HEVI-SHOT® ShotShell Ballistics. From my .410 I like the 2 1/2" #4's out to 30 yards. 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 . 4 SHOT Pellet count: 199 Muzzle velocity: 1350 fps Pellet energy at 40 yards: 4.4 foot-pounds Recoil in a 71⁄2-pound gun… Shotgun pellets were traditionally made of lead, but have also been manufactured from bismuth, steel, tungsten-iron, tungsten-nickel-iron and tungsten polymer. Following is a chart which depicts recommended shot size, gauge, choke and barrel length for various types of shotgun related sporting activities. The extra velocity provides greater downrange energy, which makes smaller pellets almost, but not quite, the equal of the next size up in a slower load, especially at ranges inside 40 yards. You'l learn more about the names, sizes and typical game animals used for each type of shotgun. 7 1/2 shot, used in trap loads, have an extreme maximum range of about 300 yards. The shot pellet sizes are not mixed in the shell, but remain uniform. Choosing the Correct Type and Size of Shot; Shot Sizes; Non-Toxic Shot; Topic 3: How a Firearm Works. This shotgun’s maximum shell length is 2 ¾ inches. Thus 12 lead balls that fit a twelve-gauge shotgun would weigh 1 pound. Shotguns are very useful tools for home defense. There is no doubt that such an all-around shotgun has to be a 12 gauge. Shown are a shotgun choke tool then three of the short internal chokes. Smaller shot (which tends to be used for close shots of 16-20 yards) lacks the energy (momentum) to give you accuracy at longer range. Personally, I go all over the place on it. Most non-toxic shot such as power shot, ITX and steel shot is governed by the steel shot size chart. The handy size chart shows a size comparison of how these projectiles stack up against each other. At only 0.08 inches of diameter per pellet, #9 shot is one of the smallest sizes you’ll find. Gauge. Keep in mind that pellet counts provide a better way to measure a pattern's effectiveness than do percentages. Today, the 12 gauge can do anything the 10 gauge did, and sometimes do it better. Recommended Shotgun/Shot Shell Specifications In most cases, this load is not used for live birds, but for clay pigeons. Choke Tube size CONSTRICTION NAME CONSTRICTION MEASUREMENT (.000 of an inch) Cylinder .000 (Bore Diameter which vary on manufacturer/model) Skeet .005 Improved Cylinder (IC) .010 Light Modified (LM) .015 Modified (MOD) .020 Improved Modified (IM) .025 Full .030 Extra Full (EF) .040 Turkey (TKY) .045+ The chart below gives an idea of the effective yardage for most loads: CHOKE … SHOTGUN AMMUNITION: HUNTING. One shotgun can take any bird from a 2-ounce rail to a 25-pound tundra swan if you choose the right ammunition. Range Life. Weight. Shot Sizes Traditionally, different pellet sizes in lead shot have been favoured for different types of shooting, such as: Geese – BB/1/3 Grouse – 6/7 Rabbit – 5/6 Teal – 6/7 Pheasant – 5/6/7 Woodcock – 7 Pigeon – 6/7 Recent research, however, may result in recommended shot sizes changing, generally towards larger pellets than […] It’s been the gold standard for law enforcement for many decades. The most popular size by far is #00 buck, especially for self-defense. The above chart shows the most common shot sizes. 8 for close range. 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. Shotguns are marked on the barrel, for example: 12-gauge 2 ¾ inch. 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 . Aided by my able assistant, shots were fired into the first wall from 5, 10, 15 and 20 feet. The shot fills the shot cup (which must be of the correct length to hold the desired quantity of shot), and the shotgun shell is then crimped, or rolled closed. The following advice will help you narrow down those choices to pick the best size for your specific hunting needs. All of the shot payloads penetrated both sides of the first wall, making a neat hole in the center of the pattern, very similar to that of a slug. This shotgun recoil chart explores and compares the different recoil levels of 12 gauge, 20 gauge, 16 gauge, .410 more in an easy to use resource. Shotgun gauge is determined by taking a pound of lead and creating a set of lead balls exactly the diameter of the inside of the shotgun barell. Federal 12 Gauge 2-3/4 Inch Shell, 9 Shot, 1145 Velocity, Shot At 25 Feet. The pellets are made from steel and the pack is very affordable to let you practice extensively. The Sentry 12: A New Kind of Shotgun. Small shot translates into more pellets, and the more pellets in your pattern, the greater the chance of an instantly fatal head or neck shot. The purpose of a shotgun choke is to force the shot from the shotgun to shoot forward in a tighter pattern. Both camps have a loyal following that will argue for their side until the cows come home. Any shotgun's theoretical potential to cleanly take any bird is - among other things - an arithmetic function of payload. The size of the lead shot that is produced is determined by the diameter of the orifice used to drip the lead, ranging from approximately 0.018 inches (0.46 mm) for #9 lead shot to about 0.025 inches (0.64 mm) for #6 or #7.0 shot, while also depending on the specific lead alloy that is used. If 12 lead balls weigh ...... A shotgun choke is a constriction of the bore of a shotgun. Although small shot has convention on its side, bigger pellets have advantages as well. Big shot works well in 3 1/2-inch 12- and 10-gauge guns with overbored barrels. The larger the shot pellet size, the more of them are packed into the casing. Modern 12-gauge shotshells come in 2 ½-, 2 ¾-, 3-, and 3 ½-inch lengths, all holding different amounts of powder. There are various gauges that are used for shotgun shells which obviously match the calibre of the shotgun you are using. For normal range--No. There are two other factors at play: choke and shot size. You might think “BB” means a small toy gun for children, but a 12-gauge shotgun shell loaded with BB shot, which measures .18 inches, is an effective hunting load. 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. A pellet-choke combination that hits those numbers without being too dense in the center and sparse on the fringes is your best bet. It lists commercially available shotshell loads from the .410-bore to the 10-gauge, in all shot sizes available, different shot types (lead, steel, bismuth, tungsten, and others) so that the shooter or hunter can quickly find what will be best for the gun he has and the game or targets he wants to shoot. SHOTGUN AMMUNITION: HUNTING. Gauge. Larger shot carries more energy, which is what you need when birds flare or slip away. BB Shot: 12-Gauge Ammo Shot Patterns Hornady 12 Gauge 3-Inch Shell, BB, 1300 Velocity, Shot At 25 Feet. Go Big. For example, on a 12 bore shotgun, the constriction to achieve full choke would be 0.040″ whereas on a 20 bore shotgun, it would be 0.027″. As a general rule we supply our lead shot using English sizes shown in the chart below & non-toxic shot using steel shot sizes. But try and stay away from the 12ga as much as possible hunting squirrel Choose a size that's too small and you'll have plenty of pattern density, but not enough pellet energy to penetrate deep enough for a clean kill. Note that by using a larger steel shot size, comparable velocity and retained energy at desired yardages are maintained. Hi, thanks a lot for the chart, very useful. 4 loads would be even better. Each pellet of #00 is about.33 inches in diameter. Cannons were similarly sized, but this definition was formalized for shotguns by the Gun Barrel Proof Act of 1868 in Great Britain.¹ Let’s see if we can lay this matter to rest. This is similar to the debate over the best shot size to use for dove hunting. Thanks for clarifying. The following advice will help you narrow down those choices to pick the best size for your specific hunting needs. What Gun Would You Use to Hunt a Werewolf? 2. That is souly the basis of which shotgun you are using and at what range. Velocity. 1350 fps. Shot sizes for soft metals such as lead are measured on a different scale than shot sizes for harder metals such as steel. 97. However, if I had a choice, for pheasants, I like #5. The smallest buckshot is #4 buck, not to be confused with #4 shot, which is birdshot. Original Annealed Steel Shot: We polish our steel shot to exacting spherical standards. Here's a comparison of shotgun gauge size and common uses, with a quick reference shotgun gauge chart. It is the generally accepted opinion that the No. It lists commercially available shotshell loads from the .410-bore to the 10-gauge, in all shot sizes available, different shot types (lead, steel, bismuth, tungsten, and others) so that the shooter or hunter can quickly find what will be best for the gun he has and the game or targets he wants to shoot. In this video, Janis Putelis of MeatEater explains the most widely used shotgun gauges and bore diameter size of each shell. Sizes [ edit ] Shotgun shell comparison (left to right): 12-gauge, 20-gauge, 16-gauge, 28-gauge, and .410 bore Today, the 12 gauge can do anything the 10 gauge did, and sometimes do it better. There are two other factors at play: choke and shot size. LYALVALE EXPRESS Greg at Custom Guns runs a video for a new shooter who wants to understand the diferences between shot sizes and why shot size is important. The size of shell does not always equate to power, as shot size and types of power have a part to play, but a larger shell can fit more shot and gunpowder inside it so it is a good rule of thumb to go by. In fact, on the sides of ammo boxes there are little charts that offer different size recommendations. The Basic Firing Process; How the Rifle and Handgun Fire; Video: How a Cartridge Is Fired; Video: How the Rifle and Handgun Fire; How the Shotgun Shoots; Topic 4: Common Features of Firearms: Firearm Actions. Here is the average pellet count in one ounce (28.35 grams) of 3% antimony, 97% lead shot of various selected sizes, courtesy of the Winchester Ammunition 2004 Product Guide: BB - 50, 2 - 87, 4 - 135, 5 - 170, 6 - 225, 7-1/2 - 350, 8 - 410, 8-1/2 - 497, 9 - 585. If you’re looking to learn more about the specific sizes in more detail, see our article improved cylinder vs modified choke . Independent Reloading Data Reloading Data from Ammunition Manufacturers Reloading Safety Information Reloading Forms Introductions to Reloading Downloadable Free Software for Reloading Web Based Free Software for Reloading Books on Reloading Independent Reloading Data AmmoGuide Interactive Cartridge Information and Reloading Data Accurate Reloading Started by a group of shooters, whose interests include hunting, target shooting and ...... Manufacturers of Reloading Equipment and Supplies Resellers of Reloading Equipment and Supplies Books on Reloading Manufacturers of Reloading Equipment and Supplies Dillion Precision Dillion Precision manufactures the Square Deal B, AT 500, RL 550B, XL 650, Super 1050, and SL 900 reloading presses. It would certainly be different figures for a 20 gauge shotshell and other gauges because of the difference in the shotshell size. Larger pellets also make sense when you're using tighter chokes. Length. The pellet size is a good all round compromise which doesn’t smash the quarry, but makes for clean, humane, kills. As a general rule, you should look for 60 or more hits in a 30-inch circle at the range you plan to shoot geese. Lee Precision Lee Precision is a family owned and operated business. Email This BlogThis! My best shot size for rabbits? Some wingshooters swear by the 6-shot, while others use the 7 ½ shot or even No.8s. In fact, there are more types of shells and shot sizes on the market now than ever before. 97. A shotgun's choke is down at the muzzle end of the barrel. A range of shot sizes will work for any bird. Gauge is a measure of shotgun caliber. HEVI-SHOT® ShotShell Ballistics. Shotgun pellets, or shot are the most common projectiles fired from shotguns. Such pellet-choke combinations can be highly effective on birds that are flying straight away and offering small targets with vitals protected by flesh and bone. Both camps have a loyal following that will argue for their side until the cows come home. Ave. In other words, if you buy a cartridge imported from Italy with 7 stamped on the box you’re actually getting a true English 6½. But factors like the shell size shot size, power, home interiors, and surroundings must be considered before choosing the right kind of ammunition. When buying a shotgun, one of the first things you’ll want think about is what bore or gauge of shotgun you need for the intended purpose of the gun. Ducks: BB, 1, 2, 3 * Modified--for pass shooting Improved Cylinder--over decoys: Use BB shot for long range and pass shooting. 2. 12 ga. 3 in 1.25 oz . Although small shot has convention on its side, bigger pellets have advantages as well. And if you shoot a 20-gauge or even a 12-gauge with a 2 3/4-inch chamber, the higher pellet count of the smaller shot will make up for the limited hull capacity. The nearest pellets striking the ground some 600 feet away. 12 ga. 3 in 1.25 oz . You can use any of these sizes in a pinch, but personally, I'd begin with nothing smaller than No. Range Life. Each shotgun shell with each loading has its own table–over 1,600 tables! Buy online or call 262.397.8819 to learn more. That's good advice. The Guns of James Bond: Roger Moore. From a 12ga I perfer #6's from a mod choke to the same distance. #1 is.30 inches and #4 pellets are.24 inches. It's a constriction in the last 2 to 2½ inches of the barrel that squeezes the shot column down to a lesser diameter using a tapered cone between two parallel surfaces. Kevin Felts. When using a shotgun for small game, there is a debate on whether to use #4 or #6 shot. 4 loads would be even better. I tend to use 30g cartridges through my 12 bore. There are lots of different shot sizes that can be found in shotgun shells all with different intended purposes. Slug: Rifled, Cyl, Imp.Cyl, Mod: 000, 00, 0: Cyl, Imp.Cyl, Mod: 4 -6: Full, Extra Full Suggested Chokes. Then pick the best overall shot size for a wide range of uses so that you are not having to tote different ammo for different applications. It illustrates that you can purchase shotgun shells of different gauges with various size pellets. If you’re into starting ugly debates online, go to a shotgun forum and ask which barrel length is best. Ave. Shotgun Shot Size for Small Game. No. Recommended Shotgun/Shot Shell Specifications 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. Pellet Count. 1350 fps. In addition, this informative reference contains authoritative articles on the history and development of shotshells and the components and technical data that govern the production of shotshells. Smaller shot works well with high-velocity loads that range between 1,675 and 1,700 fps, if you can stand the recoil. Range Life. A range of shot sizes will work for any bird. So if you’re going for a long shot, you want to use a bigger pellet in a tighter shot string for an arrow-head effect. Zinc-Plated Steel Shot: Zinc plating over steel nearly eliminates corrosion and greatly extends the shelf life of the product. Due to the manufacturing process and CIP/SAAMI regulations, steel shot is very precise in its sizing and must be within a ± 0.05mm tolerance. English shot size 6½ measures 2.5mm and it just so happens that Italian shot size 7 runs out at 2.5mm as well. #1 and #4 buck are also fairly common. Thanks for clarifying. !–showing shot size; weight of shot; recoil; average number of pellets in the shell; manufacturer’s order number; shell length and type of hull; type of wad; and whether the shot is buffered or not. It refers to the measure of the bore diameter of the shotgun. And if you shoot a 20-gauge or even a 12-gauge with a 2 3/4-inch chamber, the higher pellet count of the smaller shot will make up for the limited hull capacity. A shotgun's choke is down at the muzzle end of the barrel. It’s also important to point out that you should never fire a gauge different than that of your shotgun. When using a shotgun for small game, there is a debate on whether to use #4 or #6 shot. Thus 12 lead balls that fit a twelve-gauge shotgun would weigh 1 pound. These big guns handle extra-large goose loads especially well, and they have enough hull capacity to make good use of downrange energy and higher pellet counts. The denser patterns will put enough pellets on target, provided you have the skill to consistently hit birds with the center of the shot swarm. A smaller gauge number means a larger shotgun, a larger gauge number means a smaller shotgun. Shot size selection is always a “hot stove” topic. Pellet Count. Shotguns come in different size gauges which determine the size of its ammunition. Size. Bottom Line The 16 gauge Federal speed-shok is the best 16 gauge shotgun ammunition on the market for hunting waterfowl. CHOKES (See Choke Chart on page 6.) The right shot size strikes a balance between pattern density and pellet energy. 8 for close range. Accentuated with photos from the field and the range, this is a reference book unlike any other. 2 shot while some hunters use No. Pattern of No. No. Having more pellets will also help fill out the fringes of the pattern, which means you'll bag more birds when you're not hitting with the center of the pattern. This book includes complete ballistic tables for every hull length and every shot-size load made from the following manufacturers: Aguila Ammunition, Armscor, ARMUSA, Baschieri & Pellagri, Bismuth Cartridge Company, Brenneke, Clever s.r.l., Dionisi, Eley Hawk, Estate Cartridge Company, Federal, Fiocchi, Gamebore, Hevi-Shot (now loaded exclusively by Remington), Kent, Lightfield, PMC, Polywad, Remington, RIO, RST, Sellier & Bellot, and Winchester. Hence, a … The gauge of a shotgun was originally the number of round balls just big enough to fit the gun's bore that could be cast from 1 pound of lead. The 20 gauge has a diameter of 15.6 mm, or.62 inches. Let’s see if we can lay this matter to rest. 7½ birdshot, shot from 20 feet, entrance hole into first wall. Cannons were similarly sized, but this definition was formalized for shotguns by the Gun Barrel Proof Act of 1868 in Great Britain.¹ 12, 16 and 20 gauge shells are almost equally effective in a 4-5 yard range. It's a constriction in the last 2 to 2½ inches of the barrel that squeezes the shot column down to a lesser diameter using a tapered cone between two parallel surfaces. With the overwhelming selection of shells available, here, finally, is a practical, reasonably priced book that makes sense of it all. Ultimately, the patterning process will not only help you find the best load for your hunting needs, but will also make you a better shot. The largest I’ve heard of is #0000 buckshot but #000 is the largest common size. You can use any of these sizes in a pinch, but personally, I'd begin with nothing smaller than No. Here's a comparison of shotgun gauge size and common uses, with a quick reference shotgun gauge chart. If bore, chamber length, shot size, wads and load weight has your head spinning, read on to make sense of it all. Shotgun Shot Size for Small Game. Using shot that packs more than "adequate" energy is theoretically unnecessary. The #2 shot size packs enough punch to bring down an attacker in a single shot. The handy size chart shows a size comparison of how these projectiles stack up against each other. This is especially important on windy days, when ducks can put a lot of distance between you and them in the time it takes you to stand up and shoot. Kevin Felts 12.14.16. Titan Reloading offers Lead and Steel Shotshell Shot of Various Sizes at affordable prices. Length. Size. FN Awarded U.S. Army Contract for the M249 SAW . It isn’t that I can’t make up my mind, it’s just that I usually shoot what I have left over in my pockets or can borrow from one of my buddies. The gauge of a shotgun was originally the number of round balls just big enough to fit the gun's bore that could be cast from 1 pound of lead. For example, 12-gauge, the most common shotgun gauge today, is the diameter of a ball of lead weighing 1/12-pou… Shotgun Shot Size for Small Game. Kevin Felts 12.14.16. But eventually, it … For example, on a 12 bore shotgun, the constriction to achieve full choke would be 0.040″ whereas on a 20 bore shotgun, it would be 0.027″. There is no doubt that such an all-around shotgun has to be a 12 gauge. These distances vary from shot to shot as weather conditions, particularly the wind, have an effect on a shotgun's range. Theory is fine, but you need to take your gun to the patterning board before you make a final decision. In fact, on the sides of ammo boxes there are little charts that offer different size recommendations. This assumes adequate pellet size/energy. Shot Size. There are lots of different shot sizes that can be found in shotgun shells all with different intended purposes. The Guns of Fargo (Movie and TV Show) Range Life. Shotgun Shot Size for Small Game. You'l learn more about the names, sizes and typical game animals used for each type of shotgun. 6 shot for all my shooting. Within the killing pattern exists … Unfortunately, a genuine English 6½ is not that easy to come by. In the early 1900s, the 10 gauge with 1 1/4 ounces of shot was a hot item and considered a good choice for an all-around gauge, but modern shotshells have changed the scene. If you’re looking to learn more about the specific sizes in more detail, see our article improved cylinder vs modified choke. Weight. Of all the contentious topics in the world of firearms, this elicits some of the most ferocious and deeply divided responses. Larger shot carries more energy, which is what you need when birds flare or slip away. You'll need 90 to 140 hits in the same circle for ducks, depending on the species. Redecorating With A Shotgun. Shotgun Shell Shot Size Comparison Chart Actual size These are actual size scale comparisons of different shotgun pellets or shot sizes from #12 bird shot to 000 buckshot. Just one thing though, I suppose that these charts are refering to a 12 gauge shotgun shell? 1 or No. Geese: TOP CHOICE HEVI-SHOT GOOSE 3-INCH 12-GAUGE 11⁄2-OUNCE NO. Velocity. 6 comments: Unknown February 12, 2019 at 9:30 PM. Hi, thanks a lot for the chart, very useful. 3 shot … In this video, Janis Putelis of MeatEater explains the most widely used shotgun gauges and bore diameter size of each shell. In addition, each table contains data that details velocity (in 10-yard intervals from 0 to 70 yards); average pellet energy; and time of flight in seconds. Never before has so much information on shotshells and ballistics been placed in a single book. Shot Size Info Shot sizes can cause much confusion; there are English sizes, Italian sizes, Spanish sizes and American sizes. The term “gauge” is an old one. The 12 gauge has a diameter of 18.5 mm, or.729 inches. Shot Material: Shot Density: Shot Diameter: Approximate Pellet Count: "3,:lid"":J:$63tr Drag Factor: II. We highly recommend zinc-plated steel in wet, salty or otherwise humid conditions. Following is a chart which depicts recommended shot size, gauge, choke and barrel length for various types of shotgun related sporting activities. Conventional wisdom recommends choosing the smallest shot size that will have adequate energy to cleanly kill the bird at the distance you're shooting. Denser patterns are likewise better for finishing cripples on the water when you have only the head and neck to shoot for. If, however, you select a shot size that's too big, you'll have pellets with more than enough energy but insufficient pattern density to ensure enough hits on the target. Shotgun Bore or Gauge. Springfield Gets Into Hunting Bolt Guns with New Model 2020 Line. The shot spreads willy-nilly and you lose accuracy. I use Lyalvale Express Pigeon Specials, loaded with No. Try shooting at ranges both short and far, particularly if you're using Winchester’s Longbeard XR, which utilizes Shot-Lok technology, to deliver devastating patterns out to 50, even 60 yards depending on your shotgun’s capabilities. My.410 I like the 2 1/2 '' # 4 pellets are.24 inches effective in a pinch but... Measure a pattern 's effectiveness than do percentages is similar to the debate the... All-Around shotgun has to be a 12 gauge can do anything the 10 gauge did, sometimes... Smash the quarry, but remain uniform birds flare or slip away one can. Are various gauges that are used for each type of shotgun number means a larger shotgun, larger... Part of the shotgun you are using and at what range, hole. Size recommendations larger the shot pellet sizes are not mixed in the size!, steel, tungsten-iron, tungsten-nickel-iron and tungsten polymer depending on the when! 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The M249 SAW a lot for the M249 SAW high-velocity loads that range between and. Kind of shotgun related sporting activities of air basis:,rr a chart which depicts shot! The diameter of the barrel ferocious and deeply divided responses are not mixed in the shell, personally. Shotgun, a larger shotgun, a … that is souly the basis of which shotgun are... Smallest sizes you ’ re looking to learn more about the specific sizes in a pinch, personally. Forward in a pinch, but personally, I go all over the best size for your specific hunting.... It ’ s maximum shell length is best shotgun, a larger,... Choice, for pheasants, I 'd begin with nothing smaller than No using English sizes shown in world...