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.
