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General Discussion => General Forum => Topic started by: 2eagles on January 31, 2020, 08:11:58 PM

Title: Understanding shot numbers
Post by: 2eagles on January 31, 2020, 08:11:58 PM
Just looking at size 7 right now mostly because I can't use 9's in Iowa.
Federal tss @ 18g/cc
Federal Heavyweight @ 15g/cc
Kent TK7 @ 15g/cc
lead @ 11g/cc
Am I thinking right that in equal weights, let's say a 2 oz load. It doesn't take as many pellets of tss as it does to equal 2 oz of Heavyweight or TK7 because tss is heavier? And it takes even more lead pellets to make a 2 oz load? Then same weight load the lead should put more holes in the target than tss? So at a range where lead has the required energy to kill, why isn't it the best choice. Let's say shooting a maximum of 35 yards.
I'm comparing 5 pounds of baseballs and 5 pounds of ping pong balls. There's a lot more ping pong balls. So is a shotgun shell the same principle?
I'm setting up a 20 gauge for this year and trying to find my best load. Thanks!
Title: Re: Understanding shot numbers
Post by: Chad on January 31, 2020, 09:10:55 PM
Federal Heavyweight #7 @ 15g/cc = 219 pellets/oz
TSS #7 18g/cc = 185 pellets/oz

Under 35 yards with a clean shot, lead would be perfectly fine in my mind.
Title: Re: Understanding shot numbers
Post by: owlhoot on February 01, 2020, 01:55:10 PM
Quote from: 2eagles on January 31, 2020, 08:11:58 PM
Just looking at size 7 right now mostly because I can't use 9's in Iowa.
Federal tss @ 18g/cc
Federal Heavyweight @ 15g/cc
Kent TK7 @ 15g/cc
lead @ 11g/cc
Am I thinking right that in equal weights, let's say a 2 oz load. It doesn't take as many pellets of tss as it does to equal 2 oz of Heavyweight or TK7 because tss is heavier? And it takes even more lead pellets to make a 2 oz load? Then same weight load the lead should put more holes in the target than tss? So at a range where lead has the required energy to kill, why isn't it the best choice. Let's say shooting a maximum of 35 yards.
I'm comparing 5 pounds of baseballs and 5 pounds of ping pong balls. There's a lot more ping pong balls. So is a shotgun shell the same principle?
I'm setting up a 20 gauge for this year and trying to find my best load. Thanks!
Yes on the pellet count. You might compare 1 1/4- 1 1/2 oz counts for a 20 gauge depending on the shells.
More holes in the target? Well that depends on the pattern, where those holes are at.
Check your gun, choke, load combo at 35 -40 and see.
Title: Re: Understanding shot numbers
Post by: Upfold99 on February 01, 2020, 02:10:37 PM
I may speak out of turn, so correct me if im wrong.

You are correct on pellet count, less weight would mean more pellets in shell, to equal same ounce of shot. This is why you see tss loads using smaller pellets. They can increase the count with the smaller shot and equal the oz of shot. However, the smaller pellets are more dense than lead, which allows for better penetration. So you would actually be comparing marbles (tss) to ping pong balls (lead).

Hope thats correct and makes since. It does to me anyways...
Title: Re: Understanding shot numbers
Post by: Gooserbat on February 01, 2020, 03:27:18 PM
Holes in papper look good but the energy that is delivered by tungsten shot is the beauty of it all.  I've killed several with 15g/cc #7 and it's wicked stuff.  18g/cc can only be better.