Shotgun shell

Cal12 N°8

Chambers 1908 Cartridge

Shotgun cartridges - left-right, 12-, 20-, 16-, 28-bore, .410

410 bore M-35 shotgun shells

.22LR ratshot

.45ACP

Shotgun shell is a type of ammunition specifically designed for use in a shotgun. Shotgun shells are versatile and can be used for various purposes, including hunting, sport shooting, law enforcement, and self-defense. The unique aspect of shotgun shells is their ability to fire multiple projectiles, known as shot, or a single projectile, known as a slug, making them effective at short ranges.

Components

A shotgun shell consists of several components:

• Case: Usually made of plastic with a metal base, the case holds all other components together.
• Primer: Located in the base of the shell, the primer ignites the propellant (or gunpowder) when struck by the shotgun's firing pin.
• Propellant: The gunpowder that, once ignited, generates gases to propel the shot or slug forward.
• Wad: Sits between the propellant and the shot or slug. It prevents the shot from mixing with the propellant and aids in the even distribution of pressure when the shot is fired.
• Shot or Slug: The projectile(s). Shot consists of multiple small spherical pellets, while a slug is a single, large projectile.

Types of Shotgun Shells

Shotgun shells vary by length, gauge, and type of projectile. The most common gauges are 12, 20, and .410, with 12 gauge being the most popular.

• Birdshot: Contains small pellets and is used primarily for hunting birds and small game.
• Buckshot: Contains larger pellets and is used for larger game and in law enforcement.
• Slugs: A single, large projectile used for hunting large game and for self-defense.
• Non-lethal rounds: Such as rubber or bean bag projectiles, used by law enforcement for crowd control or to incapacitate a suspect without lethal force.

Gauge and Size

The gauge of a shotgun shell is a measure of the shell's diameter. The smaller the gauge number, the larger the shell's diameter. For example, a 12 gauge shell is larger than a 20 gauge shell. The length of shotgun shells can vary, with common lengths being 2 ¾ inches, 3 inches, and 3 ½ inches for 12 gauge shells. The length of the shell affects the load capacity and the amount of propellant, which in turn influences the shell's power and recoil.

Usage

Shotgun shells are chosen based on the intended use. Hunters select the type of shell based on the game they are hunting. Law enforcement agencies choose based on the tactical situation, considering factors such as the need for lethal force or the desire to avoid collateral damage. Sport shooters select shells that match the requirements of their shooting discipline.

Safety and Regulation

The use of shotgun shells, like all ammunition, is subject to safety considerations and regulations. Users must select the appropriate gauge and length for their shotgun, as using incorrect ammunition can cause injury or damage the firearm. Additionally, there are legal restrictions on the use of certain types of ammunition in various jurisdictions.