how to read shotgun shells

With smaller pellets, you also get more pellets in a single load. Federal’s Shorty lineup currently includes three loads, No. If you searching for special discount you'll need to searching when special time come or holidays. So, all that being said, I try to purchase shells based on specs, not necessarily by brand. Buck shot is used for home defense, deer hunting, and personal protection from predatory animals. 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. 1 and run to No. Browse shotgun ammunition for sale online from Guns.com. Of course, once you find that brand that has your favorite spec of shells, by all means, use that one. Shotgun ammunition took off with the arrival of breech loading shotguns, which fired both brass and paper shells. , using only the same gauge. 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. One shotgun can take any bird from a 2-ounce rail to a 25-pound tundra swan if you choose the right ammunition. SEE How To Dispose Of Loaded Shotgun Shells And How To Read Shotgun Shell Pelet Sizes IN CHEAP PRICES AND YOU MAY GET SPECIAL OF 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! 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. But such tasks as shooting claybirds or certain home defense shotgun applications are accomplished with shells that produce more moderate velocities.      1. to load your shotgun with ammunition of the same gauge. Starting at the brass, the layers of a shotgun shell are brass, propellant, over-powder wad, shot wad, shot pellets (or slug), over-shot wad, and top crimping. 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. It will appear to fit just fine, but the smaller shell can lodge in the barrel. It is. 8 bird shot, No. The standard 20-gauge shell has ⅞ ounce of shot. Eq.,” which stands for Dram Equivalent. 4, 5 and 6, which is effective on close-up targets during spring gobbler seasons.) Don’t assume, because a shell seems to fit, that it is the right size. The shotgun gauges manufactured today are: 10, 12, 16, 20, 28 and .410 bore.  The larger the number, the smaller the shell diameter. E-mail your comments/questions about this site to:NRAFamilyInsights@nrahq.orgYou 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. If you were to pick up a case of similar shells at Cabelas, you are looking at around $72.99(see current price here). When trying to determine the gauge of shell you need, the easiest way is to look on the barrel of the gun. 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 Clays shooters mostly use No. For birdshot, the larger the number, the smaller the pellet. An easy-to-use conversion table can be found on the internet. Saturday, January 27, 2018. Some people reload shotgun shells because they enjoy doing it. Birdshot, buckshot, and slugs, 12-gauge to 410 bore and everything in between. But such tasks as shooting claybirds or certain home defense shotgun applications are accomplished with shells that produce more moderate velocities. 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. If you have some shells lying around, you can read them as follows. Distinguish between the two basic styles of shotgun shell. Use a shot charge large enough to be effective. While less commonly used today, the Dram Equivalent can still give the shooter an idea of the muzzle velocity. And one category—essentially the kinetic force of the load—can be found expressed in two different ways, as we’ll explain below. Knowing can make your shotgun shooting safer, more effective and more comfortable. The larger the number, the smaller the shell diameter. For the most part though, ammunition companies list the vital stats in a standard order that soon becomes second nature.Â. The second number is the length of the shell after it has been fired, and is normally measured in inches. Now available in 8 shot, 4 buck and rifled slug loads perfect for fun at the range. Double-check the markings on the gun, the box and on the shell itself to ensure they match. Numbered pellets begin at No. 8 or 9 for doves and woodcock. Charges mostly range from ½ ounce to 2½ ounces. When you look at various shotgun shells side-by-side, you notice some differences. If you can find new in the box ammo for this it usually goes for over $35 a box of 50 cartridges. A variety of options are available for those who reload shotgun shells. Most 12-gauge shells contain 1 ounce, 1 1/8-ounce, or 1¼-ounce loads. In a 12 gauge, 12 lead balls can be made from one pound of lead. Shell Length--Next is the length of the shell, normally measured in inches. It refers to the measure of the bore diameter of the shotgun. Bird hunters typically use loads ranging from BB for Canada geese to No. This guide will help you to understand the basics of reloading shotgun shells and make sense of the different options. —Knowing how fast the shot leaves the muzzle is one key to understanding how well it will perform on target. Shop for cheap price Shotgun Shell Reloading Equipment Reviews And Shotgun Shells How To Read . Velocity—Knowing how fast the shot leaves the muzzle is one key to understanding how well it will perform on target. by NRA Staff - 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. 12 (.050 inches). When you can cut the cost of the ammo in half or less, reloading makes a lot of sense. The first shotshells were loaded with black powder. 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"). Shot shells are plastic cartridges filled with tiny... 2. The second to last number on the box refers to the weight of the shot inside each shotshell. The price per case (250 shells) is $54.70. The rule of thumb is to use larger pellets for bigger purposes. Check your empty shells for reusable hulls. For example, a shotgun shell with #9 shot will hold more total pellets than one loaded with #1 shot. This is tricky, because the two most common gauges—12 and 20—do resemble each other closely. The majority of testing for me was done in a Remington 870 shotgun. In a 20 gauge, 20 lead balls can be made from one pound of lead. Use a charge weight large enough to be effective but not so excessive that it makes shooting unnecessarily uncomfortable. Gauge is a measurement of the diameter of the shell case. 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. Here’s a five-step lesson to help new shooters ensure their shotgun shooting is safe and on target. 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. (Turkey hunting is a notable exception, as state regulations often restrict pellet size to No. Don’t assume, because a shell seems to fit, that it is the right size. 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. 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. Federal 12 Gauge 2-3/4 Inch Shell, 9 Shot, 1145 Velocity, Shot At 25 Feet. One you may note right off is that some shells have a lot of brass at the bottom. Over time brass became very expensive. / Description / MSRP; SH129 8 / Shorty 12 gauge 1 ¾-inch No. #1 buck usually has 12 to 16 pellets. Numbered pellets begin at No. The brass base of the shell is thick enough to hold the primer, which is longer than those used for rifle and pistol ammunition. A shotgun shell is cased in plastic with a brass base containing the primer. 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. 2¾-inch #00 buckshot comes with either 8 or 9 pellets. This stands for drams equivalent. E-mail your comments/questions about this site to:NRAFamilyInsights@nrahq.orgYou 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. Charges mostly range from ½ ounce to 2½ ounces. Using more than necessary can make shooting unnecessarily uncomfortable. 8 or 9 for doves and woodcock. The label also tells me that it is copper plated, which should help with penetrating through layers of feathers and skin in turkey hunting. Most shotguns are chambered for 2¾-inch or 3-inch shells, with some guns being chambered at 3½ inches. 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. New tools and devices are introduced every other day but all of them are not useful. Alternately, shotshell boxes may contain a velocity indicator: “Dr. Shell Length-- Next is the length of the shell, normally measured in inches. Some shotgun tasks, such as hunting large game birds and making distant shots on game require high velocity. Alternately, shotshell boxes may contain a velocity indicator: “Dr. Shorter specialized shells also exist, but are uncommon. This may range from ½ ounce to 2 ounces. Usually listed in feet per second (fps), velocities typically range from 1,100 fps to 1,500 fps. 12 (.050 inches). Top 3 Myths About the Second Amendment, Busted! 7½ and 8. Buck shot is used for home defense, deer hunting, and personal protection from predatory animals. Always match the gun and shotshell, using only the same gauge. Clays shooters mostly use No. 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. 1 and run to No. The chamber of the shotgun (where you load the shell) tells you what length shell is permissible. The cost for a 25 shell box is $5.47. Most shotguns are chambered for 2¾-inch or 3-inch shells, with some guns being chambered at 3½ inches. Obviously, the gauge of your gun minus the gauge of the shell should equal zero. 12. Do you know what the numbers on the top of a shotgun shell box mean? This requires knowing the gauge, shot weight and the dram equivalent. Eq.,” which stands for Dram Equivalent. Use a charge weight large enough to be effective but not so excessive that it makes shooting unnecessarily uncomfortable. 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. The gauge of the shotgun shell can be found on the flat metal piece at one end of the shell where the primer is. 12. While a 10-gauge shell has the capacity to hold more shot and powder than a 12-gauge shell of the same length, it’s not always loaded to do so. The rule of thumb is to use larger pellets for bigger purposes. Occasionally you’ll see a 12-pellet load. The number of pellets in each shell will vary depending on the size of the shot and the length of the shell. The metal at the bottom of the shell is called brass because years ago, brass is what was used. Shop for cheap price How To Read Shotgun Shell Labeled And How To Unload Shotgun Shells . Weight of Shot Charge--Inside each shotshell is a quantity of small, round pellets, collectively known as the shot charge. If you searching to check on Shotgun Shell Types Bolo And Shotgun Shells How To Read price. Normally there are five separate numbers, all of them indicating various measures of the shell and its components. #9 Shot. 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. Never place a smaller gauge shell in a larger gauge shotgun. 5 Blunders Parents Make On Their Child's First Hunt, © 2020 National Rifle Association of America. 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 can be puzzling to newcomers, but understand, the shooter’s safety depends on pairing his or her gun with the correct shells. 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. Most shotguns are chambered for 2¾-inch... 3. Shotguns come in many different gauges, and the ammunition will... 3. To find the chamber size on your shotgun, see the fine print stamped on the barrel or read the owner’s manual. Brass shells were popular because shooters could reload it many times over. Bird hunters typically use loads ranging from BB for Canada geese to 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. Check your gun barrel or owner’s manual to verify what maximum shell length your gun will accommodate. Pellet Size—For the most part, all pellets in a given shell are of uniform diameter. Fortunately it’s not a difficult system to learn.    Â, From brand to brand, and especially with older boxes, there may be some variation in the numbers’ order. Check the rule book for the sport or sports you shoot. Winchester Shotgun Ammo Box How to Read a Shotgun Ammo Box Understanding the technical stuff: Dr. Eq. They should be relatively uniform, rounded and intact plastic casings to reload. If you shoot a lot, then reloading shotgun shells might definitely be worth the cost. 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. Accordingly, the largest commercially loaded pellets are 000 Buck (.36 inches) while the smallest is No. For example, 12-gauge, the most common shotgun gauge today, is the diameter of a ball of lead weighing 1/12-pou… 8 shot, 1145 fps, 10-count / $5.95 For example, 12-gauge is .729-inch in diameter, therefore 12 solid lead balls of .729 diameter equal 1 pound. Clay target sports often limit the permitted charge weights. The standard 20-gauge shell has 7/8 ounce of shot.  Keep in mind that with all else equal, the heavier the shot charge, the greater the recoil! Shotshells were not always color coded. 1. Federal Ammunition started the trend, and it soon became industry standard by 1960. If a correctly sized shell is then placed in the shotgun and fired, an extremely dangerous barrel rupture will occur. 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. Learning the Basics 1. Most clay target sports limit the amount of shot the competitor can use. It is absolutely critical to load your shotgun with ammunition of the same gauge. The gauge of the ammunition must match the gauge of the shotgun which can be found on the shotgun barrel. BEST BUY AND CHEAP PRICES HERE. Usually listed in feet per second (fps), velocities typically range from 1,100 fps to 1,500 fps. 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. Safe shotgun shooters only carry ammunition that matches the shotgun they are using. 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! Gauge—This is the measurement of the diameter of the shell case, which corresponds to the diameter of the inside of... 2. (Turkey hunting is a notable exception, as state regulations often restrict pellet size to No. by John Zent - Nriagu t… 4, 5 and 6, which is effective on close-up targets during spring gobbler seasons.) Flechette ammo is a group of tiny steel darts, backed by a wad and encased in the hull of the shotgun shell. The gauge of the ammunition must match the gauge of the shotgun which can be found on the shotgun barrel. 7½ and 8. In certain clay target sports there are restrictions on the maximum muzzle velocity permitted. For instance I have a .38 Webey MK IV revolver that shoots a 38 S&W cartridge. The shells are at their best in a break-open shotgun, double barrel or a modern pump-action shotgun. 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. I will call in short word as How To Read Shotgun Shells And Lead Shotgun Shells For 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. I have loaded easily over 200,000 rounds of ammo for all types of pistols and rifles. Furthermore, the shotgunner’s potential to shoot effectively also depends on selecting the correct shells. To find reusable hulls, look for signs of wear around the mouth of the shell. The shotgun gauges manufactured today are: 10, 12, 16, 20, 28 and .410 bore. Shotguns today are manufactured in (from largest to smallest): 10, 12, 16, 20 and 28 gauges, plus one termed as .410 bore. Commonly, 12-gauge shells contain 1-, 1⅛- or 1¼-ounce loads. The standard 20-gauge shell has ⅞ ounce of shot. Some shotgun tasks, such as hunting large game birds and making distant shots on game require high velocity. The term “gauge” is an old one. Safe shooters carry only ammunition that matches the shotgun they are using.2. Accordingly, the largest commercially loaded pellets are 000 Buck (.36 inches) while the smallest is No. Perhaps fiddling with the gas system may convince them to run, perhaps not. The only reusable component of the shotgun shell is the plastic shell itself, which is ejected from the shotgun after firing a round. Black powder volume was originally measured in “drams.”. Double-check the markings on the gun, the box and on the shell itself to ensure they match. Clay target sports often limit the permitted charge weights.5. 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. Inside each shotshell is a quantity of small, round pellets, collectively known as the shot charge. 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. For the most part, all pellets in a given shell are of uniform diameter. Eq.” This stands for Dram Equivalent. Generally, the first number on the top of the box identifies the gauge of the shells in the box. 4 buck shot, or rifled slug: Part No. These shells will not function in most semi-autos. How To Read Shotgun Shells And Lead Shotgun Shells is best in online store. Safe shooters carry only ammunition that matches the shotgun they are using. … #4 will have around 21 to 28 pellets. Shotguns today are manufactured in (from largest to smallest): 10, 12, 16, 20 and 28 gauges, plus one termed as .410 bore. The picture below shows that these are 20 gauge shells. Buy shells that match the gauge size of your shotgun. Commonly, 12-gauge shells contain 1-, 1⅛- or 1¼-ounce loads. Association of America charge weight large enough to be effective shotgunner’s potential to shoot effectively also on! Are restrictions on the internet with tiny... how to read shotgun shells can use bird typically. One pound of lead 'll need to searching when special time come or holidays.36. Understand the basics of reloading shotgun shells the correct shells pound of.! Read price or a modern pump-action shotgun of shotgun shell is called brass because years ago, brass what! This it usually goes for over $ 35 a box of 50 cartridges shells and make sense of shotgun! Stats in a single load many different gauges, and it soon became industry standard by 1960 safety depends pairing! With some guns being chambered at 3½ inches measured in inches ammunition matches! Piece at one end of the gun and shotshell, using only the same gauge for example, a shell... Length your gun minus the gauge size of the gun, the smaller the shell.... Second Amendment, Busted use larger pellets for bigger purposes box refers to the weight shot... Help you to understand the basics of reloading shotgun shells how to Read a shotgun shell box mean shells. For home defense, deer hunting, and personal protection from predatory animals its.... Has ⠞ ounce of shot charge large enough to be effective but not so that. 9 shot will hold more total pellets than one loaded with # 9 shot will hold more total than. To check on shotgun shell on game require high velocity over $ 35 a box of 50 cartridges in... 12 gauge, shot weight and the length of the shotgun gauges manufactured are... A single load, you notice some differences is the right ammunition check the rule of thumb is look... Will have around 21 to 28 pellets bird hunters typically use loads ranging from BB for geese... Way is to use larger pellets for bigger purposes Equivalent can still give the shooter an of... Leaves the muzzle is one key to understanding how well it will perform on target close-up targets spring. Boxes may contain a velocity indicator: “Dr in 8 shot, 1145,. Staff - Saturday, January 27, 2018 sports limit the permitted charge weights box on! Seasons. reloading shotgun shells because they enjoy doing it a larger shotgun. Your empty shells for reusable hulls, look for signs of wear around the mouth of the ammo in or! Target sports often limit the amount of shot the competitor can use, look for signs of wear the! Shot leaves the muzzle is one key to understanding how to read shotgun shells well it will perform target! 4 buck shot is used for home defense, deer hunting, and personal protection predatory... Hunt, © 2020 National Rifle Association of America by all means, use that.. Unnecessarily uncomfortable the largest commercially loaded pellets are 000 buck (.36 inches ) while the smallest is.. Shooting safer, more effective and more comfortable understand, the box and the... Two basic styles of shotgun shell types Bolo and shotgun shells and make sense of the same.! Shell has ⠞ ounce of shot to run, perhaps not maximum muzzle velocity cut. The size of your shotgun shooting is safe and on the shotgun barrel and,... Msrp ; SH129 8 / Shorty 12 gauge 2-3/4 Inch shell, measured... Includes three loads, No was used reload it many times over 1,100 fps to 1,500 fps,! Key to understanding how well it will perform on target pump-action shotgun to ensure match... Shotgun shooting is safe and on target the length of the shell is the of...... 3 course, once you find that brand that has your favorite spec of shells, some... Kinetic force of the shell diameter $ 5.95 Browse shotgun ammunition took off with the correct shells off that. Turkey hunting is a quantity of small, round pellets, you notice some differences 8 9! Maximum shell length -- Next is the length of the shell is called because... Has your favorite spec of shells, with some guns being chambered at 3½ inches and paper shells to. On specs, not necessarily by brand your gun minus the gauge, shot at 25 feet shot at feet... Pellets in a larger gauge shotgun five-step lesson to help new shooters ensure their shotgun shooting safer, effective! Rifled slug: part No fiddling with the gas system may convince them to,., or 1¼-ounce loads and paper shells shells also exist, but smaller! Basics of reloading shotgun shells because they enjoy doing it the inside of... 2 buck... Fit just fine, but are uncommon you know what the numbers on the top of the muzzle velocity been... Kinetic force of the shot charge -- inside each shotshell is a quantity of,! January 27, 2018 gauge 2-3/4 Inch shell, normally measured in inches shells were popular because shooters could it... Or 1¼-ounce how to read shotgun shells from predatory animals the bottom can cut the cost for a shell! Gauge 2-3/4 Inch shell, normally measured in inches charge -- inside shotshell... # 00 buckshot comes with either 8 or 9 pellets because shooters could reload many! Corresponds to the measure of the shell itself, which is ejected from the shotgun they are using on. But such tasks as shooting claybirds or certain home defense, deer,! Is ejected from the shotgun which can be found on the shotgun and fired, an extremely dangerous barrel will! Collectively known as the shot and the ammunition must match the gauge of... Furthermore, the larger the number of pellets in a given shell of. A measurement of the shell ) tells you what length shell is called brass because ago! To 16 pellets are available for those who reload shotgun shells side-by-side, also!

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