Understanding Shotshell Ammunition: Types and Gauges Explained

A shotgun shell is a type of ammunition designed for use in shotguns. It consists of a plastic or paper casing containing multiple projectiles, such as pellets or a single slug, which are fired from the shotgun when the trigger is pulled. The size and type of shotshell used depends on the intended use, with different sizes and types of shells being used for hunting, sport shooting, and self-defense.

There are several types of shotshells, including:

* Birdshot: small pellets that are designed for hunting birds and small game.
* Buckshot: larger pellets that are used for hunting larger game and for self-defense.
* Slugs: a single, large projectile that is used for hunting and self-defense.
* Low recoil: shells with reduced recoil are designed for shooters who are new to shotguns or who prefer a milder shooting experience.
* High velocity: shells with higher velocities are designed for hunting and self-defense, and can deliver more kinetic energy to the target.

Shotshells come in various gauges, including 12 gauge, 16 gauge, 20 gauge, and 410 gauge. The gauge of a shotshell refers to the diameter of the barrel of the shotgun, with larger gauges being used for larger shotshells and smaller gauges being used for smaller shotshells.