BuyaBullet | Pro-Tips

Shotgun Ammunition

Source: BuyaBullet Corporation

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• Shotgun ammunition is commonly referred to as "Shotshells" or "Shotgun Shells", and are not ‘Bullets’ or ‘Rounds’
  

• Shotshells consist of most commonly a plastic ‘Shell’ and sometimes dense paper that holds the components: Primer, Propellant, Wad, and Projectiles being Shot, a Slug, or Sabot
  

• The ‘Gauge’ of a shotgun reflects the size of the shotgun shell it can fire. Common gauges include 12, 16, 20, 28, and .410
  

• Shotgun shells are grouped by their length, with common sizes being 2¾ inches, 3 inches also referred to as ‘Magnum’, and 3½ inches commonly referred to as ‘Super Magnum’
  

• The projectiles in shotshells can vary and are commonly made of Lead, Steel, Bismuth, or Tungsten
  

• Shotshell projectiles are available in different shot sizes. Ranging from small-diameter low-mass ‘Birdshot’ and ‘Turkey load’ pellets. To large-diameter high-mass pellets referred to as being ‘Buckshot’. Also, shotshells may have a solid projectile referred to as a ‘Slug’.
  

• Birdshot is commonly used for hunting birds and small game mammals of a relatively low overall mass such as squirrels and rabbits. Buckshot is used for hunting larger and higher mass game such as coyote, deer, and at closer ranges black bear. Also, buckshot is commonly used for self-defense while some might choose a turkey load or worst birdshot.
  

• Slugs are solid metal projectiles used for hunting large game animals. They are typically made of lead and specialty loads are made of steel. Sabots are also solid metal projectiles, encased in a plastic sheath within the shell, that engage with rifling in the barrel to result in very good precision when fired at distant targets.
  

• Shotgun ammunition is measured by its power, usually expressed as the muzzle velocity (speed) and muzzle energy (force)
  

• Shotguns are typically smoothbore firearms. They can also be fitted with a rifled barrel