There are multiple types of shotgun shells that can be divided into three separate types including birdshot for hunting birds like pheasant and small game, buckshot for larger game like deer, and slugs that can work for large game as it is the most accurate and deepest penetrating. Technically there are mixed shells creating more variations, but these are the top three.
All three of the main variations of shotgun shells contain the gunpowder in the base and are mostly centerfire. It is the projectiles inside the shell that make them unique and serve different purposes.
The “shot” in shotgun shell is a reference to the tiny projectiles known as “shots”. Although there may be a single projectile in a slug shotgun shell, it is different from a pistol or rifle cartridge because the projectile found in a chamber known as “the shell” tends to have a larger caliber and slows more quickly in the air compared to the bullet found in a standard cartridge.
Think of firing shotgun shells like a catapult with water balloons. You can launch one water balloon or multiple water balloons from the same release. A single water balloon will potentially hit the target, but the multiple balloons will cover more ground and may have a better chance at hitting the target or targets.
Fun fact: Shotguns are different from rifles because rifles require a specific caliber bullet and shotguns can use a variety of shells and gauges.
Birdshot and buckshot shells contain multiple same size projectiles inside the chamber where the slug contains a single projectile that penetrates deep into the target. The single projectile allows for more accuracy at a distance, but for close encounters the birdshot and buckshot’s ability to distribute the smaller projectiles can neutralize the target with more efficiency.
The pellets inside the birdshot are tinier than the buckshot which is perfect for hunting small game because the projectiles can remain in a closer area and do less harm to the trophy or edible meat. Large game will need to be neutralized, so a birdshot won’t be as effective as the larger projectiles in a buckshot shell, which have a better chance of stopping the target as the larger projectiles will do more damage.
Single projectiles may provide more accuracy because it is flying direct vs spreading out like the buckshots and birdshots, and it maintains all the force so it can penetrate in deeper making it perfect for longer distances and situations where you have more time to aim.
Shotgun shells are measured by gauge which is the diameter and a reference to how many projectiles it can hold compared to 1lb of lead. A 28 gauge will be able to contain 1/28th of a pound of lead, and 12 gauge will be 1/12 of a pound of lead. The larger the gauge, the more shot it can hold and the larger the amount of damage.
And that is your guide to the shotgun shell. If you want more information on firearms, defense, and the industry, join our newsletter by subscribing below.