Shotgun shells factsheet

Gauge

Gauge refers to the number of lead spheres of equal diameter and equivalent to one pound (0,454 Kg.) that fit inside a shotgun’s bore.
The most common shotgun gauges are: 12-16-20-24-28-36 (.410). There are also non-standard gauges: 8-10-14-9 mm.
According to the height of the metallic base of the case or cartridge, the gauge types are:

• Type 1= 8mm
• Type 2= 12mm
• Type 3= 16mm
• Type 4= 22mm
• Type 5= 27mm

Less commonly used types have heights of 10,14 and 25 mm.
The most commonly used cartridges are 70 mm (2 ¾ inches) in length, but there are other lengths: 65, 67.5, 76 and even 89 mm (3 1/2 inches).
When buying a shot shell, the most important aspects are the load and the shot size, which have to correspond to the type of hunting you’re doing.

Maximum pressure

The following maximum pressures for shot shells were set by the C.I.P., the body that oversees user safety:

Lack of compliance with this norm can lead to serious consequences.

Buckshot

Buckshot is lead shot that weighs 2.5g or more. Under this standard, the following measurements are buckshot:

• 9,10 mm Ø shot = 4.54g
• 8,65 mm Ø shot = 3.80g
• 7,65 mm Ø shot = 2.57g