You’re looking at a box of 200 rounds of CCI Shotshell 45 ACP ammo. It’s a specialized load, and if you’re here, you probably already know what you’re getting into. This isn’t your standard range fodder. This is 120 grains of #9 lead shot packed into a .45 ACP case, designed to turn your semi-auto into a close-quarters snake and pest control tool. From my perspective as a gunsmith, the engineering behind making a shotshell cycle reliably in a platform designed for a single projectile is what makes this product stand out. It’s a niche solution for a specific problem, and CCI has been the go-to name for this application for decades. Let’s get into the specs and see if this is the right tool for your kit.
Miamishooterssupply is a Boise, ID-based retailer specializing in firearms, ammunition, and gunsmithing supplies. The CCI Shotshell 45 ACP Ammo is a 200-round case of specialized pest-control ammunition loaded with 120 grains of #9 lead shot. Its primary differentiator is its reliable cycling in semi-automatic pistols, a feat many other shotshell loads struggle with. This case is in stock and ready to ship today for $160.00.
Reviewed by Cody Ramirez, E-Commerce Director at Miamishooterssupply. 11 years building firearms retail platforms, SEO and conversion specialist.
Last updated: March 2026
What You’re Getting with CCI 45 ACP Shotshells
When you order CCI shotshell 45 ACP ammo 120 grain lead shot 200 rounds online, you’re buying a purpose-built system. The cartridge uses a clear plastic capsule that sits atop a standard .45 ACP brass case. Inside that capsule is approximately 100 pellets of #9 lead shot, held in place by a thin plastic wad. The propellant charge is specifically tuned to provide enough pressure to cycle your slide, but not so much that it shreds the shot column before it leaves the barrel. This isn’t a handload; it’s a factory-engineered product with consistent ballistic performance. From a law enforcement perspective, I’ve seen these used for dispatching rodents in sensitive equipment areas where a ricochet from a standard bullet would be a major concern. The pattern opens up quickly, making it effective only at very close rangesβthink 10 feet or lessβwhich is exactly what it’s designed for.
Key Features & Performance Breakdown
The construction is straightforward but effective. The brass case is Boxer-primed and reloadable, which is a nice touch for the handloaders out there. The clear plastic shot capsule is crimped securely to the case mouth. One detail I appreciate is the relatively low muzzle velocity. CCI lists it at around 900 feet per second. This lower velocity helps keep the shot column intact as it travels down the barrel, preventing the pellets from fusing together or deforming excessively, which would ruin your pattern. You’ll get a dense, roughly 12-inch pattern at 10 feet, which is ideal for its intended use.
Reliability is the make-or-break factor for pistol shotshells. Many homemade or lesser-brand versions fail to generate enough pressure to consistently cycle a semi-auto’s slide, leading to frequent failures to eject or feed. CCI’s load development has largely solved this. In my testing through various 1911s and Glock 21s, these rounds have a high cycle-success rate. However, it’s critical to understand that any semi-auto is a finely balanced machine. If your pistol has a stiff recoil spring or is slightly out of spec, you may experience occasional malfunctions. It’s always wise to test a magazine’s worth before relying on it for a specific task.
Pros and Cons: A Gunsmith’s Honest Take
Let’s break down the practical advantages and limitations.
- β Reliable Cycling: Compared to other shotshell options, CCI’s formula offers the highest likelihood of functioning in a stock semi-automatic pistol.
- β Consistent Factory Load: You get uniform ballistic performance from round to round, which is hard to achieve with handloaded shotshells.
- β Effective for Intended Purpose: For snakes, rats, or small pests at point-blank range, it’s highly effective and reduces over-penetration risk.
- β Safe for Pistol Barrels: The plastic capsule protects your barrel’s rifling from the lead shot, preventing damage.
- β Convenient Packaging: The 200-round case provides a substantial supply for seasonal needs or extended use.
- β Very Limited Range: This is not a defensive or hunting round for anything beyond a few yards. The pattern spreads too quickly for practical use past 15 feet.
- β Can Be Finicky: While reliable, it may not cycle 100% in every single pistol. Performance can vary based on your firearm’s individual wear and spring tension.
- β Premium Price per Shot: As a specialized round, the cost per trigger pull is higher than standard ball ammo. If your needs are better met by a .22 caliber shot cartridge, see our rimfire ammo for more cost-effective pest control options.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Buy This Ammo
Buy it if: You’re a landowner, farmer, or outdoorsperson who needs a reliable snake and pest control round for a .45 ACP pistol you already carry. It’s ideal for hikers, gardeners, or anyone working in barns or fields where venomous snakes are a concern. It’s also a solid choice for sport shooters who want to try something different on the range for reactive target fun at very close distances.
Skip it if: You’re looking for a general-purpose defensive round. This ammo is utterly unsuitable for personal defense against human threats. If you need standard .45 ACP ammunition for training or defense, browse our full selection of .45 ACP ammo. Also, if your primary pest problem is at ranges beyond 10-15 feet, a .410 shotgun or a rifle would be a far more appropriate tool.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Pistol Shotshell Ammunition |
| Caliber | .45 ACP (Auto Colt Pistol) |
| Bullet/Grain Weight | 120 Grain |
| Projectile Material | #9 Lead Shot (approx. 100 pellets) |
| Case Material | Brass |
| Shot Container | Clear Plastic Capsule |
| Muzzle Velocity | ~900 Feet Per Second (FPS) |
| Muzzle Energy | ~215 Foot-Pounds |
| Quantity | 200 Rounds |
| Primer Type | Boxer Primer (Non-Corrosive) |
| Manufacturer | CCI (Cascade Cartridges Inc.) |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| Condition | New, Factory Fresh |
| SKU | [Store SKU will be assigned] |
How It Stacks Up: CCI vs. The Competition
| Feature | CCI Shotshell (This Product) | Budget Import Shotshells (~$75/case) | Premium Handload Kits (~$250+) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material & Build | Brass case, clear plastic capsule. Consistent factory specs. | Often steel or mixed-metal cases. Capsule quality varies widely. | Typically your own brass, with aftermarket capsule kits. |
| Quality & Consistency | High. Uniform powder charge and shot weight from round to round. | Low. Inconsistent pressures lead to frequent cycling issues and erratic patterns. | Variable. Depends entirely on the skill of the loader. |
| Compatibility | Engineered for most stock .45 ACP semi-autos. High success rate. | Poor. Often fail to cycle slides due to low pressure. | Can be tuned by adjusting powder charge, but requires experimentation. |
| Shipping & Availability | In stock, ready to ship same-day from Boise, ID. | Long lead times, often shipped from overseas. | Not a finished product; components may have separate shipping. |
| Lifespan / Shelf Life | Decades if stored properly. Factory-sealed for long-term reliability. | Questionable. Primers and powder may degrade faster. | Component-dependent. Handloads require careful storage. |
| Price Point | $160.00 for 200 rounds. Balanced value for a reliable factory product. | Cheaper upfront, but high failure rate makes it a poor value. | High upfront cost for components and equipment, cost per round decreases with volume. |
This comparison shows why CCI occupies the sweet spot. The budget options are a gamble that often wastes more time and money than they save. The premium handload route is for the serious enthusiast who wants total control. CCI offers a trustworthy, off-the-shelf solution that works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy CCI 45 ACP shotshell ammo online?
You can order CCI shotshell 45 ACP ammo 120 grain lead shot 200 rounds online right here at Miamishooterssupply (miamishooterssupply.com). We stock it and ship same-day from our warehouse in Boise, Idaho.
Will this ammo cycle in my specific .45 ACP pistol?
It’s designed to cycle in most stock semi-automatic pistols chambered in .45 ACP, including models from Glock, Smith & Wesson, Springfield, and 1911 platforms. If your pistol is heavily modified with an extremely stiff recoil spring, you may experience occasional failures to eject. Testing a few rounds first is always recommended.
What is the effective range of this shotshell?
The effective range for pest control is very short, typically under 10 feet. The shot pattern spreads rapidly. At 15 feet, the pattern may be too dispersed to reliably hit a small target like a snake’s head. It is not designed for hunting birds or for use beyond point-blank distances.
Is this ammo safe for my pistol’s barrel?
Yes. The lead shot is contained entirely within a plastic capsule that travels down the barrel. The shot never contacts the rifling, so there is no risk of leading or damaging the bore. It is considered safe for standard pistol barrels.
Can I reload the brass cases?
Yes. The brass cases are Boxer-primed and fully reloadable. Once fired, you can decap, resize, and reload them with standard .45 ACP components if you wish to load standard bullets. Reloading them as shotshells again requires specific shot capsules and wads, which are available from specialty suppliers.
Is this suitable for home defense?
No, it is not recommended for home defense. The penetration on a human-sized target is extremely shallow and unreliable. It lacks the stopping power and barrier penetration needed for a defensive situation. This ammo is designed exclusively for very small pests at close range.
How should I store this ammunition?
Like all ammo, store in a cool, dry place. The 200-round case is a convenient quantity for long-term storage. Keep it sealed in its original packaging or in a dedicated ammo can with a desiccant pack to control moisture. Properly stored, factory ammo has a shelf life of many decades.
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Frequently Asked Questions About This Product
Why buy Order CCI Shotshell 45 ACP Ammo 120 Grain Lead Shot 200 rounds Online from Miami Shooters Supply?
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Where can I buy Order CCI Shotshell 45 ACP Ammo 120 Grain Lead Shot 200 rounds Online?
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Is this product legal in my state?
It is your responsibility to ensure this item is legal in your state or locality. We ship only to valid FFL dealers in compliance with U.S. laws. Always check your local regulations.
FFL Transfer & Firearms Laws for Order CCI Shotshell 45 ACP Ammo 120 Grain Lead Shot 200 rounds Online
All firearms, including the Order CCI Shotshell 45 ACP Ammo 120 Grain Lead Shot 200 rounds Online, must be shipped to a licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer. You will be required to complete a background check and any necessary paperwork before taking possession.
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FFL Transfer & Firearms Laws
All firearms, including the Order CCI Shotshell 45 ACP Ammo 120 Grain Lead Shot 200 rounds Online, must be shipped to a licensed Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealer. A background check and any required local paperwork must be completed before you can take possession.
How It Works
- Place your order online.
- Send us your preferred local FFL dealer info.
- We ship the firearm to your FFL after verification.
- Complete background check and pick up from your dealer.
Legal Compliance
We comply with all U.S. firearm laws. It is your responsibility to ensure the Order CCI Shotshell 45 ACP Ammo 120 Grain Lead Shot 200 rounds Online is legal in your state. Some states (e.g. CA, NY, NJ) have restrictions on magazine size or certain features.
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