TPP 128: Shotgun Cartridges and Shells

By Ken Jensen

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

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Primer   

• The explosive center of the shell.

• Firing pin hits primer.• Powder in primer ignites.• Ignites the propellant in

the shell.

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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

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The Head

• The head is the brass around the base of the cartridge.

The RimThe 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.

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The Wad Column

Made up of 3 componentsThe 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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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