So I got my first shotgun, a Stoeger coach 12 GA. ( want to get into cowboy action shooting ) anyway, I have two boxes of Federal shells for it. My first question is what does all the stuff on the box mean? Example
12 Ga ( I get that )
3 Dram EQ - have No idea what the heck this means
1 1/8- OZ. shot - HUH?
8 shot- ???????
And my last question, My shot gun says 3" Chamber, that means I can shoot up to 3" shells? Right? Is that for more power? I know dumb questions but please bare with me!
if i remember correctly 1 1/8 shot is the actual weight of the shot in the shell. #8 mean it is 8 shot or bird shot/small game load and dram is the amount of powder in the shell. as for the shot 8 is quite a small load. The lower the number the bigger the pellet. oh and if your only going to be doing cowboy action shooting 2 3/4 inch shells should be fine. My uncle competes in that and uses the same gun. Looks like fun.
Now, I would suggest you consider lighter loads for Cowboy Action Shooting.
Personally, I used the Winchester AA Target loads in my Stoeger Side by Side 12 gauge. They worked great for CAS. The targets are never more than 15 yards, and the lighter loads make it easier to shoot them quick.
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1 dram is the same as 27.5grains. just thought i would throw that out there.
for shells just buy the winchester or federal universal shells. they come in 100rd bricks for $22. cheaper than winchester AA super handicap at $8 for a 25rd box
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Life remains the same until the pain of remaining the same becomes greater than the pain of change.
it is giving you a measure of the power, the amount of the shot in weight, and the size of the shot pellet.
You might just translate this into having a normal power range with the right combination of weight and shot size for birds and smaller varmits such as rats or snakes. In the Panhandle of Texas where I live it is common to interchange the terms eight shot and bird shot or simply call it a dove load.
Yes, you can shoot a 3 inch shell but realize it will be more of a hit on your shoulder when it comes to recoil. I, personally, do not shoot three inch shells for that reason.
We all have to learn and there are no bad questions from someone wishing to learn.
So I got my first shotgun, a Stoeger coach 12 GA. ( want to get into cowboy action shooting ) anyway, I have two boxes of Federal shells for it. My first question is what does all the stuff on the box mean? Example
12 Ga ( I get that )
3 Dram EQ - have No idea what the heck this means
1 1/8- OZ. shot - HUH?
8 shot- ???????
And my last question, My shot gun says 3" Chamber, that means I can shoot up to 3" shells? Right? Is that for more power? I know dumb questions but please bare with me!
the weight of the projectiles is 1 and 1/8th of an ounce
The #8 is the size of the shot.=.09" or 2.29mm. Shot sizes in birdshot start with BB,which stands for birdshot-buckshot and continue down in size through 1,2,3,4,5,6,7 1/2,8,9,and 12.I believe #8 is as light as you will get in commercial loads.Some handgun shotshells are loaded with #9 or #12.
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