Shot Shell Ballistics--Need Help.

I have three different boxes of shot shells given to me by neighbors that no longer shoot. The only shells I've shot in the past have been bird shot for fun and skeet. I have no idea of what a DRAM is or what DRAM EQ means. I've also been told that the term MAGNUM when applied to shot shells means "more shot", not monster re-coil. I'll list here what I have, I'd appreciate any information as to the differences in each shell as to re-coil, etc...THANKS.
ALL are 12 ga. 00 buck. 2 3/4 in.
(1) 12 pellet DRAM EQ. MAX
(2) 12 pellet Magnum
(3) 9 pellet-no mention of DRAM
:confused:

When I apply Dram ratings it's usually
Dram that hurt
Holy Dram wheres my shoulder

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dukalmighty

When I apply Dram ratings it's usually
Dram that hurt
Holy Dram wheres my shoulder

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That's good... :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

Didn't know, myself. A few quick searches on Google found the following ...

In plain language, here is a decent definition of "Dram equivalent": click.

Here is a discussion on ShotgunWorld BBS that explains "max dram equivalent": click.

To more easily approximate velocity of a shotgun shell, "Dram equivalent" can be expressed in a table: click.

On shells that do not list anything related to "dram," then you'll need to refer to the manufacturer's data or a chronograph's readings. Check the side of the box in which the shells came. Or, check a supplier of those exact shells (ie, CheaperThanDirt.com).

Dram aside they are all going to kick a whole lot worse than your average trap/skeet/sporting clays load. Those shotshells are designed primarily for self defense and, due to use, recoil wasn't much of a factor. If memory serves me the dram was a unit of measure for black powder and when smokeless came along the "drams equivalent" was put on the shotshell box for comparison. If I'm off here somebody correct me.

A friendly reminder to keep serious thread topics (posted by members asking serious questions) that are not in the Off Topic & Humor area of the forum on topic to the original post.
If you want to add a funny "one liner" into an otherwise helpful reply then that is usually cool.
But, do not just post Off Topic without being (in some way, shape, or form) helpful to the thread.
It is mildly disrespectful to the member that posted the thread.
This has been added as a reminder to ALL members and not specifically directed toward dukalmighty....as it is happening more often in every area of DefensiveCarry.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by dukalmighty

When I apply Dram ratings it's usually
Dram that hurt
Holy Dram wheres my shoulder

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I'm assuming here, so if I'm incorrect, please feel free to correct me. The way I see it is that MAX DRAM is the same as MAGNUM. When I ordered some 00 12 pellet shot shells on line there was no indication that they were magnum. When I received them it said magnum on the box. All of the 12 pellet 00 that I've seen is labeled either max or magnum, so I'm assuming that all 12 pellet 00 is magnum. I shot both today, the 12 pellet labeled max and the 12 pellet labeled magnum. I didn't feel any difference in re-coil.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bart

I have three different boxes of shot shells given to me by neighbors that no longer shoot. The only shells I've shot in the past have been bird shot for fun and skeet. I have no idea of what a DRAM is or what DRAM EQ means. I've also been told that the term MAGNUM when applied to shot shells means "more shot", not monster re-coil. I'll list here what I have, I'd appreciate any information as to the differences in each shell as to re-coil, etc...THANKS.
ALL are 12 ga. 00 buck. 2 3/4 in.
(1) 12 pellet DRAM EQ. MAX
(2) 12 pellet Magnum
(3) 9 pellet-no mention of DRAM
:confused:

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OO Buck is for shooting deer or bad animals ( that includes the human kind :wink: ) where legal.

None of them are FUN to shoot without some padding :nono:

Keep em for home defense or go shoot some used appliances :yup:

:wave:

The standard load for 00 Buck is 9 .36 caliber pellets so a load with 12 pellets would be a magnum. Magnum in shotshells only refers to heavier shot loads and not higher velocity.

Those are some premier personnel stopping rounds you have there.....

Keep them for self defense, they will do the job, those loads are pretty much what I load in the Benelli...

Your a great bunch, I've learned a lot here. Thanks much. :hand10:

If keeping those 00 for home defense loads
keep in mind 00 buck has some over penetration
issuses for home defense. I like #4 buckshot
for HD

Magnum does mean a heaver load...which directly relates to a heaver recoil....thus felt recoil. Please read up on the Federal Law Enforcement Light Recoil loads. You will do your shoulder a great favor.
Especially if you using this weapon for home defense.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by edr9x23super

Those are some premier personnel stopping rounds you have there.....

Keep them for self defense, they will do the job, those loads are pretty much what I load in the Benelli...

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I agree with you, however , we seem to be in the minority.

I've never shot any 12 ga. slugs. From everything I hear, slugs produce a lot of recoil. My question is, are slugs loaded to magnum specifications, and is the recoil equivalent?