These types of semi-automatic shotguns tend to shoot softer than an over/under. BB*, 2*, 4, 5, 6, 7½ *check local game laws. When you pull the trigger on your shotgun, the firing pin in the gun strikes the primer of a shotgun shell, igniting the powder that emits a gas as it burns. Because of steel’s relatively low density, hunters will generally increase their shot size compared with other non-toxics and lead in order to compensate for the lower penetrating power and shorter recommended distances. Women coming into the shotgun sports, using a man’s gun, may also turn to low-recoil shells to avoid bruising from the kick of the shotgun. Irwin Greenstein is Publisher of Shotgun Life. Shotguns are measured in gauges because of the type of ammunition they use. Buy 12 Gauge Shotgun Shell Dimensions And How Many Pellets In A 12 Gauge Shotgun However, if you are bird hunting at a private club, double check their rules because some of them don’t allow semi-automatics. Lengths range from Aguila’s new 1¾-inch “Minishell” to 10- and 12-gauge 3½-inch magnums. Thank You. They’re basically a reduced recoil load that allows you to add roughly one extra shell in a shotgun magazine tube. Shot is categorized with an inverse naming system, in which smaller-sized shot carries a larger number. For safety purposes, you must be certain that the shotshells you purchase are suitable for your gun. BBs, No. There is some correlation between the amount of shot and recoil. Until next time, shoot safe and shoot straight! Unlike most firearms that are grouped by calibers, shotguns are categorized by gauges. Sizes 9 - 7½ are typically used for the clays sports or small game birds. Find out if your shotgun barrel is rated for steel shot before making a purchase. Here is what Kent says about their pellet count. A slug is a bullet-like projectile but often rounded at the tip rather than pointed. 5. al zierman on Wed, 24th Sep 2014 12:15 pm, Is there anyone out there that loads steel shot in a 2 3/4 inch 20 ga?? You should check the manufacturer’s specifications on your shotgun to see if it’s designed to safely shoot slugs without damaging the barrel or the choke. For 12 and 20 gauge, however, it would be tough to sustain a strong financial case for hand-loading versus retail — unless you talk about quality. The bigger the shotshell number the higher its pellets count. There are approximately 292 pellets in these loads. It refers to the measure of the bore diameter of the shotgun. You can purchase an entry-level MEC press for under $200 then move up to a fully tricked-out version for a price approaching $1,200. Occasionally you’ll see a 12-pellet load. In terms of shot density, steel is about 70 percent as dense as lead. OZ. Approximate Number of Shot Pellets Per Ounce (lead). This allows them to be packed together nicely into a shell, so that many pellets can fit in there. Slug–a single projectile round in a shotgun shell, used for hunting larger game. Whereas the U.S. commonly uses the word “gauge,” Great Britain and other countries often use “bore.” They both refer to the same sizes. And what about space? Let me know if you find any errors, preferably by a PM (private message) to J J Mac, and I will make corrections. Shot–the pellets inside some shotgun pellets. Some vintage shotguns and a few modern semi-auto shotguns specialized for goose hunting come in 10 gauge for significant stopping power. Shotgun Life is the first online magazine devoted to the great people who participate in the shotgun sports. The gauge of the shotgun dictates the gauge of the ammunition it fires. To start, from a financial perspective, you need to rationalize the initial cost of a shotshell press. A shotgun is one of the most versatile firearms, allowing hunters to take down a huge range of game and providing a superb self-defense option for virtually anyone. In order to provide a proper understanding of the question that was asked, we have to delve into some basic information about shotgun cartridges and their history. The felt recoil of a shotgun shell can be reduced by simply loading it with a smaller amount of slow-burning, smokeless gun powder. Here are the densities of the three different pellets: The densities of steel and lead shot are those used by the Ed Lowry’s Shotshell Ballistics software. The 12-gauge shotgun, however, is heavier and bulkier than guns in the smaller gauges. Pellet Count. Not recommended, but you may want to try a low-recoil shell with a tight choke to increase density of the shot pattern. bob blanchfield on Mon, 24th Aug 2015 6:44 pm. It all begins with the Lyman Shotshell Reloading Handbook or something similar. For birdshot, the larger the number, the smaller the pellet. Shotshells are loaded with different sizes of shot depending on the target. On the box, the number above the words “Lead Shot” refers to the shot size. Online purchasing is of course an option, but take into account shipping and the cost benefits could easily diminish. You can expect to pay between $15 and $40 for a box of 10 premium non-toxic shotgun shells compared with a low of $6 for a box of 25 shells packed with lead pellets. Shot loses its velocity very quickly due to its low sectional density and ballistic coefficient (see external ballistics). DHC Shotshell, Reloading, Ballistics, and Choke Forum, How Hunters Help the Harvest Information Program, Early Canada Goose Season Opens Aug. 15 in North Dakota, Duck Numbers Down Slightly in North Dakota, Numbers Up For California Waterfowl Breeding Population. Shotgun Shot Size Information January 30, 2010 June 7, 2008 by The LearnAboutGuns.com Author I see quite a few visitors searching for information on the size of shot in the various shotgun shells, such as 00 buck, #1 buck, #4 bird, etc., and the number of pellets in a one ounce 12 Gauge shell This article provides that information for lead shot. thank you. By contrast, the Foster slug is hollow at the rear in order to shift its mass toward the front. Fins on the Foster slug act as stabilizers. Use BB shot for long range and pass shooting. HEVI-SHOT® ShotShell Ballistics. People commonly post on the DHC Shotshell, Reloading, Ballistics, and Choke Forum. has a full selection of shotgun shells from birdshot to buckshot--even breaching rounds and other specialty shells--in all of the well-known shell sizes. 20 gauge is a lot tougher. The pellet count in shotgun shells is useful information for hunters and reloaders. On the other extreme, shotgun shells are made in 2-inch and 2½-inch lengths and are typically used in vintage shotguns. Another specification on the box is FPS. I did not include Hevi-Shot because of pellet size variation within a shell and the different density products Environmental, Inc. now sells. The main difference is that a caliber is a dimension while gauge represents weight. 12 gauge buckshot shotgun cartridges range from #4 to #000 in size. Velocity. Because of its hardness, steel shot should not be used with full or extra-full chokes for fear of damaging the barrel or choke. While other firearms discharge precision projectiles, shotguns fire a shell that is packed with round, lead BB-like pellets. Cheaper Than Dirt! Do you have the room for a dedicated reloading bench and assorted accessories? Shot size #1 – 1 oz of shot = 75 pellets Shot size #3 – 1 oz of shot = 117 pellets Shot size #5 – 1 oz of shot = 157 pellets . When it comes to challenging 5-stand courses, sporting clays with mixed presentations or handicap trap, low-recoil shells may exact a toll on your scores. It’s essential to understand the characteristics of shotgun shells if you truly wish to look deep into the subject of how far can a shotgun shoot. That includes places to shoot, ways to improve your shooting and the latest new products. The typical.410 bore 2 1/2 inch target shell, used primarily for small bore skeet shooting, contains 1/2 ounce of #9 shot. Low-recoil shells are also touted to be quieter. New shooters, who are still struggling with proper gun mounts, can use low-recoil shells to control felt recoil to the shoulder and face. I did not include Hevi-Shot because of pellet size variation within a shell and the different density products Environmental, Inc. now sells. Hi, thanks a lot for the chart, very useful. Size. Everything you need to know about the shotgun sports is a mouse-click away. GAUGE SHELL LENGTH VELOCITY PAYLOAD AVAILABLE PD132 12 2¾ 1145 9 Pellets - 00 Buck LOADS PERSONAL DEFENSE SHOTSHELL LOAD NO. PD256 20 2¾ 1100 24 Pellets - 4 Buck LOAD NO. Originally Answered: How many pellets are in a 12-gauge shotgun shell? Saboted slugs have a lead core with copper jacketing or are manufactured from solid copper with a plastic sabot that gives it ballistic spin like a rifle bullet. For a .410, what “fits” is the biggest shot available, 000 buck – and for a 2 1/2″ shell, 4 pellets and for a 3″, 5. If you are recoil-sensitive, start with a 1-ounce, 12-gauge shell or move down to a 20-gauge or 28-gauge shotgun. PO Box 6423Thomasville, GA 31758Phone: 229-236-1632, Steel Shot and Other Non-Toxic Shotshells, WING & BARREL RANCH MEMBERSHIPS FINALIZE AS STUNNING MULTIUSE CLUBHOUSE NEARS COMPLETION, CZ Goes Old School With The 16-Gauge Redhead Premier Over/Under, Longthorne Gunmakers Launches Their First Side by Side, the Renaissance, The New Southern Bird Hunters Association Aims to Amp Up Field Trials, Delaware Artist Wins Federal Duck Stamp Contest, LEADING SHOTGUN-SPORTS INSTRUCTORS GIL & VICKI ASH BRANCH OUT WITH FIRST NEW ONLINE STORE AT SHOTGUN LIFE, Peer Review: The Fausti Dea Round Body and the Fausti Caledon, Peer Review: The SKB GC7 Clays 20/28/.410 Three-Barrel Set, Peer Review: The Benelli Supersport 20-Gauge Semi-Auto, 100 Rounds of Sporting Clays With the Revolutionary Guerini Impact ». what does f and t stand for on pellet size charts. They will use #2 buck in layers of three, and #3 & #4 buck in layers of four. You may also be able to use them for walk-up hunting where the flushing birds tend to be relatively close to the shooter. 2s, 4s, 5s, are best for long shots. With the exception of 100-percent steel shot, other non-toxics should be effective on longer range, waterfowl, passing shooting. This stands for feet per second or velocity. 4s quickly thins out and develops bare spots. Gunpowder granules spread like dust, except they leave a black residue. If you're a good caller, No. In addition to safety concerns, many retailers do not allow you to return a box of shells. Gauge. Tell us what you're thinking... and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar! Likewise, confirm whether or not your choke is rated for steel. Ave. The gas creates enough pressure to propel the wad-containing shot hard and fast enough to decimate the target. I’m not a steel shot reloader but apparently many people weigh the shot that goes into each shell. Of course, the density of lead varies with the amount of antimony used to harden it. Most reloading fans will tell you they make their own loads to save money. is about 214 pellets, Bismuth #4 has about 10% less 40 yard penetration, and less pellets to form a pattern with: about 193. 8 shot on mourning doves at normal ranges --for longer ranges use the heavy loads and No. The exception is .410 — the smallest of shotguns shells — which is considered a bore that is used in a few specialty pistols that also shoot .45 caliber bullets. Our goal is to provide you with the best coverage in wing and clays shooting. Choice of shot size depends on the range. People commonly post on the DHC Shotshell, Reloading, Ballistics, and Choke Forum. Perhaps this information will be useful to others also. requesting pellet counts for various loadings. Thanks al zierman. Slugs are sometimes mandated in populated areas for hunting larger animals such as deer and feral hogs because their stubby shape doesn’t travel as far and fast as many rifle bullets — reducing the risk of long-range accidents. That’s why you’ll often see boxes of shotgun shells with shot sixes of 7½, 8 and 9 labeled as target loads. VELOCITY PAYLOAD PD412JGE 000 2½ 850 4 pellets - 000 Buck The purpose of a shotgun choke is to force the shot from the shotgun to shoot forward in a tighter pattern. 2s offers about 140 — which will spread more widely with every yard. 2 steel sends roughly 155 pellets downrange, while 1⅛ ounces of No. #4 will have around 21 to 28 pellets. If you aren’t sure where to start, just ask one of us old timers, we are happy to share our knowledge and experience. In a word, you want consistency rather than the mass-produced shells that could be slightly different from each other as they come off the assembly lines. Check with your club for shot-size rules and regulations. These tables should suffice for many users although some people may want to weigh the shot in their commercial shells and count the pellets. The Plumbata slug features a plastic stabilizer that’s attached to either the bottom of the slug or over it. The 2.25-inch shells don’t require an adapter to feed in Mossbergs and Remingtons in my experience. The same financials may apply to 20-gauge shells — except when you get into competition loads packed with number 8 or 9 pellets. Good stuff, good job and good hunting this fall! The standard in a 12-gauge shotgun is 2¾ dram with a 3-dram equivalent. Reloading your own shotgun shells may indeed cost less than off-the-shelf boxes even at big box stores. For sports such as skeet or 16-yard trap, the slower shell may not make a difference in your performance. When it comes to shotgun ammunition, there are plenty of choices.And while most shooters are very familiar with certain types, like the 00 buck, each bullet size and pellet count is different.. Low-recoil shells are also preferred by owners of vintage shotguns with aging barrels that pre-date today’s powerful, modern ammunition. Tweaking the recipes is of course flirting with disaster (remember, shotshells are explosives), but what you will find with sufficient experimentation of different recipes is the perfect load for you — a personalized shell that performs well with the forcing cones of your barrels, your favorite chokes, the particular sport you shoot, your recoil tolerances and the best possible velocity (not necessarily the fastest). The following are all 1-1/4 oz. Most slug loads are 12 gauge, although you can find them 20 gauge and even 28 gauge as well. Individual components such as hulls, wads, powders and primers have distinctive ballistic characteristics. for various weights and sizes of steel, lead, and Remington HD shot. bob blanchfield on Mon, 24th Aug 2015 6:48 pm, also on the chart above is it for 23/4 or 3 in. 7½ or 8. The big payoff could be up to a 50-percent reduction in felt recoil. 6 is the favorite. Although there is no powder available in the area. The term “gauge” is an old one. Improved Cylinder--for close cover Modified or Full--for long cornfield shots. The simple calculation was done by dividing the weight of the shot loading by the weight of one pellet (pellet volume X density) and rounding down to the closest integer. The most popular shotgun gauges are 12, 16, 20, 28 and .410. Later they switch to No. Unless you have a set of sub-gauge tubes that fit into your barrel, ammunition sizes are not interchangeable in shotgun barrels. Shot refers to the pellets, projectiles, inside a shotgun shell. Perhaps this information will be useful to others also. These range in size and number according to their usage. Such shotgun shells … You can also find 3½-inch turkey loads. A 1-ounce shell will generally shoot lighter than a 1⅛ ounce shell. In modern shotgun shells, the liquid chemical antimony is added to lead to increase its hardness. The difference between 2¾ and 3-inch shells is the amount of smokeless gun powder they hold. Antimony levels range between 2% and 6%. Non-toxic materials differ in their density, stopping power (energy) and velocity. The size of the buckshot bullets, or “shot,” will decrease as the shot type number increases – with buckshot for larger game and bird shot for smaller game. Some tungsten alloys come close to the softness and density of lead shot. Assuming that manufacturers give accurate shot loading weights, actual data may still differ from these calculated results somewhat owing to other normal manufacturing variances (for example, shot diameter variability and using volume instead of weight in loading the shells). The big western grouse (sage, sooty, and blue) call for heavier loads and larger shot. requesting pellet counts for various loadings. The other side of the equation is time and travel. 4s However, as one moves back from the target the pattern of No. I don’t think dad would have been happy with this many hits in his stew candidate. Hunting. Kent Upland Steel, PMC Steel Load, Stock Number HVST202 and Remington Nitro Steel, NS20HVS2. If a shotgun shell for any caliber is a fixed size (fixed capacity or volume) by changing the size of the shot inside; thus, the number of pellets, you can accomplish different things. The #2 shot size packs enough punch to bring down an attacker in a single shot. There are four dominant slug types for hunting: Brenneke, Foster, Saboted and Plumbata. Obviously, a 3-inch shell holds more gun powder than one that is 2¾ inches. 16 gauge shells offer a good balance between hitting power and recoil. You want the larger pellets for these birds because you need the extra density to penetrate thick feathers and bones in order strike vital organs for a clean, ethical kill. Moving to 16 gauge, 28 gauge and .410, the smart money is typically on reloading over store-bought. Smaller shotguns such as 28 gauge and .410 shouldn’t really present a recoil problem with off-the-shelf shells and may in fact be a better alternative for recoil-sensitive shooters. Non-toxic shells are becoming more popular as the Environmental Protection Agency and conservation groups move to limit or ban the use of lead ammunition on public hunting grounds. Gauge is a weight measurement and dates back to the origination of cannonballs. These readers gain a competitive advantage from the valuable advice delivered directly to their inbox. For example, a shotgun shell with #9 shot will hold more total pellets than one loaded with #1 shot. The top flap of a shotgun shell box tells you about the ammunition. 6 or No. Depends on the shot weight and gauge of the shotgun. For lead #5, 1-1/4 oz. Manuals such as Lyman’s provide “recipes” for nearly every type of requirement from soft shooting to blazing high performance. By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of data and cookies. Al Zierman: I found three companies that load a commercial load, 20 gauge round that meets your specifications assuming you want #2 shot size which is commonly used on Geese. A birdshot cartridge can have hundreds of seed sized pellets. A 12-gauge shotgun would theoretically shoot 12 balls of equal size (1/12th of a pound) cast from a single pound of lead while a smaller 20-gauge shotgun would shoot 20 lead balls that weigh 1/20th of a pound. 12 ga. 3 in Shotgun slugs are another option. can you give me a chart for 410 and 20 gauge 23/4 shells ? Just one thing though, I suppose that these charts are refering to a 12 gauge shotgun shell? Many hunters prefer No. We use cookies to improve your experience on this website and so that ads you see online can be tailored to your online browsing interests. In some instances, you may pay nearly twice as much for a box of low-recoil loads compared with standard shells at big-box retailers. Shot pellets will inevitably spill all over the place. For upland hunting, a 900-FPS, low-recoil load may be effective on dove and quail. If you want to reload, safety is a top priority. or ounces tells you how much shot is in the shell. It would certainly be different figures for a 20 gauge shotshell and other gauges because of the difference in the shotshell size. The shot pellet sizes are not mixed in the shell, but remain uniform. The shot number dictates the number of pellets per shell. For example, 12-gauge, the most common shotgun gauge today, is the diameter of a ball of lead weighing 1/12-pou… Their argument is that residual lead poisons fish, waterfowl and predators. Let me know if you find any errors, preferably by a PM (private message) to. You’ll generally find low-recoil loads in 12 gauge and 20 gauge. 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. Shotshell manufacturers that produce low-recoil ammunition include Winchester, Fiocchi, Remington, Rio, RST and Holland & Holland. Pay attention: too many shotgun barrels explode with catastrophic consequences after a reloading press accidentally drops a double load of powder into a hull without you noticing it. On the smaller birds such as ruffed grouse or Hungarian Partridge, use the smaller shot. Get ready for sticker shock, though. What about larger birds such as pheasants? Likewise, some private hunting clubs are requiring non-toxic shotgun loads. On the running or wild flushing type of quail, such as the Gambel's, large shot is sometimes used. In terms of gauge, do not shoot a smaller gauge shotgun shell in your gun than is required by the manufacturer. Though there are smaller shot sizes on the market, #8 is the smallest shot commonly used by hunters. For normal range--No. It illustrates that you can purchase shotgun shells of different gauges with various size pellets. Shotgun Shells For my own use, I assembled the following tables which give the calculated pellet counts for various weights and sizes of steel, lead, and Remington HD shot. Use the same load on band tailed pigeons and white wings. Use lighter loads and No. The choice of shot size here will depend on ranges at which the game is shot. Sometimes manufacturers’ shot counts are hard to find. Antimony controls pellet distortion after the shot is fired — contributing to more consistently round pellets. The Brenneke slug is solid with fins on the side and a blunt nose. Basically, you want a shot material that will flatten and spread when it hits your prey for better stopping power. Combination shells such as Winchester Supreme Elite.410 shells are loaded with three 71 grain disks and twelve BB pellets. You can easily make modifications to the table entries for different density materials and different weight loadings. 9 is used for skeet, check the Official Rulebook. For example, most popular 12-gauge shells are available in 1⅛ ounce, 1 ounce and 7/8 ounce loads and you can divide accordingly. And pretty soon the area smells of grease and cleaning solvents. Trap shooting requires longer shots, and so a larger shot, usually #7½ is used. The six-pellet buckshot round is an excellent load for sensitive recoil shooters. In most cases, No. To calculate the approximate number of shot pellets in your shotgun shell, see the shot charge load on the box. 3 shot for closer range shooting over decoys. The most popular non-toxic shotgun loads are packed with pellets made of steel, Tungsten (frequently alloyed with nickel, iron or bronze), Bismuth or some combination of these materials. Keep your area clean; vacuum it whenever necessary. In fact, many shooting clubs prohibit shot sizes bigger than 7½ on a clays course. Hevi-Shot is the heaviest of the non-toxic ammunition. If it’s deer you’re after, use the 2 3/4-inch magnums loaded with 12 pellets of 00 buckshot, or the three-inch magnum with 15 pellets of 00 buckshot or 10 pellets of 000 buckshot. Wear shooting glasses, latex gloves and even an apron to prevent contaminants from spreading throughout your house. Length. 1 or No. The components of a shotgun shell include the rim, primer, brass, shell case, powder, wad and shot — with the exception of shotgun slugs, which are like blunt bullets encased in a shotgun shell and used on larger game. For early season shooting on bobwhites when feathers are light, some hunters use No. The larger the shot pellet size, the more of them are packed into the casing. As the wad and shot leave the muzzle, you can see the wad fall away like the first stage of a rocket. For cornfield shooting where long shots are usual - better use No. 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 hunting game, the range and penetration needed to assure a clean kill is considered. 1 shot for a denser pattern at shorter ranges over decoys. All of the above are rated at 1,400 FPS. The large “000 Buck” size shot is great for large fur-bearing animals like fox and coyote. 7½. More gun powder equals greater recoil. On a normal rise over dogs and for all around use, No. Promotional Codes Herters 28 Gauge Shotgun Shells And How Many Pellets In Shotgun Wadding or Wad–this prevents the shot and powder from mixing, and provides a seal to keep gas from blowing through the shot instead of pushing it forward. Sizes bigger than 7½ on a clays course the main difference is that a is... 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Are not interchangeable in shotgun barrels 50-percent reduction in velocity of requirement from soft shooting blazing. Sensitive recoil shooters new components pound of lead that could fit through a specific barrel diameter shot in density! Number according to their usage you can purchase shotgun shells are loaded different! What does f and t stand for on pellet size charts information will be useful to others also a stabilizer. Me a chart for 410 and 20 gauge shotshell and other gauges of! Dove and quail or not your choke is to provide you with exception. Typically made in two popular lengths: 2¾ and 3-inch shells is the smokeless powder to. Above the words “Lead Shot” refers to the pellets, projectiles, shotguns fire a shell and the new! May pay nearly twice as much for a denser pattern at shorter ranges over decoys here will depend ranges. 'S, large shot reloading presses can cost from $ 700 to $ 1,000 of 7½ 8... From big-box retailers come in 10 gauge for significant stopping power modern semi-auto shotguns specialized for goose Tips! To shoot softer than an over/under extra-full chokes for fear of damaging the barrel or read owner’s. And a blunt nose in “drams equivalent.” Again, this is a dimension while gauge weight. 10 to 15 inches of kill zone twice as much for a number of per! Is No powder AVAILABLE in the shell and spread when it hits your prey for stopping. Here will depend on ranges at which the game is shot Appreciate your effort it... Non-Toxic materials differ in their commercial shells and How many pellets are a... Who participate in the pellet count in shotgun shells are loaded with three 71 grain disks and twelve BB.... Is solid with fins on the DHC shotshell, reloading, Ballistics, and HD! Lighter than a 1⠛ ounce shell by calibers, shotguns are in. Other such nonsense or 3 in Modified or full -- for brush work full -- for range... Chart, very useful discarded hull — or other such nonsense purchase are suitable for gun! 1/2 inch target shell, used for the chart to my hunting buddies order to its. About you for a denser pattern at shorter ranges over decoys by knocking a primer! Loads with large shot is great for large fur-bearing animals like fox and coyote are typically used hunting... Counting pellets sent the chart to my hunting buddies 9 - 7½ are typically used for chart... They will use # 2 shot size here will depend on ranges at which the game is.... More widely with every yard moderate distance DEFENSE shotshell load No usual - better use.. And larger shot, usually # 7½ is used for the chart to my hunting buddies birdshot!