--- title: What's the Deal with Mini Shells? description: A comprehensive review of reduced-length fodder - Smaller, lighter shells have seen innovation with Aguila's Minishell and Federal's Shorty. image: https://resources.mossberg.com/hubfs/ballistics.webp --- [Law Enforcement](https://lawenforcement.mossberg.com/) [Sign In](https://www.mossberg.com/customer/account/login) / [Sign Up](https://www.mossberg.com/customer/account/create/) [Firearms](https://www.mossberg.com/firearms.html) [Store](https://www.mossberg.com/store.html) [![Mossberg](https://resources.mossberg.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/mossberg-theme/images/logo.svg)](https://www.mossberg.com) [Support](https://www.mossberg.com/help/) [Journal](https://resources.mossberg.com/journal) [Dealers](https://www.mossberg.com/dealers/) [Cart](https://www.mossberg.com/checkout/cart/) [Sign In](https://www.mossberg.com/customer/account/login) / [Sign Up](https://www.mossberg.com/customer/account/create/) [Dealers](https://www.mossberg.com/dealers/) - [Firearms](https://www.mossberg.com/firearms.html) - [Store](https://www.mossberg.com/store.html) - [Support](https://www.mossberg.com/help/) - [Journal](https://resources.mossberg.com/) [Military/Law Enforcement](https://lawenforcement.mossberg.com/) - [Home](https://www.mossberg.com) - [Journal](https://resources.mossberg.com/journal) - What's the Deal with Mini Shells? [Product](https://resources.mossberg.com/journal/tag/product) # What's the Deal with Mini Shells? 3 Min Read By [Frank Melloni](https://resources.mossberg.com/journal/author/frank-melloni) ![What's the Deal with Mini Shells?](https://resources.mossberg.com/hubfs/ballistics.webp) The 10-gauge shotgun has become largely obsolete, with improvements in 12-gauge ammunition, particularly 3” and 3-1/2” shells, playing a significant role in its decline. As 12-gauge ammo evolved, the need for a heavier, harder-recoiling 10-gauge diminished. However, the opposite end of the spectrum—smaller, lighter shells—has seen innovation with the introduction of the Minishell by Aguila in 1998, offering 1-3/4” shotshells designed to deliver lighter payloads without requiring a sub-gauge shotgun. ![Aguila's Minishell](https://resources.mossberg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/aguila-minishell.webp?width=960&height=544&name=aguila-minishell.webp) Minishells were initially intended for break-action shotguns, but soon, pumps that could cycle them without modifications hit the market. [Mossberg’s 590S series](https://www.mossberg.com/firearms/shotguns/590s.html) tops the list and is available in multiple configurations, even to include a shockwave version. While some believe that reduced recoil is the only advantage of these smaller shells, a deeper look suggests that there’s more to them than meets the eye. Although muzzle energy is lower, a significant portion of this energy still reaches the target, potentially making them effective for both self-defense and hunting. To explore the potential of these Minishells, I conducted tests with various 1-3/4” shells compared to their full-length counterparts, using a 20” Mossberg 590S. This shotgun was ideal for testing due to its ability to cycle both shell lengths without an adapter, and its interchangeable chokes, with an improved cylinder providing a balanced testing environment. Furthermore, when fed a strict diet of minishells, the gun holds a total of 14 rounds (13+1) while retaining a conventional shotgun footprint. ![Frank testing minishells](https://resources.mossberg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/shooting.webp?width=960&height=480&name=shooting.webp) I began with Aguila’s #7.5 shot, a versatile load suitable for both clays and small game. Despite the Minishell’s lower muzzle energy—about half of the full-length shell’s—their accuracy remained impressive, with barely any reduction in pellets hitting the target. This suggests that Minishells could be a practical choice for faster follow-up shots in the field and for reducing the weight of your shell caddy. Next, I tested Federal’s #8 Shorty against their Top Gun shell. Despite a slight reduction in velocity due to the shorter barrel of the Mossberg 590S, the Shorty’s muzzle energy was still ¾ that of the standard round, with a similar recoil feel. The pattern density and target hit rate were nearly identical, making the Shorty a viable alternative, especially for high-volume shooting like dove hunting. ![Mossberg 590S with Federal Shorties](https://resources.mossberg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/federal-shorty.webp?width=960&height=480&name=federal-shorty.webp) Moving on to #4 buckshot, I compared Federal’s Shorty and Power-Shok shells. The Shorty, with fewer pellets, produced about half the muzzle energy of the full-length shell, which could be a concern for home defense. However, it still delivered three times the energy of a 9mm Luger, making it a reasonable trade-off for increased capacity and reduced recoil. For a more direct comparison, I tested Federal’s Force X2 Shorty and 2-3/4” shells, both loaded with split 00 Buckshot. The results were strikingly similar to the #4 buckshot, with near-identical velocities and patterns. The choice between these shells depends on the intended use—whether for home defense or other applications. ![Federal's Force X2 Shorties](https://resources.mossberg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/federasl-shorty-forceX2.webp?width=960&height=480&name=federasl-shorty-forceX2.webp) Finally, I tested slugs, comparing Federal’s Shorty with their Power-Shok line. The recoil difference was the most significant of the day, with the Shorty offering a much softer shooting experience. Despite a reduction in muzzle energy, the Shorty still outperformed many magnum handgun loads, making it a viable option for self-defense and even short-range deer hunting. Through this testing, I gained a new appreciation for Minishells. They are not just a novelty but have practical applications. Aguila’s #7.5 Minishells are excellent for beginners, while Federal’s #8 Shorties are ideal for high-volume shooting (i.e. dove hunting). For home defense, Federal’s #4 or X2 Shorties offer a safer option with less collateral damage risk. And for hunting, the reduced-length slugs provide a light-recoiling alternative in jurisdictions that require shotguns. As Minishells grow in popularity, they could become an increasingly important option at the gun counter. [![Share on Facebook](https://resources.mossberg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SocialShare/share-facebook.png?width=24&name=share-facebook.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fresources.mossberg.com%2Fjournal%2Fwhats-the-deal-with-mini-shells%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on LinkedIn](https://resources.mossberg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SocialShare/share-linkedin.png?width=24&name=share-linkedin.png)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fresources.mossberg.com%2Fjournal%2Fwhats-the-deal-with-mini-shells%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dlinkedin) [![Share on Twitter](https://resources.mossberg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SocialShare/share-twitter.png?width=24&name=share-twitter.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fresources.mossberg.com%2Fjournal%2Fwhats-the-deal-with-mini-shells%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fresources.mossberg.com%2Fjournal%2Fwhats-the-deal-with-mini-shells%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=What%27s%20the%20Deal%20with%20Mini%20Shells%3F) [![Share on Email](https://resources.mossberg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/SocialShare/share-email.png?width=24&name=share-email.png)](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fresources.mossberg.com%2Fjournal%2Fwhats-the-deal-with-mini-shells%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20https%3A%2F%2Fresources.mossberg.com%2Fjournal%2Fwhats-the-deal-with-mini-shells%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail) ### About the Author ![](https://resources.mossberg.com/hubfs/1516673338561.jpeg) ### Frank Melloni Frank Melloni entered the firearms industry in 2011 after competing in History Channel's Top Shot. Since then, he founded Renaissance Firearms Instruction, a New York-based firearms training company. With a team of over 10 instructors, Frank teaches various disciplines such as defensive shooting, long-range precision, and reloading. He contributes written and visual content to renowned publications like American Rifleman, Guns & Ammo, Ballistic Magazine, and Tactical Life. Additionally, Frank hosts The Athlon Outdoors Reloading Zone video series. In his free time, he competes in USPSA, IDPA, and long-range rifle competitions, as well as enjoys hunting, camping, hiking, and mentoring new shooters. 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