TPP 128: Shotgun Cartridges and Shells

Learn all about the components of shotgun cartridges, common sizes of Shotgun Shells, length and different gauges, two basic projectile types as well as the 9 main slug types.

1. TPP 128: Shotgun Cartridges and Shells By Ken Jensen

2. Shotgun Cartridge Components Shotgun cartridges have similar components to that of a rifle cartridge.   The components of a shotgun cartridge are : The Projectile The Case The Wad Propellant The Head The Rim The Primer www.ThePrepperPodcast.com/shotgunshell

3. Primer    The explosive center of the shell. Firing pin hits primer. Powder in primer ignites. Ignites the propellant in the shell. www.ThePrepperPodcast.com/shotgunshell

4. Propellant Fast burning material that creates a gas expansion in the shell. This propels the shot down and out the barrel . Case The Shell Case is what houses everything. The common sizes of Shotgun Shells are 10 Ga 12 Ga 20 Ga .410 www.ThePrepperPodcast.com/shotgunshell

5. The Head The head is the brass around the base of the cartridge . The Rim The rim is the small brass ring on the bottom of the shell. Allows ejection of the shell by the action of the shotgun. Keeps the shell chambered correctly. www.ThePrepperPodcast.com/shotgunshell

6. The Wad Column Made up of 3 components The Gas Seal This is designed to keep the expanding gas from moving behind it. This keeps all expansion and momentum going forward. The Cushion This is the shock absorber The Shot Cup The cup houses the shot and keeps it together as it travels down the barrel. www.ThePrepperPodcast.com/shotgunshell

7. The Projectile There are two basic projectile types. Shot, or pellets Slugs Shotgun Slugs Shotguns were designed to shoot the ball type shot from the old muskets.  These are called “Pumpkin Ball” slugs. Some of the benefits of slugs today: These new designs allow us to bring some “rifle” qualities to shotguns. All the force is focused to one spot. This allows for greater impact or penetration on large game. www.ThePrepperPodcast.com/shotgunshell

8. 9 main slug types Pumpkin Ball Slug One of the first slug shots. Round lead ball, just smaller than the bore. Not too accurate Limited range of about 25-50 yards www.ThePrepperPodcast.com/shotgunshell

9. Brenneke Slugs Designed in late 1800s Had a rifling of the slug The rifling was not at all for spin and added none It reduced surface area on the barrel, reducing friction, and raising exit velocity. It had stabilization problems due to being a solid slug. www.ThePrepperPodcast.com/shotgunshell

10. Foster Slugs Designed during the great depression. Hollowed out rear putting mass at the tip for stable air flow Meant to be used in a smooth barrel with a choke. Saboted Slugs The big item here is the wad cup. Wad Slug The wad slug is also called a key slug.  It isn’t anything fancy about it. www.ThePrepperPodcast.com/shotgunshell

11. Plumbata Slug There are two designs of the plumbata. One type has wadding designed to fit in the tail end. Another design wraps around the base of the slug Steel Slugs It is expensive It can be outperformed by a specific rifles where it matters: Dense brush Disabling vehicles www.ThePrepperPodcast.com/shotgunshell

12. Wax Slugs Wax slugs were used during the great depression. Typical range of a Wax Slug is about 50 yards. Cut Shell Slugs Cut shell slugs were also used during the great depression. Usually made “in the field” when larger game showed up. www.ThePrepperPodcast.com/shotgunshell

13. Shotgun Shot There are 2 different basic types of shot. Buckshot Meant for larger animals. Normal sizes range from 4 to 1, then 0 to 000, then Tri-ball 12 and Tri-ball 20 Birdshot Useful for fowl and smaller game. Birdshot runs from 9 down to 1, then B to BBB, then T, TT, F, FF www.ThePrepperPodcast.com/shotgunshell

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