HUNTINGsmart! USA Knowledge Base

⚲

Module 01 - HUNTING BASICS

SHOTSHELL COMPONENTS: GETTING SPECIFIC

Shot:

These are smaller pellets (multiple projectiles) that are used when hunting small game and game birds in flight with a shotgun.

Slug:

This is a bigger, single projectile that is used when hunting big game with a shotgun.

Primer:

The primer is located in a separate cup that holds a chemical mixture. When the primer is struck by the firing pin, the reaction will cause the bullet to fire.

Powder:

This is the chemical mixture that’s located inside the cup. The powder produces the gases that force the projectile out of the barrel.

Wad:

The ‘wad’ separates the shot from the powder and seals the barrel behind the shot when firing.

Hull:

This is the outer piece that contains all of the ammunition components.