Q&A Plus Notable New Loads
Two notable new loads are B&P’s 2½" 12-gauge lead load, said to be suitable for “vintage shotguns,” and HEVI-Shot’s HEVI-XII 3" 28-gauge tungsten-composite load....
Nontoxic-Shot Developments
In late 2023 there were two important nontoxic-shot developments announced that should become readily available in 2024. RotoMetals’ Prototype Bismuth Shot RotoMetals, a manufacturer...
Choosing a Shot Type
Today’s shotgunner is confronted (and often confused) by an ever-increasing variety of shot types. Which one to use for what? That is the question....
More Information Needed
Here are some answers to common questions by readers who need shotshell information in regards to vintage or inherited shotguns.
New Shells for ’23
Despite shotshell-product-availability issues, especially with hunting loads, that continue largely unabated, here's what's new for 2023.
What’s in a Crimp?
Every modern plastic or paper shotshell has a crimp. And all of them have crimps for the same principal purpose: to keep the shot...
Assumptions That Can Bite
The longer I’ve worked with and written for shotgunners (40-plus years now), the more I’ve come to realize that a large number of them...
Shot Talk: Issues & Answers
It’s time again for my annual sharing of letters with issues and answers of broad interest to SSM readers. Following is a sample of...
Does Speed Kill?
Provided the correct pellet type and size are used and minimum pattern counts can be produced at particular ranges, only modest shotshell velocities are needed to kill game and break targets.
Wadless Shotshells?
Who needs traditional wads anyway?
Notable New Loads for ’22
Each year most shotshell manufacturers introduce new loads and/or changes to existing loads. Some years a few loads are introduced that prove to be...
Beware These Two Mistakes
Addressing two mistakes that shotgunners often make