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shortwave · May 1, 2012, 11:49 PM

Shot is the word used to describe the multiple projectiles that shotgun shells are loaded with.

On a box of shotgun shells, you'll see the length of shell, Drams. of powder and shot size. The smaller the number on the shot size, the bigger the shot. I.E. #5 SHOT is bigger then #6 SHOT....#6 SHOT is bigger then #7 SHOT.... #7 SHOT bigger then 7 1/2, etc.

The above size shot is usually referred to as birdshot, is lead or copper coated and are used for small game/bird hunting as well as shooting sporting clays, skeet, trap etc. They are also good to get used to your shotgun with but will pattern differently then your HD loads of heavier buckshot.

It's a heavily debated subject but for HD most usually use the more common 000, 00,#3 or #4 lead buckshot. With 00 or #3 probably being the most popular.

The reason these four loads are most used for HD is, as a rule, the heavier the shot the better the penetration.

Hope this helps.

May 1, 2012, 11:49 PM	#14
shortwave Senior Member Join Date: December 17, 2007 Location: SOUTHEAST, OHIO Posts: 5,970	Shot is the word used to describe the multiple projectiles that shotgun shells are loaded with. On a box of shotgun shells, you'll see the length of shell, Drams. of powder and shot size. The smaller the number on the shot size, the bigger the shot. I.E. #5 SHOT is bigger then #6 SHOT....#6 SHOT is bigger then #7 SHOT.... #7 SHOT bigger then 7 1/2, etc. The above size shot is usually referred to as birdshot, is lead or copper coated and are used for small game/bird hunting as well as shooting sporting clays, skeet, trap etc. They are also good to get used to your shotgun with but will pattern differently then your HD loads of heavier buckshot. It's a heavily debated subject but for HD most usually use the more common 000, 00,#3 or #4 lead buckshot. With 00 or #3 probably being the most popular. The reason these four loads are most used for HD is, as a rule, the heavier the shot the better the penetration. Hope this helps. Last edited by shortwave; May 1, 2012 at 11:57 PM.