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Table of Contents
When did they stop making brass shotgun shells?
Starting in the late 1870s, paper hulls began replacing brass hulls. Paper hulls remained popular for nearly a century, until the early 1960s. These shotgun shells using paper hulls were nearly always roll crimped, although fold crimping also eventually became popular.
What are high brass shotgun shells?
High-brass BS
Most shotgun shells come in low-brass or high-brass styles. “Low-brass” and “high-brass” refers to the height of the metal base at the bottom of the shell. People assume high-brass shells are more powerful and better. Ammunition makers know this, so they charge more for this high-brass ammo.
How old are brass shotgun shells?
UMC began to sell unloaded brass shotshells in 1868, which is said to be the first commercially available shotshell in the USA. Twenty years later, in 1888, UMC began to sell loaded shotshells.
Are old shotgun shells safe to shoot?
If it doesn’t look safe to fire, you probably shouldn’t shoot it. If you’ve bought the old ammunition in its original packaging, it doesn’t hurt to inspect that as well. Vintage boxes in good condition are a good sign; if the shells inside don’t look damaged either, it might just be good to go.
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Cartridge-firing shotguns have been around since the 1860s. The most popular size of shotgun shell in the United States, the 12 gauge is still in common use today, even after almost 160 years of continuous existence.
In theory, shotgun shells made 50, 75 or even 100 years ago could theoretically be used and fired in your modern shotguns of any type – from single barrel to semi-automatic. But is it a good idea?
The Basics: Don’t load the wrong shells
Before finding out if these ancient grenades are safe to fire, it’s important to first review what you know about them. If you are familiar with shotguns, you know that loading the wrong caliber or shell size into your shotgun can be very dangerous.
The most basic information you need to know is the gauge and the shell length. As obvious as it may seem, you may not have the original packaging, the markings on the shells may be faded and illegible, or even absent.
The headstamp doesn’t always give you useful information either; If you’re lucky you’ll get the gauge and manufacturer, but it’s not a guarantee for every clam.
If in doubt, use vernier calipers to measure the diameter and overall length of the bowl. If the measured diameter is about 0.72″ to 0.73″, you most likely have a 12 gauge case. For other dimensions, see a table of metrics.
In short, use the same standard safety practices you would use with modern ammunition; Just be extra careful if you don’t have the original packaging or don’t know the exact dimensions of your ammo.
Above all, never use old ammunition for serious purposes, especially for home defense and personal protection. High quality factory ammunition, preferably of recent date, should never be replaced. It’s not worth betting your life on.
On paper
Shotgun shells have been made from a variety of materials since their initial introduction.
The most common is plastic with a brass housing head. The plastic hull can be one of many colors; Sometimes color can be used to identify the gauge and even the type of projectile, although this is not reliable as manufacturers have different standards.
Solid brass shells were standard in the early days of shotgun cartridges and are still occasionally used today, primarily by handloaders. Although heavy, the all-brass construction resembles pistol and rifle cartridges and is well suited for reloading.
A third standard that was very common long ago but has now fallen out of favor is paper shotgun shells.
Paper was a ubiquitous material for shotgun shells from the mid-19th to mid-20th centuries, at which point they were phased out in favor of more durable plastic. If you have old paper cartridges, you most likely have ammunition that is at least 60 years old.
Although paper is cheap, it is extremely susceptible to moisture. Unless the ammo has been stored in perfectly dry and cool conditions, the gunpowder inside is likely to be compromised. If you try to fire a paper cartridge with compromised powder, there is a high risk of hanging fire – a phenomenon in which powder ignition is delayed, resulting in a significant amount of time between the trigger pull and the shot.
If your shotgun “clicks” when you pull the trigger, point it in a safe direction and wait; Pendant fire cartridges may go off a few seconds after the primer is fired.
A question of age
Today, ammunition manufacturers often make the blanket statement that all factory ammunition has a shelf life of ten years. The reality is that things are not that simple.
New factory ammunition can fail well before it’s manufactured date a year, and it’s common for decades-old ammunition to fire exactly as it would have fired straight off the conveyors. It all depends on the storage conditions.
Even if your old shotgun ammunition doesn’t use paper cases, the first brand of plastic shotgun shells commercially available in the United States was introduced by Peters Ammunition in 1960. To date, it is still possible to find plastic cartridges that are over 50 years old.
Even if the case is made of a durable material like plastic or brass and is the right gauge and length for your shotgun, you should always check the cases for signs of wear or damage such as bulging, warping, cracks, and other damage.
Also check the brass heads for rust or corrosion; If you find any, this indicates that the ammo was improperly stored. If it doesn’t look fireproof, you probably shouldn’t shoot it.
If you bought the old ammunition in its original packaging, it doesn’t hurt to check it too. Vintage boxes in good condition bode well; If the shells don’t look damaged inside either, then maybe it’s good to go.
disposal methods
Of course, an easy way to dispose of old ammo is to fire it anyway. If there are no obvious signs that it has been compromised, it will likely work just fine.
If that’s your intent, take extra care of your gun and bring tools to deal with bore clogs. Don’t shoot too fast and listen carefully to the report; a weak shot could be a squib.
If you’re unsure about shooting and would rather get rid of it, old ammo should be disposed of the same way bad or unwanted ammo is disposed of: sure.
Reloaders can recycle old ammo. Leave the old ammo to your reloading friend; Not only will you likely make them happy, but they will find a way to use it.
You can also call your local police station or waste disposal center to inquire about ammunition disposal. Most are happy to take your old and unwanted ammo, although this depends on local departments and facilities.
Final Thoughts
IFA Tactical stocks a wide range of pistols, rifles and shotguns suitable for hunting, plinking, survival, home defense, concealed carry and more. We also offer a wide range of services from gunsmithing to cerakoting.
Browse our online inventory and buy from the comfort of your own home. Call us at (586) 275-2176 with any questions.
How long are shotgun shells good for?
The universal recommendation is ten years, although there’s no doubt that ammunition can last longer if stored properly. Aside from preserving the life expectancy of your shells, the key is to identify the warning signs that ammunition might have reached the end of its usable life.
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Ammunition manufacturers have been working overtime for the past two years to meet the increased demand for rifle, shotgun shell and handgun ammunition – and thankfully, supply is finally beginning to catch up with demand. We may not be at the end of the ammo shortage yet, but there is light at the end of the tunnel.
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See the author’s complete guide to surviving the ammo shortage
In the midst of the crisis, Hunters and Riflemen were pretty clever at unearthing ammo that was stowed away and might not have been in such high demand in normal times. Ammo leftovers from the 80s and 90s, once valued primarily for their packaging, were suddenly fair game for the field.
But does shotgun ammo have a shelf life and if so, how long is that shelf life?
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The short and long of it
I contacted Daniel Compton, Product Line Manager at Federal Ammunition, regarding the durability of shotgun ammunition. I was expecting a lengthy answer with lots of complicated chemical analysis, but Federal’s stance on obsolete ammo is simple: In their FAQ section, the company lists ten years as ammo life.
That’s a fairly simple and direct answer, and Federal no doubt uses ten years as a conservative estimate of shotgun shell life. If you wish, you can use this standard yourself and stick to the Decade Policy. If that’s your plan, write the date of purchase on the box in large letters so that you are reminded when you bought the ammo.
Ten years isn’t a magic number, and shotgun shells don’t automatically sour after a decade of storage. In truth, shotgun shells can last significantly longer under the right conditions. In bad conditions, grenades cannot live even ten years.
Adequate ammunition storage conditions
So what are the right conditions to preserve shotgun shells? First and foremost, you need a cool and dry environment to conserve ammo. Heat and humidity are the two most common factors that lead to shotgun shell failure, so you need to be careful about where you store your ammo to maximize durability. In almost any location where the humidity is kept below 50 percent and the temperature is mild and stable (say, 70 degrees or colder), you lessen the chance that moisture or corrosion will cause problems.
Before loading, look for excessive corrosion and other signs of damage to a hull. (Photo by: Ana Hollan/Shutterstock.com)
They also slow down the natural breakdown of smokeless powder that occurs over time. Reactions within the powder itself can eventually cause the charge to weaken, but when the powder is kept cool these oxidation reactions occur more slowly than in very cold environments. Uncooled buildings, car interiors, non-temperature controlled basements, and other storage locations are terrible for ammo.
Another factor that affects the durability of shotgun shells is how they’ve spent the years between manufacture and use. I recently picked up several cases of Winchester AA ammo belonging to a competitive shooter who passed away over ten years ago. This ammunition was stored in cases in a gun room where temperature and humidity were monitored and controlled to ensure the ammunition fired perfectly. That might have been different if the ammo had been stored in a vest pocket in a garage, where heat and humidity have affected the powder over the past decade.
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The thin one on shotgun shells
Modern plastic shotgun shells were introduced by Federal Ammunition in the 1960s, and plastic shotshell cases undoubtedly protect internal components more effectively than earlier paper cases. That doesn’t mean paper-cased ammo from the 1960s and even earlier won’t work – but paper will absorb moisture over many decades (which can also cause shells to swell and not fit in your shotgun’s magazine and chamber).
If a cartridge is domed or has an irregular shape, do not force it into your magazine or chamber as it may not feed or eject properly. (Photo by: Ashley-Belle Burns/Shutterstock.com)
The most important thing is to use firearms in good condition and appropriate ammunition. Of course, avoid ammunition without obvious markings indicating caliber etc., but also keep a close eye on any signs of damage. The most obvious visual indicators that shotgun ammunition has gone bad are damaged barrels and corroded brass. If any of these problems exist, it is advisable not to use the ammo.
It’s difficult to suggest an exact shelf life for ammunition because there are so many factors at play. The general recommendation is ten years, although there is no doubt that ammunition can last longer if properly stored. Aside from maintaining the life expectancy of your shells, the key is to recognize the warning signs that the ammunition may have reached the end of its usable life.
What does low brass mean?
Definition of low brass
1 : brass low in zinc content. 2 : brass containing about 20 percent zinc — compare high brass.
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What is considered low brass?
Low Brass Instruments are the family of brass instruments consisting of trombones, euphoniums and baritones, and tubas. This article will address a few common concerns and questions, as well as getting into some more detail about the different types of instruments and their uses.
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Low Brass Instruments are the family of brass instruments, consisting of trombones, euphoniums and baritones and tubas. This article addresses some common concerns and questions and goes into more detail about the different types of instruments and how to use them.
How do I care for my valves/sliders? First of all, we must state that valve oil, slider oil and rotary oil are slightly different from each other! Their components and viscosity (thickness) may vary depending on the application. Valve oil is for piston valves for trumpet, euphonium, baritone or tubas. Lubricating oil is for trombone slides (for other brass slides you would use a thicker lubricating grease or cream) and turning oil specifically for rotor valve instruments.
Piston valves should be lubricated regularly with a good quality valve oil. Remove the piston from the housing and use a clean cloth to wipe the pistons before applying new oil and reassembling. For rotary valves, remove the rotor top cap and place a drop of oil in the center of the rotor valve by moving it slightly with the lever. Then take out the relevant slide (push the lever down while pulling out the slide), put a few drops in the body of the instrument (not in the slide) and move the lever again a few times to scoop out the oil to distribute rotor valve.
Once or twice a year we recommend taking your instrument to your local repair shop for a full flush (professional cleaning) and adjustment to playing conditions. Back to top.
What is 000 buckshot used for?
000 buckshot, also known as triple aught buck, has one of the largest diameter pellet sizes found on the market today, making it great for both hunting and personal defense.
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000 dollars of ammunition? See what we have in stock: Are you looking? See what we have in stock: 000 Buck Ammo Search »
000 Buckshot, also known as Triple Aight Buck, has one of the largest pellet diameters on the market today, making it suitable for both hunting and personal defense. When it comes to shot size, there are typically eight .36″ diameter pellets in a $000 cartridge, depending on cartridge size and manufacturer. The 000 buckshot vs 00 size difference is about 0.03 inches, but the weight of a single pellet can be up to 30 percent heavier on the 000 buck – resulting in more energy per pellet and deeper penetration.
home defence
This is where the 000 dollar excels. It can’t really be compared to anything other than the largest shotguns, as it will destroy anything you hit within an effective range of around 35 yards. The main advantage of the large buck is the larger pellet size and heavier weight compared to the more popular #4 buck. Target shooting or doing some research to get a basic idea of the potential of this shot since penetrating $000 is hard to imagine.
With the recent increase in the popularity of the .410 bore as a defense cartridge, several manufacturers are promoting their $000 loaded ammunition. This is becoming a popular choice with owners of pistols like the Taurus Judge and other .410 caliber handguns.
As with any home defense firearm or ammunition, it is important that you are aware of the capabilities and limitations of the equipment you choose. New shooters may feel like firing a shotgun fills an entire room with deadly bullets – but veteran shooters know that’s not the case. Shotguns must be aimed at the target and at home defense distances. Just make sure you know how your shotgun eyes.
hunting use
Most hunters will tell you that $000 is overkill when it comes to hunting, but there are some great exceptions. For example, if you live in Idaho or Montana, the deer, elk, bear, and mountain lion are huge compared to the small game deer in the South. The 000-Buck makes it harder to hit anything over 40 yards, but once you’ve figured out your shotgun – 000-Buckshot, 12-gauge or otherwise – and know exactly how it works, it should work just fine. And despite having fewer pellets overall, the power lets you hunt down big prey.
What 12-gauge ammo is best for home defense?
The Fiocchi Nickel-Plated Buckshot, 12 gauge shotgun ammo, is ideal for home defense and hunting purposes. Its nickel-plated bullets tend to choke tighter and deliver a consistent shot pattern when shot. Its nickel-plated buckshot shells own very heavy-duty design shotgun requirements.
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A 12 gauge pump action shotgun is the best general purpose home defense firearm you can own. You only need minimal skills to operate one. A weapon can be used for short-range shots. So people usually use a shotgun to hunt and defend/guard their homes.
If you own a shotgun for home defense purposes, you need to be selective about your ammo. That’s because shotguns are versatile firearms and therefore come in a wide variety of variants. Different types of shotguns have different effects and uses. For defensive purposes, people generally recommend slug shells and buckshot, let’s say home defense. Birdshot shotgun ammunition is primarily used for hunting. Still, you can use any shotgun ammo load depending on your preference.
If you own a shotgun and aren’t sure what shotgun load to use for ammo, we’ve selected the top five shotgun ammo for you below. So check them out.
Federal Power Shok Buckshot 12-ga #00
Federal Power Shok Buckshot 12 gauge shotgun ammunition can be found in many loads. Its pellets have theatrical power. It comes with a Triple Plus batting system for better shot alignment. This ammunition is so well processed that the bullets retain their uniform shape even after the shot.
Some specifications of the Federal Power Shok Buckshot 12 gauge shotgun ammunition are:
Shot – #00
Gauge – 12-ga
Length – 3 inches
Load – 15 pellets
rounds – 5
Drams – MAX
Speed - 1210 fps
Winchester Super-X Buckshot 12-ga #00
The Winchester Super-X Buckshot, 12-gauge shotgun ammunition is known for its consistent performance. Its buckshot shells have high energy for long-range shots. If shot, the bullets will likely penetrate the target. Its ammunition pellets are relatively more prominent than the #1 shot. These shotgun loads are readily available in the market because of their practicality and reliability.
Some specifications of the Winchester Super-X Buckshot 12 gauge shotgun ammunition are:
Shot – #00
Gauge – 12-ga
Length – 2 ¾ inches
Charge – 9 pellets
rounds – 5
Speed - 1325 fps
Remington Premier AccuTip Bonded Sabot Slug 20-ga
The Remington Premier AccuTip Bonded Sabot Slug 20 gauge shotgun ammunition offers the best performance with its premium quality. This shotgun ammo gives its user the accuracy and speed to engage the target. Although this slug shotgun ammunition is primarily used for significant hunting purposes, it is also recommended for home defense. The high accuracy and performance of these sabot slugs is made possible by the innovative PowerPort Tip Remington design.
Some specifications of the Remington Premier AccuTip Bonded Sabot Slug 20-gauge shotgun ammo are:
Shot – snail
Gauge – 20-ga
Charge – 260 gr
Length – 2 ¾ inches
rounds – 5
Speed - 1850 fps
Fiocchi Nickel-Plated Buckshot 12-ga #00
The Fiocchi Nickel-Plated Buckshot, 12 gauge shotgun ammunition is ideal for home defense and hunting purposes. Its nickel-plated bullets tend to choke tighter and deliver a consistent shot pattern when shot. Its nickel-plated shotshells meet the requirements for shotguns with a very robust design. They do not produce unwanted additives and dirt.
Some specifications of the Fiocchi Nickel-Plated Buckshot 12 Gauge shotgun ammunition are:
Shot – #00
Gauge – 12-ga
Length – 2 ¾ inches
Charge – 9 pellets
rounds – 10
Drams – MAX
Federal Premium Vital-Shok Buckshot 12-ga #00
Federal Premium Vital-Shok Buckshot 12-gauge shotgun ammunition is renowned for its close-range performance. Its premium bullets are copper-plated to ensure consistency and deep penetration when firing at the target. Its shotshells are developed using a spiral stacking process patented by Federal. The shot shell stacking process has a plastic cup shot that causes buffering. The design of this shotgun ammo is such that it packs a powerful punch due to the dense patterns.
Some specifications of Federal Premium Vital-Shok Buckshot 12-gauge shotgun ammunition are:
Shot – #00
Gauge – 12-ga
Length – 2 ¾ inches
Charge – 12 pellets
rounds – 5
Drams – MAX
Speed - 1290 fps
Since you have learned about the top five shotgun ammo for home defense purposes, it is also important for you to know the difference between home defense shotgun shells and shotgun shells.
Three types of shotgun shells for home defense
Buckshot shotshells
Widespread shotgun cartridges for internal defense are the shotgun shells. Buckshot has a wide penetration area of 16.5 inches. This penetration area is the most suitable area to slightly damage the target. The effective range of this type of grenade is 30-50 meters.
Birdshot shot shells
Birdshot cartridges are similar to buckshot cartridges. Multiple pellets can be loaded into a Birdshot case. That’s because its pellets are smaller. The wide penetrating range of this shotshell is 12 inches, just enough to hit the target’s vital organs. Birdshot grenade self-defense range is 15-30 meters.
Slug shotgun shells
The slug shotgun only has one bullet or shall we say one projectile in each. Slugs are the ultimate home defense shotgun ammo with strong neutralization ability. The immense power of this grenade could sometimes overpenetrate the target, resulting in worse damage.
The general penetration range of slugs is 30 inches higher than the standard range. The expected range from the standard slug shotgun is around 70 to 200 yards.
So choose your ammo wisely to get the most out of your shotgun.
Why is buckshot called buckshot?
buckshot (n.) also buck-shot, “large size of shot used for killing deer and other large game,” 1776, from buck (n. 1) + shot (n.).
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meaning “a man” is from c. 1300 (Old Norse bokki was also used in this sense). Particularly “fashionable man” (1725); also used for a male Native American (c. 1800) or a Negro (1835). This is perhaps also the sense in the army slang buck private “private of the lowest class” (1870s).
The phrase pass the buck is literally recorded in 1865, American-English poker slang; The buck in question was originally perhaps a staghorn-handled knife:
The “buck” is an inanimate object, usually [a] knife or pencil, thrown into a jackpot and temporarily taken by the winner of the pot. Whenever the deal reaches the holder of the “dollar”, a new jackpot must be made. [J W. Keller, “Draw Poker”, 1887]
The figurative sense of “shift responsibility” is first recorded in 1912; The phrase The Buck Stops Here (1952) is associated with US President Harry Truman.
Is 12-gauge birdshot lethal?
birdshot, a standard birdshot load is usually best for a homeowner’s defensive 12-gauge shotgun. In close-range encounters, as found in most home-defense situations, birdshot can be deadly.
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Of course, some magnum shotshells increase both pellet count and velocity. The downside to this increased power is an increase in recoil and recovery time. A person just isn’t going to do their best with a load that really hits them every time they pull the trigger. There are plenty of reasons to go the other way when considering buckshot vs. birdshot for home defense.
A real problem for the homeowner defending their home and family is excessive intrusion. Shots fired from inside a house can breach walls and enter other rooms that family members might be occupying. In addition, it is quite possible that heavy defense projectiles leave the house completely and endanger neighbors. One thing is for sure: the legal system will hold a person responsible for every single shot they fire, regardless of their good intentions.
A while ago I took part in an interesting experiment on buckshot vs. birdshot. Ed Head, Operations Manager at Gunsite Academy, had his staff build targets out of building materials. They were two pieces of sheetrock with insulation sandwiched between them, but one had an extra layer of outer siding. These three targets were placed about 20 feet apart to simulate three walls of a house.
We started out by firing standard 9mm and .45 ACP defensive rounds. These sailed straight through all three walls. A 55-grain bullet from a .223 Rem. Lap showed an improvement because she stopped in the second wall. Then it was time to try the shotgun loads.
First launched was a standard 12-gauge police shot load, propelling nine bullets at approximately 1,250 fps. I thought the shot would be contained in the third wall. I was wrong. It easily penetrated all three walls and sailed into the protective backstop. In a real house, the people in the other rooms would have been in grave danger. A 1 ounce, 12 gauge slug load gave exactly the same results.
Our final test was a 12-gauge #7 1/2-shot field load, a 1 1/8-ounce load at 1,250 fps. This charge penetrated the first layer of sheetrock and created a hole about 3 inches in diameter. It completely exited this wall but only splashed onto the surface of the second wall. People in that second room would likely have been hit by bird shots, but it probably wouldn’t have been life threatening.
These simple tests convinced me that between buckshot and birdshot, a standard birdshot load is usually best for a homeowner’s 12-gauge defensive shotgun. In close quarters encounters, such as those found in most home defense situations, birdshot can be deadly. But it degrades so quickly that over-penetration is much less of an issue. In a household full of children it would certainly be my first choice.
The advantage of the shotgun is the variety of ammunition available. The selection ranges from bird shot to duck and goose loads to shot and finally snails. But keep in mind that you’ll probably have to fight with what’s in the gun. There probably won’t be time to make a ton of changes.
In my case I have two shotguns. One stays in my vehicle and is loaded with 00 shot. My house gun is loaded with Birdshot field charges, #6, #7 1/2 or whatever is available.
The shotgun isn’t as glamorous as a tricked AR or a specially tuned combat pistol, but it’s still a great fight stopper. Put the wide variety of shotgun loads to work for you, choosing the ones that get the job done without unnecessarily endangering those who don’t deserve to be hurt.
Is High brass steel?
The “high brass” refers to the brass on the outside of the shell, that contains the primer, poweder etc. That has nothing to do with the type of shot, and it’s legality to be used. You need to know (and it will say on the box) if it is lead shot, or steel shot (the actual pellets inside the shell).
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How many pellets are in 00 buckshot?
A typical 12-gauge, 2 ¾-inch 00 Buckshot shell holds 8 pellets that are 0.33″ in diameter.
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There are various buckshot loads for hunters and riflemen, and even some made specifically for home defense. However, not all buckshots are created equal. We hope to present you with a guide to help you understand the options available to you when choosing the right buckshot size for your shotgun.
What is Buckshot?
Buckshot represents the largest diameter pellets that can be loaded into a shotgun shell. Individual buckshot pellets can range from 0.24″ to 0.36″ in diameter. The larger the pellet size, the less can fit in a shotshell. These pellets can be made of lead or steel and plated with copper.
Originally designed for both big game hunting and personal defense, Buckshot is the gold standard for short-range efficiency when it comes to both applications.
Buckshot Shotgun Shell Components
Primers: A shotgun primer is similar to the centerfire primer on a rifle or pistol, only slightly larger. It consists of a metal cup containing the explosive mass. When the primer is hit by the shotgun’s firing pin, it creates a flaming flash that ignites the powder.
Propellant: This is the proper name for the shotgun powder. When ignited by the flash of the primer, it burns and the resulting expanding gas propels the projectile down the shotgun barrel.
Base: The metal base of a shotgun shell is called the base. This is where the primer sits and, thanks to its composition, ensures safety when feeding, sucking off and ejecting.
Body: Early shotgun shells were made entirely of brass, but as cartridge-based shotguns became more popular, a cheaper material was needed. Early shotgun cases consisted of paper cases bonded to a brass or copper base. In the 1950s, the paper sleeve was replaced with a plastic sleeve. When a shotshell is fired, the front of the fuselage expands to release the bund and shotload.
Cotton Ball: The shotgun shell’s cotton ball keeps the shot contained and separated from the propellant. It also minimizes shot deformation while driving through the shotgun’s barrel.
Shot: This gives the shotgun its name. Shot is the payload of metal balls contained in the shotgun shell. Their size ranges from small BBs to the largest buckshot and can even be replaced with a solid single projectile known as a slug.
Buckshot for central defense
If a shotgun is chosen for home defense, unless you are Tippi Hedrin expecting an attack from a flock of seagulls, the type of shot used in the shells should be Buckshot. Buckshot is a proven round that has a track record of stopping attackers. Birdshot, which has a much smaller shot diameter and is significantly cheaper, is not recommended for use against animals larger than birds, including human attackers.
Buckshot sizes
With buckshots, size matters, and the three size components are the power or caliber of the shotgun, the length of the bullet, and the size of the pellets. There is a fourth known as the choke, but that is less important than the other three.
shot shell sizes
Shotgun shells come in different lengths. The two most common for 20 gauge and 12 gauge are 2 ¾ inch or 3 inch. However, 3½” shells are available in 12 gauge, and it is not uncommon to find 2½” and 2 5/8″ lengths of 12 and 20 gauge shotgun shells from some manufacturers. The smaller 410 shotgun shells are most commonly found in 2½”, 2¾”, and 3″ lengths.
It is important to note that this length refers to a fired shell with the hull fully open at the front, and not a loaded shell that is about to be fired. They will be between ¼” and 1/2″ shorter before being fired.
For safety reasons, a shooter should not load a longer shell into a shotgun designed for a shorter one. Even if the longer cartridge is chambered, overuse will result in accelerated wear of the shotgun’s chamber and/or case.
From a reliability standpoint, many of the shorter shotgun shells, such as the B. the recently popular 1 ¾ inch 12 gauge mini cartridges may not perform properly in a shotgun intended for a longer chambering. These types of buckshot cartridges can increase your capacity in a pump-action or semi-automatic shotgun, but they can compromise reliability and effectiveness.
Buckshot Size Chart: Pellet Diameter
The size of the individual pellets increases as the number decreases. For example, buckshot number 4 measures 0.24 inches while number 1 measures 0.3 inches.
When these numbers become zeros or debits, the magnitude continues to increase. 0 buckshot represents 0.32 inch diameter pellets and the largest 000 buckshot pellets are 0.36 inch diameter.
The actual diameters of the different shot pellets are as follows:
Shot Size Pellet Diameter (inches) #4 Buck .24 #3 Buck .25 #2 Buck .27 #1 Buck .30 #0 Buck .32 #00 Buck .33 #000 Buck .36
How many pellets are in Buckshot?
The number of shot pellets found in each shot shell varies depending on the shell length, caliber, size of the shot pellets and the manufacturer of the shotgun ammunition in question.
A typical 12-gauge, 2 ¾-inch .00 buckshot grenade contains 8 .33-inch diameter pellets. A 3 inch bowl will most often contain 12 of these equally sized pellets. Some longer shells such as the 3″ mentioned above or the longer 3 1/2″ shells may be a special charge containing the same number of pellets as a 2 ¾” shell because the charge allows for longer range or higher speed and sometimes it contains more pellets.
The lowest extreme of buckshot loads would be the 410 shotgun loads. An average 410,000 buckshot factory load contains only 3 pellets, while a 410#4 buckshot load can contain 9 pellets in each round.
The combinations and variants are so different that it is best to inquire with the manufacturer of the respective buckshot shotgun ammunition. All of this information is also listed on the ammo boxes themselves.
shot ballistics
We’ve heard shotguns versus a “howitzer in your house.” Hyperbole aside, a shotgun makes a good addition to a defensive handgun in the home, and for the hunter, a low-pump shotgun is possibly the most versatile weapon in the gun closet.
For people who got their first impressions (or all of their knowledge) of a buckshot loaded shotgun from the movies, they might expect targets to fly over the range with a single shot, or they might be wondering why use something so devastating could be for hunting.
The answer is because these are movies and aren’t always based on reality, especially in regards to shotguns and buckshot.
Depending on the shot size, case length and caliber of the shotgun; Buckshot travels as fast as 950 fps to 1300 (feet per second).
These numbers are printed on every box of Buckshot ammunition. However, if the shot moves down, the pellets will lose speed. This makes Buckshot an effective, relatively short-range solution.
Buckshot area
Shotgun range varies depending on the caliber of the shotgun, the length of the shotshell, the size of the shotshell in the shell, and the length and choke of the shotgun’s barrel.
Taking all of these factors into account, the average range of a buckshot fired from a shotgun can be anywhere from 30 to 60 yards. Fired buckshot can fly much farther; However, they lose speed and energy over distance.
For this reason, it is very important for any shotgun shooter to survey his shotgun to determine at what range its shot spread begins to lose effectiveness.
Buckshot pattern
All shotguns should be rated for the loads they primarily shoot. This is essential in buckshot, whether you use your shotgun for hunting or home defense.
Patterning refers to firing your shotgun at known distances to see where the pellets hit the target. A good rule of thumb is to start at around 10 feet and gradually move the target further outward to see when that particular load spreads too far to be effective.
An effective buckshot spread is about 4 to 8 inches. If your buckshot patterns are wider, you may not be able to effectively stop a threat or drop an animal. Another factor to consider is accountability for shots fired. While your broader pattern can still hit your target, there is a greater chance that errant buckshot that misses its target will travel farther, possibly injuring or killing an innocent party.
While we recommend buckshot number 1 as a minimum for home defense, buckshot number 2 allows your shotgun to muster more efficiently. This is really a trial and error experiment with you and your shotgun. Try different loads and see which patterns work best.
frequently asked Questions
We realize that this is a lot of information about buckshot and its use in a shotgun. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about shotguns in general and Buckshot in particular.
Can buckshot be used with a silencer?
A shotgun is quite different to suppress than a traditional cartridge firearm like a pistol or rifle due to the nature of shotgun ammo, but it is possible, and you can shoot buckshot through it. SilencerCo developed a silencer called the Salvo 12 that is designed for shotguns.
Shotguns generally fire multiple pellets secured by a wad in the shell. Between the shotgun pellets and the plastic wad rushing through a silencer, it sounds like a lot could go wrong.
SilencerCo has prevented this by adding an internal rail to center the bundle as it is driven through the silencer with the shot.
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What choke should I use for Buckshot?
A shotgun choke shapes a shotgun’s firing pattern to improve range and accuracy. While some older shotguns, particularly over-and-unders, have a barrel that attaches to a specific choke; Many have a replaceable choke tube system.
These interchangeable shotgun choke tubes are typically installed via internal threads in the shotgun barrel. Almost every manufacturer uses a proprietary throttling system. For example, Remington uses the Remchoke system, Winchester uses the Winchoke system, and Saiga-type shotguns rely on a male-threaded barrel.
Not all shotguns are equipped with chokes. Most so-called defensive or riot shotguns leave the factory as “barrel bore” rifles without the ability to add any of the various choke systems. If you need to install a system, it must be done by a competent gunsmith.
Chokes are popular with hunters and shotgun shooters because the right size choke tube improves the shooter’s range and accuracy. The three most common choke sizes are Improved Cylinder, Modified and Full. Each of them becomes progressively narrower, holding the shot load more densely than the previous one.
Buckshot can be used with any of these chokes, with cylinder bore being the most common. Every shotgun is different. So if you can use interchangeable chokes to change your pattern at different distances, it’s a good idea to try them out with the specific shot load you have in mind.
What is Buckshot used for?
As the name suggests, Buckshot was originally developed for deer hunting. However, it can be used to hunt other animals of the same size or weight class such as black bears, wild boar and many vermin.
Outside of hunting, buckshot is most commonly used as a self-defense bullet. The low price of many shotguns and their availability make them useful tools in home defense, and certain types of buckshot have proven extremely effective in this role.
What is buckshot made of?
Most shot is made from lead. Other dense metals can be used such as tungsten, copper and even copper plated steel pellets. Charges like this are primarily used in wet areas or environments where lead bullets are prohibited. Some special riot charges use rubber shot. Rubber buckshot is considered a less lethal projectile.
Why is it called Buckshot?
Buckshot, like many other types of shot sizes, takes its name from the type of game it was intended for. In this case it was designed to shoot deer, hence the term buckshot was coined.
Where to shoot a deer with buckshot?
Most deer hunters try to place their bullets or even their arrows in the animal’s largest vital area, namely the lungs. However, using buckshot in a shotgun changes that rule somewhat.
For one, buckshot pales in comparison to the power of a rifle shot. So, hitting the broadside of the lungs does far less damage than a centerfire rifle, especially in terms of penetration.
However, the multiple projectiles in a Buckshot shotgun increase the hunter’s chances of landing a hit on some of the smaller vital parts like the spine or perhaps the heart. These types of hits instantly drop a stag.
Never attempt a direct or forward headshot at a deer with a buckshot. Most of the time you will maim and cripple the animal. Their brain is particularly small in relation to their head size. Injured, it will run away as quickly as possible to die a protracted and agonizing death.
The better traditional methods are behind the shoulder and where the neck meets the shoulder. This gives the hunter the ability to hit numerous smaller vital areas such as the heart, lungs, trachea and spine with a decent shot spread.
Make an informed choice
The bottom line is that every shotgun, even mass-produced ones, has a character all of its own. The best way a shooter can discover and master this is to take out the shotgun and try different loads in that shotgun to see which buckshot load is most effective.
The recoil of a 12-gauge buckshot shotgun can be brutal for a new shooter, but with enough practice it can be mastered. The 20 caliber is a good compromise for recoil sensitivity, but we’d avoid any .410 caliber shotgun as the shotloads are marginal at best.
Whether you live in a state where deer hunting is shotgun-only or you need an affordable firearm to protect your home, a shotgun is a great choice. You’ll need to adjust the loads to suit your needs though, and the 12 gauge gives you the most options, especially when it comes to buckshot options.
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What year did plastic shotgun shells come out?
In 1965, the AA plastic shotshell line of target loads was introduced—a legacy that continues to today and a technological innovation that transformed the entire shotgun shell industry.
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Prior to the mid-1960s, shotshells were made with rigid paper cases, which were more susceptible to moisture and damage from crushing.
Paper sleeves often swelled when soaked from rain, water in duck blinds, or excessive humidity. They might even swell to a point where they wouldn’t pick up a shotgun or pull it out when fired…if it’s fired. Then in 1964, under the Mark 5 shotshell banner, Winchester changed the game with the introduction of compression molded plastic cases.
These hulls were stronger than paper, could fire in the wet, and allowed for smoother and more frequent reloads. In 1965, the line of AA plastic target-loading shotshells was introduced – a legacy that continues today and a technological innovation that transformed the entire shotgun shell industry.
Today’s hunters can drop loads on a boat’s wet bottom or survive driving rain and still load plastic shotshells into their guns and fire them without fear that they won’t perform as well when dry. Plastic shotshells truly made hunting or shooting a shotgun an all-weather option, and Winchester shotshells, from their legendary and versatile AA line, now 50 years strong, to their dependable slug and waterfowl loads, are used today by considered the best by many athletes.
Why are shotgun shells plastic?
Until the 1970s, shotgun wads were made of paper or cardboard. However, in order to lower manufacturing cost and increase ease of production, manufacturers switched to non-biodegradable plastic. For hunters, the plastic wad helps to create a tighter shot pattern enabling them to kill more birds (and injure less).
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So what is a shotgun “wad”? It is the part of a shotgun shell that keeps the shot (pellets) together but separate from the powder. The cotton ball also creates a seal that prevents gas from blowing through the shot, allowing for a more even discharge. Up until the 1970s, shot wads were made of paper or cardboard. However, to reduce manufacturing costs and simplify production, manufacturers switched to non-biodegradable plastic. For hunters, the plastic wad helps create a tighter shot pattern that allows them to kill more birds (and hurt fewer). Unfortunately, since the wads are ejected with the shot and travel quite a distance before separating, and are usually shot over water, hunters do not consider the wads to be retrievable – leading to a major plastic problem.
According to the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, billions of shotgun wads are produced domestically each year. Global production has been estimated at 10 to 15 billion watts per year over the past 50 years. Each shotgun wad is roughly equivalent to two grocery bags of plastic. Shot wads are of particular concern because that is where they are used – in and around waterways, estuaries and other places that we wish to preserve for their natural characteristics and ecological importance. Because so many bundles end up in waterways, they drift into bays, rivers, and the ocean like tiny plastic squid.
How are plastic plugs affecting wildlife? In the Taranaki region of New Zealand, software developed by MetOcean Solutions tracked wads of shotguns from their source at a rifle club on the Manganui River. The cotton was washed 20 miles downstream into the Tasman Sea and from there found along the beaches for about 15 miles in each direction. Locally, mudflats are commonly found from Redwood National Park to the southern tip of Humboldt Bay.
Unfortunately, cotton balls often make it to the sea and can serve as a food source for pelagic birds (they are even the shape and color of a small squid). When a bird’s stomach fills up with plastic, the bird feels full, stops eating, and starves in confusion. It’s not the only way single-use plastic is killing wildlife. According to a New York Times article, a sperm whale that washed ashore in Spain had its stomach filled with over 60 pounds of trash, mostly plastic.
In short, from single-use straws to shotgun wads, the plastic entering our marine ecosystems is wiping out wildlife — and even entering the food chain. According to Newsweek, a study published in Environmental Pollution showed that the average person can ingest between 13,731 and 68,415 microplastic particles each year simply by eating.
The good news is that we live in a time of increased societal awareness of plastic. While plastic wads are more effective than their predecessors, many hunting clubs in New Zealand and England have switched to biodegradable fiber wads for some applications. Here in the United States, a company called GreenOps Ammo in Virginia recently started manufacturing 12-gauge shotgun shells that use biodegradable wadding. Their website claims that their biopolymers are “completely biodegradable” on land or in water (no high-temperature composting conditions required) and are non-toxic.
GreenOps Ammo CEO Jason McDevitt feels that their bundle is at least as effective and the cost of production is only slightly above standard since there is no regulation for this type of fouling other than requiring hunters to pick up bundles, which clearly isn’t works, biodegradable options can be a good choice. Discussions are underway on the possibility of piloting a local biodegradable cotton swab project here in Humboldt County. We’ll keep you posted when this idea becomes a reality.
Curbing the flow of single-use plastics into our oceans, rivers and estuaries remains one of the critical environmental challenges of our time. Shotgun wads pollute our natural areas, causing damage or even death to seabirds, sea turtles and other marine life. If the hunting industry fails to take responsibility and switch to biodegradable wadding, better regulation may be the best way forward.
Concerned about shotgun litter on local beaches?
The San Francisco Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation tracks this particular type of junk. You can upload your photos with location information to Wad Watcher at
https://sf.surfrider.org/shotgun-wad-watcher/.
Martin Swett collected over 5000 shot wads and cases in one hunting season.
Why is buckshot called buckshot?
buckshot (n.) also buck-shot, “large size of shot used for killing deer and other large game,” 1776, from buck (n. 1) + shot (n.).
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meaning “a man” is from c. 1300 (Old Norse bokki was also used in this sense). Particularly “fashionable man” (1725); also used for a male Native American (c. 1800) or a Negro (1835). This is perhaps also the sense in the army slang buck private “private of the lowest class” (1870s).
The phrase pass the buck is literally recorded in 1865, American-English poker slang; The buck in question was originally perhaps a staghorn-handled knife:
The “buck” is an inanimate object, usually [a] knife or pencil, thrown into a jackpot and temporarily taken by the winner of the pot. Whenever the deal reaches the holder of the “dollar”, a new jackpot must be made. [J W. Keller, “Draw Poker”, 1887]
The figurative sense of “shift responsibility” is first recorded in 1912; The phrase The Buck Stops Here (1952) is associated with US President Harry Truman.
MAGTECH Brass Shotshells – Product Review \u0026 How To!
See some more details on the topic brass case shotgun shells here:
Brass Shotgun Shells – Etsy
Check out our brass shotgun shells selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops.
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Magtech Brass at Ballistic Products Inc – Hulls
When choosing wads for brass cases, choose one gauge larger for proper fit: For example, use 11-gauge cards in a 12-gauge brass case. Magtech brass shotshells …
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What was the point of brass shotgun shells, and are they still …
Brass shells were used because of paper shells being undesirable from moisture. They would swell up and be difficult to chamber, also wetting the charge, …
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Brass Shot Shell, 12 gauge, 2-5/8″, new production, marked …
This new production all brass shotgun shell is designed for a 12 gauge shotgun … The ‘A’ designation indicates a ‘thin wall’ brass case that accepts 11 …
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Shotgun shell – Wikipedia
A shotgun shell, shotshell or simply shell is a type of rimmed, cylindrical (straight-walled) cartrges used specifically in shotguns, and is typically …
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Shotgun shell
Self-contained cartridge loaded with either buckshot or a solid ball
A 12 gauge shotgun in a clear plastic case through which the contents can be seen. From left to right: brass, propellant, overpowder wad, shot wad, #8 birdshot, excess wad and crimp
A shotgun shell, buckshot, or simply cartridge is a type of rimmed, cylindrical (straight-walled) cartridge used specifically in shotguns and typically loaded with numerous small, pellet-like, spherical sub-projectiles called buckshot and fed through a barrel with smoothbore has a conical constriction at the muzzle to regulate the amount of dispersion. A grenade can also sometimes contain as little as a single large fixed projectile known as a slug, usually fired through a rifled slug barrel. The cartridge case usually consists of a paper or plastic tube mounted on a brass base containing a primer and shots are usually contained by a wadding/sabot inside the case. The caliber of the shotgun shell is referred to as its gauge.
The projectiles are traditionally made of lead, but other metals such as steel, tungsten and bismuth are also used due to lead limitations[2] or for performance reasons such as achieving higher firing velocities by reducing the mass of the shot charge. There are also other uncommon projectiles such as sabotage darts, rubber bullets, rock salt, and magnesium shards. Snail shells can also be crafted using special non-lethal projectiles such as rubber and beanbag bullets.
Shotguns have an effective range of about 35 m (38 yd) with buckshot, 45 m (49 yd) with birdshot, 100 m (110 yd) with slugs, and well over 150 m (160 yd) with sabotage slugs in rifled barrels. [3][4][5]
Other rounds include:
Ferret Rounds: Rounds designed to penetrate a thin barrier (such as a car door) and release a gas payload.
Bolo rounds: two large lead balls attached to a wire.
Piranha Shells: Shells full of sharp thumbtacks.
Dragon’s Breath Rounds: Grenades packed with incendiary chemicals that can create a fireball/flame when discharged and ignite a flammable target at close range.
Most shotgun shells are designed to be fired from a smoothbore, but specialty rifled barrel shotguns are limited to lead or sabot rounds, as the “shot” would spread too far through the rifle. A rifled barrel increases the accuracy of sabot shot rounds, but makes it unsuitable for firing shots as it imparts a twist to the shot cup, causing the shot bundle to scatter. A rifled slug uses a rifling on the slug itself so it can be used in a smoothbore shotgun.
history [edit]
Early shotgun shells used brass cases, similar to pistol and rifle cartridge cases of the same era. These brass shotgun bodies or cases resembled large rifle cartridges in both the head and primer portions of the shotshell, as well as in their dimensions. At different times, cartons made of felt, leather and cork, as well as cardboard, were used. Water glass (sodium silicate) was commonly used to cement the top excess plug into these brass sleeves. No roll crimp or fold crimp was used on these early brass cases, although some manufacturers eventually used roll crimps to hold the excess plug securely in place. The primers on these early shotshells were identical to pistol primers of the same diameter.
From the late 1870s paper hulls replaced brass hulls. Paper hulls remained popular for nearly a century, until the early 1960s. These paper-cased shotshells were almost always rolled, although fold-crimping eventually became popular as well. The primers on these paper-cased shotshells also changed from the pistol primers used on the early brass shotshells to a primer that contained both the primer and an anvil, unlike rifle and pistol ammunition, making the shotgun shell primer larger became. Cardboard wads made of felt and cork and cardboard were all used at different times, gradually giving way to plastic over powder wads, to cardboard wads, and finally through all plastic wads. From the early 1960s, plastic cases replaced paper cases for most shotgun shells, and by the 1980s plastic cases became more widely adopted.
Typical setup[ edit ]
Modern shotgun shells typically consist of a plastic case, the base of which is covered with a thin brass-plated steel cover. As previously mentioned, paper bowls were once common and are still made, as are solid brass bowls. Some companies appear to have made all-plastic shells, although these have a small metal ring molded into the rim of the shell for strength. Often the more powerful charges use “high brass” shells, with the brass being extended further up the sides of the shell, while lighter charges use “low brass” shells. The brass doesn’t really offer much strength, but the difference in appearance gives shooters a way to quickly distinguish between high and low power ammo.
A 1908 depiction of a shotgun, showing a primitive felt wad to separate the powder (left) and shot (right).
The base of the grenade is quite thick to accommodate the large shotgun primer, which is longer than primers used for rifle and pistol ammunition. Modern smokeless powders are far more efficient than the original black powder used in shotgun shells, so the powder actually takes up very little space. Shotguns use small amounts of double-base powders equivalent to fast-burning pistol powders with up to 50% nitroglycerin. After the powder comes the cotton or cotton wool. The main purpose of a wad is to keep the shot and powder from mixing and to provide a seal that prevents gas from blowing through the shot instead of propelling it. The wad design may also include a shock absorber and cup that holds the shot together until it comes out of the barrel.
A modern wad consists of three parts, the powder wad, sachet and shot cup, which may be separate parts or one piece. The powder plug acts as a gas seal (known as an obturation) and is placed firmly over the powder; it can be a paper or plastic part. Next is the cushion, which is designed to compress under pressure, acting as a shock absorber and minimizing shot deformation. it also serves to take up as much space as is needed between the powder wad and the shot. Cushions are almost universally made from plastic with crumple zones, although biodegradable fiberballs are often preferred for shooting game in areas grazed by farm animals or wildlife. The shot cup is the last part of the shell and serves to hold the shot together as it moves down the barrel. Shot cups are slotted on the sides so that they open after leaving the barrel and the shot can continue flying undisturbed. Shot cups, if used, are also almost universally made of plastic. The shot fills the shot cup (which must be the correct length to hold the desired amount of shot) and the shot shell is then crimped or rolled closed.
Sizes [edit]
Comparison of shotshells (from left to right): 12-gauge, 20-gauge, 16-gauge, 28-gauge, and .410 bore
default [edit]
gauge
(Number of
guide balls
in a pound) diameter of a sphere inch millimeter 10 0.775 19.7 12 0.729 18.5 16 0.663 16.8 20 0.615 15.6 28 0.550 14.0
Shotgun shells are generally measured by “gauge”, which is the weight in fractions of a pound of a round ball of pure lead that is the same diameter as the inside diameter of the barrel. In Britain and some other places outside the United States, the term “bore” is used with the same meaning. This is in contrast to rifles and handguns, which are almost always measured in “caliber”, a measurement of the inside diameter of the barrel in millimeters or inches and consequently roughly equal to the diameter of the projectile fired.
For example, a shotgun is called “12-gauge” because a lead ball that just fits inside the barrel’s inside diameter weighs 1⁄12 pounds (38 g). This measurement dates back to when early guns were similarly referred to – a “12-pounder” would be a gun that fired a 12-pound (5.4 kg) cannonball; Conversely, a single “12 gauge” shot would actually be a 1⁄12 pounder. Thus, a 10-gauge shotgun has a larger diameter barrel than a 12-gauge shotgun, which has a larger barrel diameter than a 20-gauge shotgun, and so on.
By far the most popular shotgun caliber is the 12 gauge. The larger 10 gauge, once popular for hunting larger birds like goose and turkey, has gained popularity with the advent of longer 12 gauge magnum shells that offer similar performance in decline. The medium-sized 20 gauge is also a very popular chambering for smaller-framed shooters who prefer its reduced recoil, those hunting smaller game, and experienced trap and skeet shooters who like the added challenge of shooting their targets with a to hit a lower shot load. Other less common but commercially available gauges are 16 and 28. Several other gauges may exist but are considered obsolete. The 4, 8, 24 and 32 caliber guns are collectibles. There are also some shotguns that are measured by diameter rather than gauge. These are .410 (10.4 mm), .380 (9 mm) and .22 (5.5 mm) calibers; These are correctly referred to as “.410 bore”, not “.410 gauge”.
The .410 bore is the smallest shotgun size commercially available in the United States. For size comparison purposes, the .410, when measured with the gauge, would be around 67 or 68 gauge (it’s 67.62 gauge). The .410 is often incorrectly assigned 36 gauge. The 36 gauge cartridge was actually a .360 diameter cartridge that was 1.5 in (38 mm) long and is now obsolete.
Other calibers[edit]
CCI .22LR Snake Shot loaded with #12 buckshot
Snake shot (AKA: bird shot, rat shot, and dust shot)[6] refers to pistol and rifle cartridges loaded with small lead shot. Snake shot is generally used for shooting at close ranges at snakes, rodents, birds and other vermin. The most common snakeshot cartridges are .22 Long Rifle, .22 Magnum, .38 Special, 9×19mm Luger, .40 Smith & Wesson, .44 Special, .45 ACP, and .45 Colt.
Commonly used by hikers, backpackers and campers, snake shot is ideal for use in revolvers and derringers chambered for .38 Special and .357 Magnum. With semi-automatic pistols, the snake shot may not work properly. Rifles made specifically to fire .22 caliber snake shots are also commonly used by farmers for pest control in barns and sheds, as the snake shots will not poke holes in the roof or walls or, more importantly, livestock with one injure ricochets. They are also used for pest control at airports and warehouses.[7]
Military issue .45 ACP M15 “firing shell” far right.
Shotgun shells were also historically issued to soldiers for use in standard rifles. The .45-70 “Forager” round, containing a thin wooden ball filled with birdshot, was intended for small game hunting to supplement soldiers’ rations. This round made the .45-70 rifle a small-gauge shotgun capable of killing rabbits, ducks, and other small game.
During World War II, the US military developed the .45 ACP M12 and M15 shotgun shells. They were issued to pilots to use as hunting ammunition in case they were shot down. While they were best used in the M1917 revolvers, the M15 cartridge would actually go through the M1911 semi-automatic pistol action.
Garden guns[edit]
Garden guns are smoothbore firearms specifically made to fire .22 caliber snake-headed bullets and are commonly used by gardeners and farmers for pest control. Garden guns are short-range weapons that can do little damage beyond 15-20 yards, and they’re quiet when fired with snake shot compared to a standard ammo. These cannons are particularly effective in barns and sheds, as the snake shot doesn’t blast holes in the roof or walls or, more importantly, ricochet around livestock. They are also used for pest control at airports, warehouses, stockyards, etc.[7]
Formula for shotgun gauge diameter[edit]
The standard definition of shotgun gage assumes a pure lead bullet is used. The following formulas relate the bore diameter d n (in inches) to the gauge n:
d n = 1.67 / n 3 = 4.66 / n 3 {\displaystyle d_{n}=1.67/{\sqrt[{3}]{n}}={\sqrt[{3}]{4 ,66/n}}}
n = ( 1.67 / d n ) 3 = 4.66 / ( d n ) 3 {\displaystyle n=(1.67/d_{n})^{3}=4.66/(d_{n})^ {3}}
For example, the common bore diameter d n = 0.410 inches (0.410 bore) is effectively n = 67.6 .
Lead free [ edit ]
By 1957 the ammunition industry was able to produce a non-toxic shot out of iron or steel.[10] In 1976, the Fish and Wildlife Service took the first steps towards phasing out lead shot by designating steel shot-only hunting areas for waterfowl. The 1970s saw the introduction of lead-free shotshells, loaded with steel, bismuth or tungsten composite pellets instead of more traditional lead-based pellets, and were required for migratory bird hunting (ducks and geese). Lead shot when hunting waterfowl was banned in the United States in 1991.[11] [12] Due to environmental regulations, leaded ammunition must be used carefully by hunters in Europe. For example, in France, it may not be fired near a pond. In fact, the laws are so complex that some hunters in Europe prefer not to risk problems if lead bullets are fired in the wrong places, and therefore opt for compound bullets in all situations. The use of lead shot is banned in Canada and the United States when hunting migratory wildfowl such as ducks and geese, forcing the use of non-toxic shot in those countries for waterfowl hunting (lead shot can still be used legally in the United States for hunting game other than waterfowl). This means manufacturers must market new types of lead-free shotgun ammunition loaded with alternative pellets to meet environmental regulations for lead use, as well as lead-based and cheaper shotgun shells to remain competitive globally.
The C.I.P. enforces the approval of all ammunition that a manufacturer or importer imports into any of the (mainly European) C.I.P. member states. The ammunition manufacturers are obliged to check their products against the C.I.P. pressure specifications. A compliance report must be prepared for each production lot and archived for later review if necessary.
Shotshells with steel pellets require an additional Vickers hardness test in addition to the pressure test. The steel pellets used must have a hardness below 100 HV1, but even then steel is known to wear down the barrel excessively over time if steel pellet velocities get too high, leading to potentially harmful situations for the user. Therefore, shot velocity measurement is also an additional requirement for 12, 16 and 20 gauge shotshells, both standard and high performance versions, sold in Europe. The speed of the pellets must be less than 425 m/s (1,390 ft/s), 390 m/s (1,300 ft/s) or 390 m/s (1,300 ft/s) for the standard versions. Another disadvantage of steel pellets is their tendency to bounce unpredictably after hitting a hard surface. This poses a major hazard on indoor shooting ranges or whenever there are metal targets or hard arrow stops (eg. For this reason, steel shot is specifically prohibited at most indoor shooting ranges. Any shooter considering using steel-loaded ammunition for purposes other than Buying hunting purposes should first find out whether the use does not pose an undue danger to yourself and others.
However, no data has been published demonstrating the hazard of firing high-velocity projectiles loaded with steel shot causing barrel wear, and CIP’s US equivalent, SAAMI, has no such restrictive velocity limitations on commercial steel-shot shells used in the United States sold . Similarly, shotgun manufacturers who sell shotguns in the United States select their own appropriate standards for specifying steel hardness for shotgun barrels and for velocities of ammunition loaded with steel shot shells.
Some indoor shooting ranges prohibit the use of steel shot out of concern that it will cause a spark if it hits an object in range and starts a fire.
Shot sizes [ edit ]
lead shot
Shotshells are loaded with different sizes of shot depending on the target. For skeet shooting, a small shot like a #8 or #9 would be used because the range is short and a high density pattern is desirable. Trap shooting requires longer shots, so a larger shot is used, usually a No. 7½. When hunting game, consideration is given to the range and penetration needed to ensure a clean kill. Due to its low cross-sectional density and its ballistic coefficient (see external ballistics), shot loses speed very quickly. Small shots, such as those used for skeet and trap, have all lost appreciable energy by about 100 yards (91 m), allowing trap and skeet bowls to be placed in relatively close proximity to populated areas with negligible risk of injury to those outside of that Range.
bird shot[edit]
“Birdshot” redirects here. For the 2016 Filipino film, see Birdshot (film)
12-gauge Bullet Shotgun.
Birdshots are designed for waterfowl and upland hunting where game is agile small/medium sized birds. Their sizes are numbered similarly to shotgun gauges – the smaller the number, the larger the shot (except in the outdated Swedish system, where it’s reversed). Generally, birdshot is just referred to as “shot”, e.g. B. “Number 9 shot” or “BB shot”.
There are small differences in the size of American, Standard (European), Belgian, Italian, Norwegian, Spanish, Swedish, British and Australian shots to add complexity. This is because some systems use diameter in inches (American), others use diameter in millimeters (European), and the British system uses lead shot per ounce. Australia has a hybrid system as its market is flooded with a mix of British, American and European shells.
For American shot, a useful way to remember the inch diameter of a numbered shot is to simply subtract the shot size from 17. The result is the diameter of the shot in hundredths of an inch. For example, shot #2 gives 17-2 = 15, which means the diameter of shot #2 is 15/100, or 0.15 inch. B shot is .170 inches, and sizes increase in increments of .01 for BB and BBB sizes.
Using metric measurements, it’s easy to remember that shot #5 is 3mm; each number up or down represents a change in diameter of 0.25 mm, e.g. #7 shot is 2.5mm.
US Size EU Size SW Size UK Size AU Size Nominal Diameter Pellets per oz (28g) Quantity per lb.[13] Lead Steel FF .230″ (5.84mm) 35 F .220″ (5.59mm) 27 39 TT .210″ (5.33mm) AAA .205″ (5.20mm) AAA .203″ (5th .16mm) 35 T AAA .200″ (5.08mm) 36 53 AA .191″ (4.93mm) 40 BBB AA .190″ (4.83mm) 44 62 550 BB A .180″ (4 .57 mm) 50 72 650 air rifle BBBB or
2/0
.177″ (4.50mm) B .170″ (4.32mm) 86 #1 BB BB .160″ (4.06mm) 72 103 925 #1 7 .158″ (4th .00 mm) #2 B or #1 .150 in. (3.81 mm) 87 125 1120 #2 6 .148 in. (3.75 mm) #3 .140 in. (3.56 mm) 108 158 1370 No .3 5 .138″ (3.50mm) #2 #2 .134″ (3.40mm) #4 .130″ (3.30mm) 135 192 1720 #4 4 #3 #3 .128 Inch (3.25mm) 140 #5 #4 #4 0.120″ (3.05mm) 170 243 2180 #5 3.00mm (3.00mm) #6 #5 #5 2.79mm (0.110″) 225 315 2850 #6 2.75mm (2 .108″) #5½ #5½ .107″ (2.72mm) 240 #6 #6 .102″ ( 2.59mm) 270 #7 .100″ (2.54mm) 291 423 #7 1 .098″ (2.50mm) #7½ .094″ (2.40mm) #7½ # 7 #7 .095″ (2.41mm) 350 490 3775 #8 #7½ .090″ (2.29mm) 410 686 5150 #8 00 . 089″ (2.25mm) #8 #8 0.087″ (2.21mm) 472 #8½ 0.085″ (2.15mm) 497 #8½ 0.083″ (2.10mm) #9 #9 .9 #9 .080″ (2.03mm) 585 892 7400 #9 000 .079″ (2.00mm) #10 .070″ (1.78mm) 848 #10 #10 . 070″ (1.78mm) 850 #10 . 069″ (1.75mm)
There is also #11 and #12 lead shot. Shot of these sizes is used in special shotshells that can be fired at close range (less than four metres) to kill snakes, rats and animals of similar size. Such grenades are typically intended to be fired from handguns, particularly revolvers.[14] This type of ammunition is manufactured by Federal and CCI, among others.
Birdshot selection [ edit ]
Wild Lead/Tungsten Steel Choke Gauge Turkey BB to 6 2 to 3 Full 10, 12, 16, 20 Geese 2 to 4 T to 3 Full Modified 10, 12, 16, 20 Duck High 2 to 4 BB to 2 Full Improved Modified , Modified 10, 12, 16, 20 Ducks, Low 4 to 6 1 to 4 Full, Improved Modified, Modified 10, 12, 16, 20 Squirrels 4 to 6 2 to 4 Full, Improved Modified, Modified 12, 16, 20, 28, .410 Rabbit 4 to 7 + 1 ⁄ 2 2 to 5 Modified, Improved Cylinder 12, 16, 20, 28, .410 Pheasant 4 to 7 + 1 ⁄ 2 2 to 6[15] Full, Improved Modified Modified, Improved Cylinder 12, 16, 20 Moorhuhn 5 to 8 3 to 6 Modified, Improved Cylinder 12, 16, 20 Quail, Pigeon 7 + 1 ⁄ 2 to 9 6 Improved Modified, Modified, Improved Cylinder 12, 16, 12, 28 Rail, Snipe , Woodcock 7 + 1 ⁄ 2 through 9 6 Modified Improved Cylinder 12, 16, 20
When hunting, the shot size must not only be chosen for the range, but also for the game. The shot must reach the target with enough energy to penetrate to a depth sufficient to kill the game. Lead shot is still the best ballistic performance, but environmental restrictions on the use of lead, particularly in waterfowl, require steel, bismuth, or tungsten composites. Steel, being significantly less dense than lead, requires larger shot sizes but is a good choice when lead is not legal and cost is an issue. It is argued that steel shot cannot be used safely in some older shotguns without damaging either the bore or the choke due to the hardness of steel shot. However, the increased pressure in most steel cartridges is a far greater problem, putting more stress on the gun’s breech. Because tungsten is very hard, it must be used with caution even in older guns. Tungsten shot is often alloyed with nickel and iron, softening the base metal. This alloy is about 1/3 denser than lead but far more expensive. Bismuth shot is between steel and tungsten shot in terms of density and cost. The rule of thumb when converting suitable steel shot is to go up two numbers when changing from lead. However, there are differing views on dense patterns versus higher pellet energies.
Buckshot[ edit ]
“Buckshot” redirects here. For the rapper of hip hop trio Black Moon, see Buckshot (rapper)
Larger sizes of shot, large enough that they must be carefully packed into the shell rather than simply dumped or poured in, are referred to as “buckshot” or simply “buck”. Buckshot is used for hunting medium to large game, as a tactical round for law enforcement and military personnel, and for personal self-defense. Shot size is most commonly denoted by a series of numbers and letters, with smaller numbers indicating a larger shot. Sizes greater than “0” are denoted by multiple zeros. “00” (usually pronounced “double-aught” in North American English) is the most commonly sold size.
The UK system for designating shot size is based on the amount of shot per ounce. The sizes are LG (large cluster – made from musket-shooting grapeshot), MG (medium cluster) and SG (small cluster). For smaller game, the SSG shot is half the weight of the SG, the SSSG shot is half the weight of the SSG, the SSSSG shot is half the weight of the SSSG, and so on. The Australian system is similar except that it has 00-SG, a small game cartridge filled with 00 shot.
Loads of 12 gauge 00 shot are commonly available in cartridges containing 8 (eight) to 18 (eighteen) pellets in standard shell lengths (2+3⁄4 inch, 3 inch and 3+1⁄2). 00 shotgun shells with reduced recoil are widely used as tactical and self-defense rounds to minimize stress on the shooter and improve the speed of follow-up shots.
US Size UK Size AU Size Nominal Diameter Pellets/oz (28g) Lead Steel Tri-Ball 12 [12 Gauge] 0.60″ (15.2mm) 1.4 Tri-Ball 20 [20 Gauge] 0.52 ” (13.2mm) 2.1 #0000 Buck
.375 inch [16] (9.525 mm) ~5.6 #000 buck
LG 0.36″ (9.1mm) 6.2 MG 0.346″ (8.79mm) 7 SG 0.332″ (8.44mm) 8 #00 Buck
00-SG .330″ (8.38mm) 8 #0 Buck
.32″ (8.1mm) 9 #1 Buck .30″ (7.6mm) 11 Special SG .298″ (7.57mm) 11 #2 Buck SSG .27″ (6.9mm) 14 SSG 0.269″ (6.83mm) 15 #3 Buck 0.25″ (6.4mm) 18 SSSG 0.244″ (6.3mm) 20 #4 Buck 0.240″ (6.10mm) 21 SSSSG 0.227 ( 5.77 mm) 25 F 0.22 inch (5.59 mm) 27 39 SSSSS or
AAAA
.213 (5.41mm) 30 AAA .203″ (5.16mm) 35 T .200″ (5.08mm) 36 53
Propagation and Patterning[edit]
Most modern sporting shotguns have interchangeable choke tubes to allow the shooter to change the spread of the shot that comes out of the gun. In some cases this is not practical; The gun may have a fixed choke, or a shooter shooting at receding targets may want to fire a wide pattern immediately followed by a narrower pattern from a single-barreled shotgun. The dispersion of the shot can also be changed by changing the characteristics of the grenade.
Narrower patterns[ edit ]
A buffering material such as plastic granules,[17] sawdust, or similar material can be mixed with the shot to fill the gaps between each pellet. When fired, the buffer material compresses and supports the shot, reducing the deformation experienced by the shot pellets under extreme acceleration. Antimony-lead alloys, copper-plated lead shot, steel, bismuth and tungsten composite shot are all harder than regular lead shot and are also less likely to deform. Reducing the warp results in tighter patterns as the spherical pellets tend to fly straighter. An improvised way to achieve the same effect is to pour melted wax or tar into the shot mass. Another is a partial ring cut around the case, intended to ensure the shot comes out tightly bundled along with the portion of the case before the cut, creating a “cut bowl”. This can be dangerous as it is believed to result in higher chamber pressures – particularly if part of the shell is left in the barrel and not removed before another shot is fired.
Wider patterns[ edit ]
Shooting the softest shot possible results in more shot deformation and a wider pattern. Dies ist häufig bei billiger Munition der Fall, da das verwendete Blei nur minimale Legierungselemente wie Antimon enthält und sehr weich ist. Streupfropfen sind Pfropfen, die in der Mitte des Schrotbechers einen kleinen Kunststoff- oder Papiereinsatz haben, normalerweise einen Zylinder- oder “X” -Querschnitt. Wenn der Schuss den Lauf verlässt, hilft der Einsatz, den Schuss aus der Mitte herauszudrücken und das Muster zu öffnen. Oft führen diese zu einer inkonsistenten Leistung, obwohl moderne Designs viel besser abschneiden als die traditionellen improvisierten Lösungen. Absichtlich verformtes Schrot (in ellipsenförmige Form gehämmert) oder kubisches Schrot führt ebenfalls zu einem breiteren Muster, viel breiter als kugelförmiges Schrot, mit mehr Konsistenz als Streupfropfen. Streupfropfen und nicht kugelförmige Schrote sind bei einigen Wettkämpfen nicht erlaubt. Jagdladungen, die entweder Streuer oder nicht kugelförmige Schrote verwenden, werden normalerweise als “Bürstenladungen” bezeichnet und für die Jagd in Gebieten bevorzugt, in denen eine dichte Deckung die Schussentfernungen sehr kurz hält.
Distribution[ edit ]
Die meisten Schrotpatronen enthalten mehrere Kugeln, um die Wahrscheinlichkeit zu erhöhen, dass ein Ziel getroffen wird. Die Schrotstreuung einer Schrotflinte bezieht sich auf das zweidimensionale Muster, das diese Geschosse (oder Schüsse) auf einem Ziel hinterlassen.[14] Eine andere, weniger wichtige Dimension der Streuung betrifft die Länge der Schussschnur während des Fluges von der führenden Kugel zur hinteren. Die Verwendung mehrerer Pellets ist besonders nützlich für die Jagd auf Kleinwild wie Vögel, Kaninchen und andere Tiere, die fliegen oder sich schnell bewegen und ihre Bewegungsrichtung unvorhersehbar ändern können. Einige Schrotpatronen enthalten jedoch nur einen Metallschuss, der als Schnecke bekannt ist, um Großwild wie Hirsche zu jagen.
Wenn der Schuss beim Schuss den Lauf verlässt, liegt der dreidimensionale Schussstrang eng beieinander. Mit zunehmender Entfernung des Schusses breiten sich die einzelnen Pellets jedoch zunehmend aus und zerstreuen sich. Aus diesem Grund ist die effektive Reichweite einer Schrotflinte beim Abfeuern einer Vielzahl von Schüssen auf ungefähr 20 bis 50 m (22 bis 55 yd) begrenzt. Um diesen Effekt zu kontrollieren, können Schützen eine Verengung im Lauf einer Schrotflinte verwenden, die Choke genannt wird. Der Choke, ob wählbar oder fest in einem Lauf, reduziert effektiv den Durchmesser des Laufendes und zwingt den Schuss beim Verlassen des Laufs noch näher zusammen, wodurch die effektive Reichweite erhöht wird. Je fester der Choke, desto schmaler das Laufende. Folglich wird die effektive Reichweite einer Flinte mit einem engeren Choke erhöht, da die Schrotsäule auf größere Entfernungen enger gehalten wird. Jäger oder Zielschützen können mehrere Arten von Chokes an Gewehren mit wählbaren Chokes installieren, abhängig von der Entfernung, in der sich ihre beabsichtigten Ziele befinden. Für Flinten mit festem Choke werden häufig verschiedene Flinten oder Läufe für den beabsichtigten jagdlichen Einsatz ausgewählt. Vom engsten bis zum lockersten sind die verschiedenen Choke-Größen: voller Choke, verbesserter modifizierter, modifizierter, verbesserter Zylinder, Skeet und Zylinderbohrung.
Ein Jäger, der beabsichtigt, ein Tier wie ein Kaninchen oder ein Moorhuhn zu jagen, weiß, dass das Tier aus nächster Nähe – normalerweise innerhalb von 20 m (22 Yards) – angetroffen wird und sich sehr schnell bewegt. Ein idealer Choke wäre also eine Zylinderbohrung (die lockerste), da der Jäger möchte, dass sich der Schuss so schnell wie möglich ausbreitet. Wenn dieser Jäger auf 20 m (22 yd) einen vollen Choke (den engsten) verwenden würde, würde der Schuss sehr nahe beieinander liegen und dem Kaninchen unnötig großen Schaden zufügen oder alternativ das Kaninchen vollständig verfehlen. Dies würde praktisch das gesamte Fleisch für einen Treffer verschwenden, da die geringe Menge an verbleibendem Fleisch übermäßig mit Schrot beladen und ungenießbar würde. Durch die Verwendung einer Zylinderbohrung würde dieser Jäger die Wahrscheinlichkeit einer Tötung maximieren und die Menge an essbarem Fleisch maximieren. Im Gegensatz dazu weiß ein Jäger, der beabsichtigt, Gänse zu jagen, dass eine Gans wahrscheinlich etwa 50 m (55 yd) entfernt sein wird, so dass der Jäger die Ausbreitung des Schusses so weit wie möglich verzögern möchte, indem er einen vollen Choke verwendet. Durch die Verwendung eines vollen Chokes für weiter entfernte Ziele maximiert der Schütze erneut die Wahrscheinlichkeit eines Kills und maximiert die Menge an essbarem Fleisch. Dies garantiert auch eine schnelle und humane Tötung, da das Ziel mit genug Schuss getroffen wird, um schnell zu töten, anstatt das Tier nur zu verletzen.
Für ältere Schrotflinten mit nur einem festen Choke, der hauptsächlich für den ebenso wahrscheinlichen Einsatz gegen Kaninchen, Eichhörnchen, Wachteln, Tauben und Fasane bestimmt ist, ist ein häufig gewählter Choke der verbesserte Zylinder in einem 28-Zoll-Lauf (710 mm), aus dem die Schrotflinte besteht geeignet als allgemeine Allround-Jagdflinte ohne Übergewicht. Im Gegensatz dazu werden Schrotflinten mit festen Chokes für Gänse häufig mit vollen Choke-Läufen in größeren Längen gefunden und sind viel schwerer, da sie für den festen Einsatz in einem Blind gegen entfernte Ziele bestimmt sind. Defensive shotguns with fixed chokes generally have a cylinder bore choke. Likewise, shotguns intended primarily for use with slugs invariably also are found with a choke that is a cylinder bore.
Dram equivalence [ edit ]
“Dram” equivalence is sometimes still used as a measure of the powder charge power in a shotgun shell. Today, it is an anachronistic equivalence that represents the equivalent power of a shotgun shell containing this equivalent amount of black-powder measured in drams avoirdupois.[21] A dram in the avoirdupois system is the mass of 1⁄256 pound or 1⁄16 ounce or 27.3 grains. The reasoning behind this archaic equivalence is that when smokeless powder first came out, some method of establishing an equivalence with common shotgun shell loads was needed in order to sell a box of shotgun shells. For example, a shotgun shell containing a 3 or 3 1/2 dram load of black-powder was a common hunting field load, and a heavy full power load would have contained about a 4 to 4-1/2 dram load, whereas a shotgun shell containing only a 2 dram load of black-powder was a common target practice load. A hunter looking for a field or full power load familiar with black-powder shotgun loads would have known exactly what the equivalence of the shotgun shells would have been in the newly introduced smokeless powder. Today, however, this represents a poorly understood equivalence of the powder charge power in a shotgun shell. To further complicate matters, “dram” equivalence was only defined for 12 gauge shotgun shells, and only for lead shot, although it has often been used for describing other gauges of shells, and even steel shot loaded shells. Furthermore, “dram” equivalence only came around about 15 years after smokeless powder had been introduced, long after the need for an equivalence had started to fade, and actual black-powder loaded shotshells had largely vanished. In practice, “dram” equivalence today most commonly equates just to a velocity rating equivalence in fps (feet-per-second), while assuming lead shot.
A secondary impact of this equivalence was that common shotgun shells needed to stay the same size, physically, e.g., 2-1/2 or 2-3/4-inch shells, in order to be used in pre-existing shotguns when smokeless powder started being used to load shotgun shells in the place of black-powder. As smokeless powder did not have to be loaded in the same volume as black-powder to achieve the same power, being more powerful, the volumes of wads had to increase, to fill the shotgun shell enough to permit proper crimps still to be made. Initially, this meant that increased numbers of over powder card wads had to be stacked to achieve the same stack-up length. Eventually, this also led to the introduction of one-piece plastic wads in the late 1950s through the early 1960s, to add additional wad volumes, in order to maintain the same overall shotgun shell length.
Dram equivalence has no bearing on the reloading of shotgun shells with smokeless powder; loading a shotgun shell with an equivalent dram weight of smokeless powder would cause a shotgun to explode. It only has an equivalence in the reloading of shotgun shells with black powder.
See also[edit]
What You Should Know About Shotgun Shells
A complete look at the facts and myths of shotgun shells
Imagine it’s 1880 and you live in New York City. Like most people, you don’t have running water in your home. If you want to contact your uncle in London, it will take at least two weeks before you get a letter to him. And the Parker Bros. and Westley Richards side-by-side shotguns use centerfire shells.
Now let’s jump back to the present. Indoor installations are everywhere, and you can connect to almost anyone, anywhere, in seconds. But shotguns, even the newest models, still use centerfire shells.
As much as the world has changed, isn’t it weird that we’re still cramming this ancient technology into our bird cannons?
Great-great-grandfather’s mussels
A box of Winchester shotgun ammo from the 1900’s has a lot in common with what we use today. Ancient shells came in a variety of gauges (12-gauge, 20-gauge, 28-gauge, etc.) and lengths (e.g., 2½-inch, 2¾-inch, 3-inch).
Like modern shells we use today, ancient shotgun ammunition had six main components:
Base: The bottom of the shell. Holds the primer and helps the shell hold its shape and fit in the shotgun’s chamber. Most are brass, some aluminum. Housing: Rises from the base to hold powder, wadding and buckshot. Were first made of brass, then paper. Plastic replaced paper in the 1960s. Primer: The button-like tab on the bottom of the case. Contains a flammable substance that will ignite the powder. Gunpowder: The propellant. Inside the case, at the bottom of the shell. Old shotgun shells used “black powder”. Today they are “smokeless” powders (aka “nitro” powders). Wad: In the shell between powder and shot. First of fibers. Mostly plastic these days. Shot: The pellets are released when the weapon is fired. Available in different sizes (e.g. 8, 6, 4). The lower the number, the bigger the shot. Usually made of lead, but can also be made of steel, bismuth or other metallic materials.
How everything comes together
First, the shell is loaded into the chamber of your shotgun.
When the gun is fired, a firing pin hits the primer. The primer ignites the powder.
As the powder burns, it releases gases that create pressure and propel the cotton ball forward (and grenade and shotgun backward).
The cotton ball dampens the force released by the powder. It also seals the barrel bore so all that force is pushing against the shot.
Eventually, both the shot and the cotton ball exit the barrel muzzle. While the bundle typically falls 15-20 yards from the gun, the shot can travel well over 100 yards.
Read: Beginner’s Guide to Buying Shotgun Shells
The facts to the detriment
As previously mentioned, shotgun shells vary in gauge and length. They also differ in the amount of powder and grist they contain.
The amount of shot in a shell is called a “charge”. Loads are categorized in ounces (oz.).
12-gauge, 2¾-inch bowls often come in 1⅛-oz. charges. They contain 1⅛ ounces of grist.
20-gauge, 2¾-inch bowls often come in 7/8-oz. charges. They contain 7/8 ounces of grist.
Unfortunately, the amount of powder in a shotgun shell is not expressed so directly. Instead of using weight, shell makers express powder amounts in terms of velocity. Basically, the higher the speed of a grenade, the more powder it contains.
Quiz: Who Holds More Powder?
12-gauge, 2¾-inch shell loaded with 1⅛ oz. shot and at a speed of 1200 FPS (feet per second).
12-gauge, 2¾-inch shells loaded with 1⅛ oz. Shot and at a speed of 1400 FPS.
The answer is: the second. It requires more power and more powder to shoot the same amount of shots at a higher speed (FPS). Manufacturers also categorize the strength of the shotgun shells with names such as “Target”, “Game”, “Field” or “Heavy Field”.
“Target” loads are usually the weakest
Next comes the “game” load
“Field” charges follow
“Heavy Field” charges (aka “Duck and Pheasant” charges) are the strongest
Big enough is enough
When it comes to snow geese decoy spreads, bigger is always better. But when it comes to shotgun ammo, that’s not the case. Because of recoil, “just big enough” is the goal when buying grenades.
You don’t need to put high-velocity, high-power shells in your gun to take down clay pigeons and marsupials. Instead, grenades that produce a maximum of 1200 FPS and are loaded with the following amounts of lead will usually knock down what you shoot at (that is, if you can shoot).
Clays: ⅞ oz.
Woodcock, Quail, Grouse, and Pigeon: ¾-1 oz.
Wild Pheasants: 1 ⅛ oz.
Preserve Pheasants: 1 oz.
high brass BS
“High Brass” shells are something to watch out for. Most shotgun shells are available in low or high brass versions. “Low Brass” and “High Brass” refer to the height of the metal base at the bottom of the bowl. People assume that high brass grenades are stronger and better. Ammo manufacturers know this, so they charge more for this quality ammo.
But here’s the truth: Not all high brass shells are different from their low brass counterparts. Some manufacturers use the extra brass to trick you into paying more for less shell. Also, high brass shells that push more lead at higher speeds are probably stronger than you need. Why pay extra for it? They won’t make you a better shooter.
If you’re having trouble smashing clay or taking down birds instead, stick to lower speed, low brass shells and spend your money on practice rounds at a local club.
Reloadable Brass Shotgun Hulls for Sale
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