[Scirion]

Yes, I'm a noob... But at least I'm asking.

So, when I bought my shotgun, I bought two 25 round boxes of Winchester shells that the salesperson recommended for target shooting at the range, which according to the box was Winchester Super-X, Game Load 12 Gauge 2 3/4 inch, 3 1/4 DR. EQ. 1 OZ. 8 Lead Shot.

So, what I want to know is... What does all this mean?

Now, if I understand correctly, 12 gauge is the diameter of the shell, while 2 3/4 inch is the length, right? And the 1 OZ 8 lead shot is the weight and number of pellets? What's the other stuff mean?

The main reason I'm asking is because I just bought two 25 round boxes of Federal Game-Shok (The Winchester was gone, and the Federal was cheap), which reads: 12 gauge 2 3/4 inches 1 oz. shot 7 1/2 shot 3-1/4 dram eq. muzzle velocity 1290 fps H121 7.5

Is this essentially the same thing?

Someone please explain...

 

[Adler]

The shot size refers to the diameter of the pellets and not the count. The smaller the number the smaller the shot. This si so you dont tear up small game with large shot. For instance I use 4 or 5 shot for pheasants. What you have is a heavy field load right their but with small shot. Good for Rabbit, quail, partridge ans such.

As far as Dram....its an uber old measurement of the powder charge and the larger the number the greater the charge. Most 12 Ga is either marked 3 Dram, 3 1/4, or Max in the 2 3/4 in shells.

I hope this helps.