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Sorry if this is a dumb question. Recently, I received a box of shotgun shells. The box indicates 12 GA, 2 3/4, 1 1/4 OZ shot, 4 shot. I don't know what the 1 1/4 oz shot means and I don't know what the 4 shot means. Am I correct in assuming the 4 shot means number 4 shot size? If so, approximately how many #4 pellets would be in one of these shells? Thank you.
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#4 means the shot size. According to charts found on the internet, avg. shot count for 1 1/4 oz of #4 would be 169. -
It has 1 1/4 oz of #4 shot in it. I don't feel like finding a chart to reference how many #4 pellets are in an oz right now. The info is out there though. Remember that #4 shot is not #4 buck shot. Also, these are not light target loads. I'll assume that they were ment for hunting duck, turkey, pheasant, rabbit, etc. BTW, it has been illegal to hunt waterfowl with lead shot for many years but, many hunters still have old boxes of ammo around. I know that I have a case or two and my dad probably has some too.NRA Certified Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun and Metallic Cartridge Reloading Instructor
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if you have something called "dram equivalent" on them.. the usual loads for the 1 1/4 oz #4 is either 3 1/4 or 3 3/4... 3 1/4 dram equ = ~1220 fps. 3 3/4 dram equ = 1330 fps.Comment
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Guys, thanks very much for the explanation. In view of your responses, what is a target load and what load would you suggest for use in skeet or trap shooting?Comment
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#7.5 or #8 shot. That is a pretty universal "target load" and also good for upland birds such as dove and quail.
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Also some ranges have specifics that they require.. some skeet ranges require #9's on the skeet field, and up to 7.5 for trap. Target load usually means velocity of about 1145 - 1200 fps, with 7/8, 1, or 1 1/8 ounce payloads.. 7.5-9 in lead, and usually #7 in steel (Richmond Rod and gun requires the use of non-toxic shot). I believe that steel target loads are nominally 1 ounce and #7, up to 1290 fps since it takes a bit more velocity to equal the downrange energy that matches lead shot of size #9.Comment
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