Questions about shotshells.

[shotgunner]

I was wondering, what is the difference between #7 and #8 shot?

What do those numbers mean?

Also, is there somewhere on the internet that can explain this to me?
How many pellets in 00 buck, 000 buck, #4 buck, where can I find the info about why shotshells are given the numbers that they have?

Thanks

 

[P95Carry]

Welcome

It's the size scale ... 000 is largest at IIRC nearly 3/8" per ball. From there thru the various buck sizes, thru BB to shot, the size decreases and the pellet count rises. #8 is about smallest most folks use (leaving aside snake shot which I think can go as small as #12 ... something I used to call ''dust shot'' ... this was used in CCI shotshells for .22.)

I have somewhere a pic chart - or a link which shows all sizes, dimensions and pellet counts relative to weight. Std load for 12G for example would be 1 1/8 ounce ... which times 12 is 1 lb weight... thus 12 gauge.

Dave, sm, Trapper ... several folks may have a pic or link. I'll check this out tho myself to see if I have it.


Ahhhh - here is a link for you ...

http://shotgunworld.com/amm.html

Within that site is some table info - and, here is the image I had in mind ....



.

 

[LHB1]

Shotgunner,
For shot sizes 2 thru 12, subtract the size number from .17 to get the actual pellet diameter in inches. Example for size 8: 17-8 =.09 inches diameter. See shot size chart diagram in post above. Thus the larger the shot size number, the smaller the shot really is.

Note this does NOT apply to buckshot sizes.

Good shooting and be safe.
LB

 

[shotgunner]

Thanks

Thanks, I appreciate it!

I wonder why there isn't #10 or #11 shot size?!?!
One of those things I guess...

Thanks for the help guys!

 

[LHB1]

Shotgunner,
Shot smaller than size 9 is really VERY impractical due to rapid velocity loss and little penetration. Size 12 is so rare I have never seen any and right now don't remember what it was intended for. Must have been a very short range use.

Good shooting and be safe.
LB

 

[Red Label]

I have seen #12 in the little .22 birdshot loads. I think thats the only place I've seen it used.

 

[foghornl]

The only commercial load in #12 shot that I have seen is/was the CCI shotshell for .22 rimfire, in both LR and Mag versions.

Yeah, that's the ticket...a 3"Mag 12Ga...1-7/8 oz of #12

Would probably be good against a swarm of wasps/hornets/bees, etc.

 

[MrMurphy]

As to shot count, in a 00 Buck load, there's normally 8 or 9 pellets.
000 Buck has about six.
No.4 Buck has about 25 pellets I believe. Smaller size though.

 

[Oscar Orum]

Buckshot count

Mr. Murphy, I believe in a 12 gauge load you will find
8 pellets in 000
9 pellets in 00 and
27 pellets in #4 Buck shot.