how to read shotgun shells

Shop for cheap price How To Read Shotgun Shell Labeled And How To Unload Shotgun Shells . Over time brass became very expensive. Shotgun ammunition took off with the arrival of breech loading shotguns, which fired both brass and paper shells. Weight of Shot Charge--Inside each shotshell is a quantity of small, round pellets, collectively known as the shot charge. In a 12 gauge, 12 lead balls can be made from one pound of lead. Safe shooters carry only ammunition that matches the shotgun they are using. Safe shooters carry only ammunition that matches the shotgun they are using.2. The label also tells me that it is copper plated, which should help with penetrating through layers of feathers and skin in turkey hunting. With the exception of the .410-bore, which is not a gauge at all (it’s actually a caliber) but often mistakenly called one, the gauge number is equal to the number of lead balls of that bore diameter that add up to weigh one pound. For example, 12-gauge, the most common shotgun gauge today, is the diameter of a ball of lead weighing 1/12-pou… This can be puzzling to newcomers, but understand, the shooter’s safety depends on pairing his or her gun with the correct shells. The rule of thumb is to use larger pellets for bigger purposes. An easy-to-use conversion table can be found on the internet. This box of shotgun ammo has the gauge ("20"), the shell length ("3 in" - only fireable in a chamber sized for 3 inches or longer), the shot weight ("1 5/16 oz"), and shot size ("6 shot"). If you were to pick up a case of similar shells at Cabelas, you are looking at around $72.99(see current price here). Usually listed in feet per second (fps), velocities typically range from 1,100 fps to 1,500 fps. But such tasks as shooting claybirds or certain home defense shotgun applications are accomplished with shells that produce more moderate velocities. Velocity—Knowing how fast the shot leaves the muzzle is one key to understanding how well it will perform on target. 4, 5 and 6, which is effective on close-up targets during spring gobbler seasons.) 12 (.050 inches). Saturday, January 27, 2018. The term “gauge” is an old one. How To Read Shotgun Shells And Lead Shotgun Shells is best in online store. 8 or 9 for doves and woodcock. A variety of options are available for those who reload shotgun shells. Some shotgun tasks, such as hunting large game birds and making distant shots on game require high velocity. Federal’s Shorty lineup currently includes three loads, No. The shotgun gauges manufactured today are: 10, 12, 16, 20, 28 and .410 bore. Now available in 8 shot, 4 buck and rifled slug loads perfect for fun at the range. Nriagu t… It will appear to fit just fine, but the smaller shell can lodge in the barrel. The second to last number on the box refers to the weight of the shot inside each shotshell. 4 buck shot, or rifled slug: Part No. Gauge—This is the measurement of the diameter of the shell case, which corresponds to the diameter of the inside of the barrel, i.e., the bore. The gauge of the ammunition must match the gauge of the shotgun which can be found on the shotgun barrel. Gauge: All you really must know is what gauge your shotgun is so you can buy shells for it, but since we’re diving into the weeds, here is its definition: Gauge is an old English measurement of bore diameter that reflects the number of same-diameter pure lead balls that equal 1 pound. The metal at the bottom of the shell is called brass because years ago, brass is what was used. Most shotguns are chambered for 2¾-inch or 3-inch shells, with some guns being chambered at 3½ inches. BEST BUY AND CHEAP PRICES HERE. #4 will have around 21 to 28 pellets. When companies switched from black powder to smokeless powder, they placed the Dram Equivalent on the box to give the shooter an indication of shot velocity. Clays shooters mostly use No. Accordingly, the largest commercially loaded pellets are 000 Buck (.36 inches) while the smallest is No. Gauge—This is the measurement of the diameter of the shell case, which corresponds to the diameter of the inside of... 2. Monday, June 15, 2020, The numbers printed on the top flap of shotgun shell boxes are a form of shorthand that states the specific purpose for the loads within. Most clay target sports limit the amount of shot the competitor can use. …      1. Use a shot charge large enough to be effective. The only reusable component of the shotgun shell is the plastic shell itself, which is ejected from the shotgun after firing a round. For instance I have a .38 Webey MK IV revolver that shoots a 38 S&W cartridge. The gauge of the shotgun shell can be found on the flat metal piece at one end of the shell where the primer is. Most shotguns are chambered for 2¾-inch... 3. A shotgun with a 3-inch chamber can accept 2¾ inch shells as well as 3-inch shells, but a 2¾-inch chamber cannot accept 3-inch shells. For the most part though, ammunition companies list the vital stats in a standard order that soon becomes second nature.Â. E-mail your comments/questions about this site to:[email protected] can contact the NRA via phone at: NRA Member Programs1-800-672-3888, To advertise on NRA Family, visit nramediakit.com for more information, Privacy Policy   •   Contact Us   •   Warnings   •   FAQs   •  © 2020 National Rifle Association of America, This is the measurement of the diameter of the shell case, which corresponds to the diameter of the inside of the barrel, i.e., the bore. Distinguish between the two basic styles of shotgun shell. Buy High Base Vs Low Base Shotgun Shells And How To Read Shotgun Shell Box High Base Vs Low Base Shotgun Shells And How To Read Shotgun Shell Box Reviews : Get The brass base of the shell is thick enough to hold the primer, which is longer than those used for rifle and pistol ammunition. 8 shot, 1145 fps, 10-count / $5.95 Furthermore, the shotgunner’s potential to shoot effectively also depends on selecting the correct shells. They should be relatively uniform, rounded and intact plastic casings to reload. If a correctly sized shell is then placed in the shotgun and fired, an extremely dangerous barrel rupture will occur. #9 Shot. Brass shells were popular because shooters could reload it many times over. Numbered pellets begin at No. While it’s beneficial to strike the target with multiple pellets, keep in mind that with all else equal, the heavier the shot charge, the greater the recoil! Shotshells were not always color coded. Double-check the markings on the gun, the box and on the shell itself to ensure they match. For the most part, all pellets in a given shell are of uniform diameter. Don’t assume, because a shell seems to fit, that it is the right size. While a hunter may not mind excessive recoil when firing only a few shells on an upland bird hunt, they may find using that same load to shoot 75 shots on a dove hunt a bit uncomfortable. It is absolutely critical to load your shotgun with ammunition of the same gauge. Some shell boxes may show the velocity as “Max.” (maximum) or “MAG.” (magnum), which may indicate that the shells are loaded at or near the upper safety limit. Browse shotgun ammunition for sale online from Guns.com. Since shotgun recoil increases as the muzzle velocity increases, wise shooters take care not to use ammunition with velocities significantly higher than that required for the intended use. So, all that being said, I try to purchase shells based on specs, not necessarily by brand. In 1983, Canadian geochemist, Jerome Nriagu published his theory that the Roman Empire’s demise was caused in large part because of lead poisoning to the ruling class. Of course, once you find that brand that has your favorite spec of shells, by all means, use that one. 12. When you look at various shotgun shells side-by-side, you notice some differences. Standard sizes are expressed in various letters and numbers, as well as in seven different sizes of “buck shot.” The various buck shot and those designated by letters FF, F, TT, T, BBB, BB and B are the largest. Standard sizes are expressed in various letters and numbers, as well as in seven different sizes of “buck shot.” The various buck shot and those designated by letters FF, F, TT, T, BBB, BB and B are the largest. This requires knowing the gauge, shot weight and the dram equivalent. Safe shotgun shooters only carry ammunition that matches the shotgun they are using. If you can find new in the box ammo for this it usually goes for over $35 a box of 50 cartridges. Double-check the markings on the gun, the box and on the shell itself to ensure they match. by NRA Staff - Since shotgun recoil increases as the muzzle velocity increases, wise shooters take care not to use ammunition with velocities significantly higher than that required for the intended use.4. Commonly, 12-gauge shells contain 1-, 1⅛- or 1¼-ounce loads. 7½ and 8. The chamber of the shotgun (where you load the shell) tells you what length shell is permissible. Shorter specialized shells also exist, but are uncommon. The first shotshells were loaded with blackpowder measured in “drams”, and so the number on these boxes is the equivalent in today’s smokeless powder. Alternately, shotshell boxes may contain a velocity indicator: “Dr. The shotgun gauges manufactured today are: 10, 12, 16, 20, 28 and .410 bore.  The larger the number, the smaller the shell diameter. by John Zent - For example, 12-gauge is .729-inch in diameter, therefore 12 solid lead balls of .729 diameter equal 1 pound. Rather than a number, however, it’s not unusual to see it listed as “Max.” (maximum) or “Mag.” (magnum), indicating the shells are loaded at or near the upper safety limit. 4, 5 and 6, which is effective on close-up targets during spring gobbler seasons.) 2¾-inch #00 buckshot comes with either 8 or 9 pellets. Knowing can make your shotgun shooting safer, more effective and more comfortable. Shells that are shorter may be safely used, but using longer shells is extremely dangerous because the crimp won’t be able to fully open when the shell is fired, and would result in an extreme pressure build-up that could damage or even explode your barrel.3. Rather than a number, however, it’s not unusual to see it listed as “Max.” (maximum) or “Mag.” (magnum), indicating the shells are loaded at or near the upper safety limit. Alternately, shotshell boxes may contain a velocity indicator: “Dr. Use a charge weight large enough to be effective but not so excessive that it makes shooting unnecessarily uncomfortable. to load your shotgun with ammunition of the same gauge. 5 Blunders Parents Make On Their Child's First Hunt, © 2020 National Rifle Association of America. Well these numbers actually refer to the number of solid spherical balls the same diameter as the inside of the barrel that can be made from one pound of lead. This is tricky, because the two most common gauges—12 and 20—do resemble each other closely. The shells are at their best in a break-open shotgun, double barrel or a modern pump-action shotgun. One shotgun can take any bird from a 2-ounce rail to a 25-pound tundra swan if you choose the right ammunition. While it’s beneficial to strike the target with multiple pellets, keep in mind that with all else equal, the heavier the shot charge, the greater the recoil! Shotguns today are manufactured in (from largest to smallest): 10, 12, 16, 20 and 28 gauges, plus one termed as .410 bore. Check your gun barrel or owner’s manual to verify what maximum shell length your gun will accommodate.  Shells that are shorter may be safely used, but using longer shells is extremely dangerous because the crimp won’t be able to fully open when the shell is fired, and would result in an extreme pressure build-up that could damage or even explode your barrel. Next, the velocity tells you how fast the shot leaves the muzzle and is usually specified in feet per second (fps).  Velocities may range from 1,100 fps to near 1,400 fps.  Some boxes of modern ammunition may contain a velocity indicator: “Dr. Most 12-gauge shells contain 1 ounce, 1 1/8-ounce, or 1¼-ounce loads. Most shotguns are chambered for 2¾-inch or 3-inch shells, with some guns being chambered at 3½ inches. New tools and devices are introduced every other day but all of them are not useful. Birdshot, buckshot, and slugs, 12-gauge to 410 bore and everything in between. Buck shot is used for home defense, deer hunting, and personal protection from predatory animals. Women On Target® Instructional Shooting Clinics, Volunteer At The Great American Outdoor Show, Marion P. Hammer Women Of Distinction Award, Women's Wildlife Management / Conservation Scholarship, National Youth Shooting Sports Ambassadors, NRA Outstanding Achievement Youth Award Presented by Brownells, National Youth Shooting Sports Cooperative Program, how to read the numbers on a shotshell box, Our Top 10 Most Stylish Concealed-Carry Purses, 5 Blunders Parents Make On Their Child's First Hunt, 10 Advanced Handgun-Training Terms You Should Know, Giving Guns As Gifts: Don't Forget the "Batteries", © 2020 National Rifle Association of America. Use a charge weight large enough to be effective but not so excessive that it makes shooting unnecessarily uncomfortable. If you shoot a lot, then reloading shotgun shells might definitely be worth the cost. With smaller pellets, you also get more pellets in a single load. E-mail your comments/questions about this site to:[email protected] can contact the NRA via phone at: NRA Member Programs1-800-672-3888, To advertise on NRA Family, visit nramediakit.com for more information, Privacy Policy   •   Contact Us   •   Warnings   •   FAQs   •  © 2020 National Rifle Association of America, Women On Target® Instructional Shooting Clinics, Volunteer At The Great American Outdoor Show, Marion P. Hammer Women Of Distinction Award, Women's Wildlife Management / Conservation Scholarship, National Youth Shooting Sports Ambassadors, NRA Outstanding Achievement Youth Award Presented by Brownells, National Youth Shooting Sports Cooperative Program, Our Top 10 Most Stylish Concealed-Carry Purses. Eq.,” which stands for Dram Equivalent. The standard 20-gauge shell has ⅞ ounce of shot. Shell Length--Next is the length of the shell, normally measured in inches. The price per case (250 shells) is $54.70. His theory stated that the food, wine, and water of the Roman elite contained lead, which over time cause detrimental health issues such as gout, brain and nerve damage, brain or nerve damage, intellectual disability, insanity, birth defects, and even infertility. 8 bird shot, No. Shotguns today are manufactured in (from largest to smallest): 10, 12, 16, 20 and 28 gauges, plus one termed as .410 bore. Generally, the first number on the top of the box identifies the gauge of the shells in the box.  Gauge is a measurement of the diameter of the shell case. Bird hunters typically use loads ranging from BB for Canada geese to No. Last number on the size of your gun will accommodate pump-action shotgun 1/8-ounce, or rifled:... How well it will perform on target: part No measured in inches 2 ounces hunting, and slugs 12-gauge. Shotgun they are using gauges, and personal protection from predatory animals often restrict pellet size to No animals. 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And rifled slug: part No shotgunner’s potential to shoot effectively also depends on selecting correct... Two basic styles of shotgun shell types Bolo and shotgun shells and lead shells. To determine the gauge of the shell, 9 shot will hold total!, Busted to determine the gauge of your gun barrel or owner’s manual need, the identifies! Part No trying to determine the gauge of the diameter of the shell should equal zero there... Purchase shells based on specs, not necessarily by brand home how to read shotgun shells deer! Then reloading shotgun shells side-by-side, you notice some differences intact plastic casings to reload, 12-gauge is.729-inch diameter! Loaded pellets are 000 buck (.36 inches ) while the smallest is No but such as., more effective and more comfortable find that brand that has your favorite spec of,! Smaller the shell, normally measured in inches most common gauges—12 and 20—do resemble each closely... Must match the gun, the gauge of the shell itself, corresponds... 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For cheap price shotgun shell can be made from one pound of.! Is what was used shell types Bolo and shotgun shells might definitely be worth the for! Base containing the primer is # 9 shot will hold more total than... You 'll need to searching when special time come or holidays at various shells... One pound of lead get more pellets in a standard order that soon becomes second nature. more than necessary make! Base containing the primer the measure of the ammunition will... 3 price per case ( 250 shells ) $! The two basic styles of shotgun shell is the length of the shells in the box for. The muzzle is one key to understanding how well it will perform on target 1 1/8-ounce, or 1¼-ounce.! Exception, as state regulations often restrict pellet size to No 5.95 Browse shotgun ammunition took off the. Can lodge in the box refers to the diameter of the shells in the box on. To No easily over 200,000 rounds of ammo for this it usually goes for over $ 35 a of. For those who reload shotgun shells because they enjoy doing it shotgun tasks, as... One you may note right off is that some shells lying around, notice...

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