For many centuries, the shotgun has been a reliable and widely used weapon for hunting and military applications. While the current shotgun shells are made of plastic, that wasn’t always the case. In this article, we will explore the different materials that have been used to make shotgun shells throughout history.
Early Shotgun Shells
In the earliest days of shotguns, shells were made of paper and filled with gunpowder, shot, and the wadding necessary to keep the shot in the shell. This type of shotgun shell was not very reliable and could easily become damaged or wet, leading to misfires and other issues. Copper shells were also used, but these were expensive and had to be hand-loaded for each shot.
The Introduction of Brass Shells
Brass shotgun shells were introduced in the mid-19th century and became the standard for many years. Brass was cheaper than copper and could be mass produced. This made brass shells much more reliable and widely available than the earlier paper and copper shells.
The Move to Steel Shells
In the early 20th century, steel shotgun shells were introduced. Steel was cheaper and more durable than brass, and it was easier to machine, so it could be mass-produced more efficiently. Steel shells also had a greater capacity for gunpowder, so they could be used for more powerful shots. Steel shells quickly became the standard for many shotgun users.
Plastic Shells
The first plastic shotgun shells were introduced in the 1960s. Plastic was cheaper and easier to manufacture than steel, and it was also lighter and more durable. Plastic shells quickly became the preferred choice for many shotgun users, and by the 1980s, plastic shells had become the standard for most shotguns.
Advantages of Plastic Shells
Plastic shotgun shells have several advantages over their predecessors. They are lightweight and easy to carry, they are more resistant to damage and corrosion, they are quieter when fired, and they are easier and cheaper to manufacture. Plastic shells are also easier to reload than brass or steel shells and are easier to store without damage.
Disadvantages of Plastic Shells
Plastic shotgun shells also have some disadvantages. They are more susceptible to temperature changes, which can cause them to expand or contract. They also have a lower capacity than brass or steel shells, which means they can’t be used for as powerful shots. Finally, plastic shells tend to be more expensive than brass or steel shells.
Conclusion
From paper to plastic, shotgun shells have come a long way in the last few centuries. Early shells were unreliable and had to be hand-loaded for each shot, while modern plastic shells are lightweight, durable, and easy to reload. While plastic shells remain the most popular choice for many shotgun users, there are still some who prefer the reliability and power of brass or steel shells.
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials were used to make shotgun shells before plastic?
Before plastic, shotgun shells were made of paper, copper, and steel.
Are steel shells more powerful than plastic shells?
Yes, steel shells have a greater capacity for gunpowder, so they can be used for more powerful shots than plastic shells.
Are plastic shells more durable than brass or steel shells?
Yes, plastic shells are more resistant to damage and corrosion than brass or steel.
How much more expensive are plastic shells than brass or steel shells?
Plastic shells tend to be more expensive than brass or steel shells.
What are the advantages of plastic shells?
The advantages of plastic shells include being lightweight and easy to carry, being more resistant to damage and corrosion, being quieter when fired, being easier and cheaper to manufacture, and being easier to reload.
What are the disadvantages of plastic shells?
The disadvantages of plastic shells include being more susceptible to temperature changes, having a lower capacity than brass or steel shells, and being more expensive than brass or steel shells.
Are steel shells still available?
Yes, steel shells are still available, although they are not as popular as plastic shells.
What are the benefits of using steel shells?
The benefits of using steel shells include having a greater capacity for gunpowder, being more durable and reliable, and being easier to machine and mass produce.
What are the benefits of using brass shells?
The benefits of using brass shells include being more reliable and widely available than paper or copper shells, and having a greater capacity for gunpowder than paper shells.
How long have plastic shells been around?
Plastic shotgun shells were introduced in the 1960s and quickly became the preferred choice for many shotgun users.
What was used before paper shotgun shells?
Before paper shotgun shells, copper shells were used, but these were expensive and had to be hand-loaded for each shot.
Are plastic shells quieter when fired than brass or steel shells?
Yes, plastic shells are quieter when fired than brass or steel shells.
How are plastic shells more resistant to damage and corrosion?
Plastic shells are more resistant to damage and corrosion than brass or steel because they are made of plastic, which is a tougher material than brass or steel.
What are the advantages of using paper shotgun shells?
The advantages of using paper shotgun shells include being cheaper and easier to manufacture than brass or steel shells, and having a greater capacity for gunpowder than copper shells.
Are plastic shells easier to store without damage?
Yes, plastic shells are easier to store without damage than brass or steel shells.
Can brass shells be mass produced?
Yes, brass shells can be mass produced, but they are more expensive and not as efficient as steel or plastic shells.