Shotshells

Shotgun shells (shotshells) use a slug or shot as the projectile(s).

• A slug is a solid projectile, usually of lead, used for hunting big game with a shotgun.
• Shot are multiple pellets fired through a shotgun barrel. Shot size is adaptable to the game being hunted. This type of projectile is used typically to hunt game birds and small game animals.

The shotshells must match exactly the gauge and shell length specified by the manufacturer. This information usually is found on the barrel of the shotgun. Shotguns may be chambered for 2½-inch, 2¾-inch, 3-inch, or 3½-inch shells. This refers to the chamber length and the length of the shell case after it has been fired. Read more about correctly matching ammunition to your firearm at Match Firearms and Ammunition—Correctly!

gauge: Term used to designate bore diameter of a shotgun; gauge is the number of lead balls with diameters equal to the diameter of the bore that, when combined, weigh one pound

You also must choose the correct type and size of shot for the shotshell. In general, as the size of your target decreases, you should decrease the diameter of the shot you use.

• As pellet diameter decreases, more shot can be placed in a standard shotshell.
• The smaller the shot "number," the larger the pellet diameter.
• Shotshell marked as "magnum" means the shell has more shot or more gunpowder than a regular shell. Magnum and regular shotshells are interchangeable if the correct gauge and shell length are used.

Steel shot pellets react differently than lead when fired. Because steel shot pellets are not as dense, they weigh about 1/3 less than lead shot pellets the same size. Also, steel is harder, does not deform, and is not as unstable in flight as lead. It produces a tighter and shorter pattern than lead shot, thus requiring the hunter to practice more to develop better skills with leading the target and distance estimation. Steel shot has proven to be just as effective as lead and other non-toxic shot in numerous studies. If using steel shot for hunting, you may want to choose a steel shot size one or two sizes larger than the lead shot you would select. See Shotgun Choke and Shot Pattern for information about shot strings for lead and steel shot.

A longer shell length does not indicate more shot/pellets, a larger powder charge, or higher velocity. The shell length also does not affect the distance shot will travel.

Non-Toxic Shot

Non-toxic shot is required throughout the U.S. for waterfowl hunting. Studies showed that many waterfowl died each year because of lead poisoning. Lead pellets from traditional shotshells were picked up and digested by waterfowl. The toxic effect spread to other birds, such as the bald eagle, who consumed the poisoned waterfowl. To reduce this problem, conservationists worked with shotshell manufacturers to produce effective alternatives to lead shot—steel, tungsten alloy, or bismuth shot.