Rabbits are easy to kill, and there is no need forhigh velocityloads andheavy shot charges... This applies to cottontails and snowshoes...I've never hunted jackrabbits..

Like many previous posters, I prefer the cheapest low brass 6s I can buy...This would be a load of 1 or 1 1/8 oz. of 6s in a 12 gauge,often sold as promotional loads labeled "Squirrel and Rabbit Loads " or something similar..

I can sympathize with people who use #4 shot, because it kills well and leaves less pellets in the eatin' meat...However, the heavier #4 shot tends to drag more hair into each shot wound than smaller shot, hence my preference for the 6s... 7 1/2 shot kills cottontails effectively, but often leaves too many pellets in the meat...I like to EAT my rabbits...

All that said, I haven't hunted bunnies with a 12 gauge for years.. My most used rabbit gun is a .410 side/side, loaded with 11/16 oz. of # 6 shot.. My HEAVY rabbit gun is a 20 gauge side/side choked ic/mod and loaded with 7/8 oz. load brass 6s...