Selecting the Appropriate Ammunition
When choosing ammunition for your shotgun, several factors must be considered to ensure optimal performance and safety.
Gauge:The gauge of a shotgun refers to the diameter of its barrel and the size of the shells it can chamber. Common shotgun gauges include 12 gauge, 20 gauge, and 16 gauge, with lower numbers indicating larger diameters. Ensure that the ammunition you select matches the gauge of your shotgun.
Shell Length: Shotgun shells come in various lengths, typically ranging from 2¾ inches to 3½ inches. The length of the shell should match the chamber length of your shotgun. Using longer shells than the chamber can result in excessive pressure and potential damage to the firearm.
Shot Size: Shot size refers to the diameter of the pellets used in the ammunition. Different shot sizes are designed for specific purposes, such as target shooting, hunting, or self-defense. For clay target shooting, smaller shot sizes (No. 8 or 9) are generally used, while larger shot sizes (No. 4 or 5) are better suited for hunting game birds. For self-defense, buckshot (pellets larger than No. 4) or slugs (single projectile) are typically employed.
| Shot Size Number | Pellet Diameter (inches) | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | 0.094 | Clay target shooting, small game hunting |
| 7½ | 0.098 | Clay target shooting, small game hunting |
| 6 | 0.104 | Clay target shooting, small game hunting, upland game hunting |
| 5 | 0.110 | Upland game hunting, waterfowl hunting |
| 4 | 0.116 | Waterfowl hunting, turkey hunting, self-defense |
| 3 | 0.125 | Waterfowl hunting, turkey hunting, self-defense |
| 2 | 0.133 | Turkey hunting, self-defense |
| 1 | 0.142 | Self-defense |
Verifying the Shotgun’s Load
Before inserting a shell into the shotgun, always ensure that the chamber and magazine are empty. Follow these steps to verify the shotgun’s load:
- Open the Shotgun’s Action: Open the action completely to reveal the chamber and the magazine.
- Inspect the Chamber: Look inside the chamber to make sure it is empty. If there is a shell in the chamber, use the shell extractor or manually remove the shell.
- Inspect the Magazine: If the shotgun has a magazine, depress the release button and remove the magazine. Inspect the magazine to ensure it is empty. If there are any shells in the magazine, manually remove them.
- Close the Shotgun’s Action: Once you have verified that the chamber and magazine are empty, close the action again.
Tips for Verifying the Shotgun’s Load
* Keep the shotgun pointed in a safe direction during the entire process.
* Use a flashlight to inspect the chamber and magazine if necessary.
* If you are not familiar with the shotgun’s operation, refer to the owner’s manual for specific instructions.
* Always double-check to ensure that the chamber and magazine are empty before loading the shotgun.
| Visual Inspection | Tactile Inspection |
|---|---|
| Look inside the chamber and magazine for shells. | Feel inside the chamber and magazine for shells. |
| Inspect the magazine follower to ensure it is fully forward. | Depress the shell catch to ensure that no shells are in the magazine. |
How to Load a Shotgun
Loading a shotgun is a simple process that can be performed in a few steps. Before loading your shotgun, ensure that it is unloaded and pointed in a safe direction.
- Open the action of the shotgun.
- Insert a shell into the chamber.
- Close the action.
- Your shotgun is now loaded.
