
• Penetration - 11
• Armor Damage - 20%
• Fragmentation  - 0%
• Velocity - 270 m/s
• Accuracy - 0%
• Recoil - 0%
• Durability Burn - 0%
• Misfire chance - 17.5%
• FTF CHance - 1%
• Heat - +180.00%

4. 12x70mm Flechette

The 12x70mm Flechette is a shell loaded with razor-sharp flechettes for 12ga shotguns. 

The 12x70mm Flechette Is Great For:

• Has a 25% chance to cause a heavy or light bleed
• Chances are slightly higher for misfires but still low
• Effective range is 25 meters

How to get 12x70mm Flechette:

• It’s available to buy after you find Jaeger
• It's also common to find it on Scavs on most maps

12x70mm Flechette stats:

• Damage - 25 x8
• Penetration - 31
• Armor Damage - 26%
• Fragmentation  - 0%
• Velocity - 320 m/s
• Accuracy - (-10%)
• Recoil - 0%
• Durability Burn - +60.00%
• Misfire chance - 21%
• FTF CHance - 1%
• Heat - +115.86%

3. 12x70mm .50 BMG Slug

The  12x70mm .50 BMG Slug is a 12/70 slug shell with a shortened .50 BMG tracer bullet for 12 gauge shotguns. 

The  12x70mm .50 BMG Slug Is Great For:

• High Chance to damage armor 
• Higher overall damage per shot
• Chance for heavy bleeding

How to get 12x70mm .50 BMG Slug:

• Available to buy after achieving Loyalty level 3 Jaeger
• You can craft them at a level 2 workbench 

12x70mm .50 BMG Slug stats:

• Damage - 197
• Penetration - 26
• Armor Damage - +57%
• Fragmentation  - +5%
• Velocity - 410 m/s
• Accuracy - +90%
• Recoil - +25%
• Durability Burn - +100.00%
• Misfire chance - +33.6%
• FTF CHance - +11%
• Heat - +151.86%

2. 23x75mm “Barrikada” Slug

The 23x75mmR "Barrikada" Slug is a solid steel projectile able to destroy the engine block of a car at up to 100 meters.

23x75mmR "Barrikada" Slug Is Great For: 

• Longer distance for shotguns
• Immense armor damage
• High Damage

How to get 23x75mmR "Barrikada" Slug:

• You can buy this once you receive Loyalty level 4 with Prapor

23x75mmR "Barrikada" Slug stats:

• Damage - 192
• Penetration - 39
• Armor Damage - 75%
• Fragmentation  - 20%
• Velocity - 420 m/s
• Accuracy - (-5%)
• Recoil - +25%
• Durability Burn - +170.00%
• Misfire chance - 17.5%
• FTF CHance - 1%
• Heat - +232.50%

1. 12x70mm AP-20

A 12/70 armor-piercing slug shell for 12 gauge shotguns.

12x70mm AP-20 Is Great For: 

• ARMOR PIERCING!!
• This bullet hits hard and has an 80% Accuracy
• Destroying limbs and armor

How to get 12x70mm AP-20:

• These cannot be listed for sale in the flea market
• You can craft them with workbench level 3 

12x70mm AP-20 stats:

• Damage - 164
• Penetration - 37
• Armor Damage - 65%
• Fragmentation  - 3%
• Velocity - 510 m/s
• Accuracy - +80%
• Recoil - +50%
• Durability Burn - +120.00%
• Misfire chance - 21%
• FTF CHance - 1%
• Heat - +148.49%

You may also be interested in: 

• 25 Best Escape From Tarkov Settings To Give You An Advantage
• [Top 10] Escape From Tarkov Best Builds That Are OP
• Escape From Tarkov Best Settings For Visibility