The shotshells must match exactly the gauge and
shell length specified by the manufacturer.
This information is usually found on the barrel of
the shotgun. Shotguns may be chambered for 2½, 2¾-inch,
3-inch, or 3½-inch shells. This refers to the
length of the shell after it has been
fired. Read more about correctly matching ammunition
to your firearm at Match
Firearms and Ammunition—Correctly!
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.
According to federal regulations, a shotgun’s
total capacity must not exceed three shells while hunting
migratory game birds.
Shorter magnum shells, say 2¾ inch, may be fired
in a 3-inch chamber, but 3-inch shells may not be fired
in a 2¾-inch chamber.
Steel shot pellets react differently than lead when
shot. Steel weighs about 2/3 as much as lead but is
much harder. Steel does not deform and is not as unstable
in flight. It will produce a tighter pattern than lead
shot. If using steel shot for hunting, choose a steel
shot size one to two sizes larger than the lead shot
you would select. See Shotgun
Choke and Shot Pattern for more information about
lead shot patterns and steel shot.
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. |
