Regarding buckshot

[Socalman]

I apologize if this should have been under Ammo & reloading but to me it seemed that I would get more responses here.

Is ALL shot equal? By that I mean is it standardized? Is one piece of 00 buck from manufacturer A the same size and weight as 00 from manufacturers B & C. Would the #4 buck be the same? Of course I am referring to lead shot, not steel, nickel or any other different metals that may be used to make shot.

[SkyHawk]

Yes, generally it is a standard. And if pure lead, it should also be the same weight for the same number of pellets.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shotgun_shell#Buckshot

[JagerDog]

Yes and no. I've found more variance in larger shot. Shot hardness varies too.

[Socalman]

Thanks for the answers. JagerDog, would I be correct to assume the differences are minor variations?

[bigbearbear]

I've found that the wad design affects buckshot pattern more than the variance in their size. For example, Federal's Flitecontrol type wad gives a very tight pattern compared to other buckshot shells of a similar size.

[hermosabeach]

shot size

I apologize if this should have been under Ammo & reloading but to me it seemed that I would get more responses here.

Is ALL shot equal? By that I mean is it standardized? Is one piece of 00 buck from manufacturer A the same size and weight as 00 from manufacturers B & C. Would the #4 buck be the same? Of course I am referring to lead shot, not steel, nickel or any other different metals that may be used to make shot.

I guess I am curious if your question is the right question....

Ammo is made to Saami specs... So there is an entity that validates the ammo specs.....

I don't know how spherical shot needs to be to meet spec? How much run out one would find on the item...

I also do not know how many thousandths or variation is allowed in Shot compared to a centerfire projectile.... is it .357 or .35729432


Shot size is standardized... but how much does it vary from one lot to the next or from one manufacturer to another.... I don't know

[BOBGBA]

Here is how shot is made.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shot_tower

[JagerDog]

Thanks for the answers. JagerDog, would I be correct to assume the differences are minor variations?

My limited measuring has identified up to one shot size variation. Prolly not a difference to your quarry. I've seen shot that really flattened out and shot that stayed relatively round. IMHO that's a bigger factor when it comes to penetration.

If/when tight patterns are desired, the flight control wad does a good job. Bigger difference for hunting than HD.

[JohnFLand]

Are shot towers really still used? I would think that the Bliemeister method for small shot sizes and swaging from lead wire for larger sizes would be the norm today.

[Stumpfenhammer]

I've found that the wad design affects buckshot pattern more than the variance in their size. For example, Federal's Flitecontrol type wad gives a very tight pattern compared to other buckshot shells of a similar size.

The difference between Flitecontrol and Estate out of my 870 with Vang Comp barrel is dramatic. To the degree that I've decided not to use Flightcontrol because it holds too tight a group. But if you want a tight pattern, it works.

[Mojaveman]

Since we're on the subject of buckshot what choke or chokes would be the best to use?

[nothingextra]

Since we're on the subject of buckshot what choke or chokes would be the best to use?

Pattern it with your gun, chokes, and shells.

IC out of my gun patterned the same #00 buck like a Cyl in my buddy's mostly identical gun on paper up to 25yds. Another guy swears his Briley extended chokes are better than our Crio chokes, I don't see it.

[Wallabing]

Buckshot are all pretty much manufactered the same,hot lead is dropped from giant towers into a pool of cold water.

The only differencesbetween buckshot made from different manufacturers is the type of shotshell, wadding and packing they use.

[nothingextra]

Buckshot are all pretty much manufactered the same,hot lead is dropped from giant towers into a pool of cold water.

The only differencesbetween buckshot made from different manufacturers is the type of shotshell, wadding and packing they use.

Filler and wadding didn't seem to matter to me until I haloed one paper target out of 4 with 9 perfect holes using Rio low recoil buck. If you have to pattern tight, spend the buck and send a flitecontrol.

In a defensive situation Rio would have been fine.

As far as chokes go, read thru this thread: http://forums.brianenos.com/index.ph...hoke-question/

Interesting tidbit about the difference btw US and Euro.

[Fishslayer]

I've found that the wad design affects buckshot pattern more than the variance in their size. For example, Federal's Flitecontrol type wad gives a very tight pattern compared to other buckshot shells of a similar size.

At home defense ranges, say 30ft & less, is that really an issue?