shotshell numbers?

[Adkjoe]

I have some shotgun game loads for squirrel and rabbit. The box says 2 3/4" length, 1 oz shot #6 shot, On the shell itself it says 3 1/4-1-6

I know the 1 is 1oz of shot and the 6 is the size but what the heck does 3 1/4 mean? It's a 2 3/4" shell.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[MoMike]

That's a holdover from waaaaaaay back. Shotgun ammo is listed with the "dram equivalent" of a black powder load, and is just trying to give you an idea of how strong the shell is. A 3 1/4 load is a low brass (another throwback term) load.

[Adkjoe]

Gotcha, thanks!

[msgt/ret]

Just to show how far it goes back here is a discussion of dram equivalent. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/m...34/ai_7637473/

[OldVet]

A 3 1/4 load is a low brass (another throwback term) load.

Are you saying "low brass" and "high brass" are throwback terms? What's next, field and express?

[Janq]

Are you saying "low brass" and "high brass" are throwback terms?

Correct.

At another gun-fu forum I was discussing this several weeks ago.
Bottom line today as in modern times the terms 'low brass' and 'highbrass' functionally mean nothing anymore, as related to commercial manufactured shells and associated use shotguns.

Further the nomenclature really should be dropped from use, akin to how using the terms 'dynamo' or 'generator' and 'points' have been from the automotive world.

Throwback.

- Janq

[Superhouse 15]

Actually, most of the shotgun ammo we've been ordering is listing velocity and not dram equivilants anymore.

And the quick way of sizing birdshot is the number of the shot subtracted from .17". So number 6 shot is .11".

[msgt/ret]

One other thing, magnum when referring to shotshells refers to a heavier shot weight and not a higher velocity.

[Janq]

One other thing, magnum when referring to shotshells refers to a heavier shot weight and not a higher velocity.

THIS! ^^

Darn near every hunter-ed course I teach/have taught almost never does it fail that when the shotgun component of the course come up that some male aged 50+ does not comment toward or ask about 'Magnum' shells.
Come on people!!!

Telephone numbers now days have 10 digits rather than two and a city name.
If you can digest that as part of modern progression then you can also digest that commercial shotgun shells are no longer loaded with varying degrees of blackpowder (!) as the old timey pre-war 'Magnum' marketing nomenclature shells had been (as listed in dram weight by the powder within the shell)...And that todays _modern_ commercial manufacture shells (modern as in the last 50 years!)marketed under the name 'Magnum' are variable by payload total & weight, not powder content as like modern rifle and pistol rounds.

Never mind that these old timer types who claim to know stuff for some odd reason do not seem to know (or forget) that shotguns and shotgun shells are not analogous in manner of construction and function as to rifles and handguns.

Buh buh buh but I've been shootin' guns and huntin' since <Fill in the blank decade>!
Yeah, nobodys doubting that. You probably have been driving automobiles since that long too and have on in the parking lot right now...But that don't make your alternator become a 'dynamo' and I'm gonna bet a box of Magnum shells you have a starter on your car that doesn't involve two hands and a crank!

Seriously though, it's weird how and why with some things folk will for no good and purposeful reason stick to some old timey throwback thoughts & nomenclature and then make like OMG are you serious when advised that their info is no longer current day relevant.
OMG you can't be serious!?! Yes,sir...I am.
That's why we are teaching this to students as part of our state mandated and internationally accredited curriculum. We don't just get to stand here and make stuff up on the fly, then pass out state issue certs of completion & accomplishment. : |

Sorry for the rant, but it's _crazy_ how often this comes up and people have nerve to argue it.

- Janq

P.S. - A very close second if not tie for first is when I and all the other instructors tell students that the shotgun is a point fire tool, not to be 'aimed' as is a rifle or a handgun. Huh? WHAT!
Oh geez.... : |

[1 old 0311]

A 3 1/4 load is a low brass (another throwback term) load.

Are you saying "low brass" and "high brass" are throwback terms? What's next, field and express?

That reminds me. I need to run down to Western Auto and pick up some ammo.