Shotguns and their Shell Types and Manufacturing

[Widigo]

Hello,

I am reading up on shotgun shell types and manufacturing. Everything from non-lethal Rock Salt all the way to newer refiling barrels. It's not an area where I have a lot of knowledge, and that bothers me. I am interested in any suggested sources and links you may have. Of course I am always interested in discussion, but I don't expect to be spoon fed. I'm just curious as to any books you guys may have read on the subject and found helpful. I'm interested especially in the less heard of shell types. I am interested in stretching the Shotgun as a concept to the max. The more versatile it can be the better. Also, what would you guys suggest I read as a new shopper. Looking for a beginner shotgun. I don't think it's something you can really work your way into, but if there is something a little lightweight you guys think helped you to become familiar with the weapon I would appreciate hearing about it.

Thank you.

[crazy white guy]

Are you looking to build or buy?

A black powder shotgun is legal in many places and easy to build. Stainless steel seamless tube is stronger than you'll ever need and it comes in the exact size of a shot shell. You could make your own from copper tube, washers and percussion caps to make a firearm that uses easy-to-load cartridges but still gets many of the legal benefits of black powder. If you don't mind spending time at this, you can form copper cartridges over a mandrill to create very professional cases. All that is needed for very professional cases for bolt action or pen gun type arms is a drill press, a propane torch and the appropriate bits. The mandrill can be improvised but its easier to use a lathed piece.

There are torrents of the books written by Bill Holmes and certain Ragnar Benson titles about primaries might prove useful.

Home Made Guns and Home Made Ammo by Ronald B. Brown (exactly what your looking for)

[Widigo]

Thanks man.

[FerretBone]

Here is what your common shell looks like.


TheGunSource: 12 Gauge Shotgun Shells


Every company in America that produced shotgun shells and their types.
Shotgun

Shot shell frag… pretty cool idea.
http://www.defensereview.com/1_31_2004/FRAG%2012.pdf

Taser rounds fired from a shotgun
Mossberg / Taser X12 Shotgun | The Firearm Blog

There are hundreds of sites like the above with all kinds of crazy shotgun rounds.
But here is one with shell you can afford.
DeltaForce.com



If you are looking for an all in one shotgun , go with a non rifled barrel with an open or improved choke. For greatest versatility avoid a fixed full chok. As for barrel length, 18-22" barrels are ideal. Shorter barrels are easier to handle, in close-quarters or indoors. Longer barrels provide a longer sight radius and greater accuracy at a distance. Unrifled shotgun barrels are easy to shorten, and any competent professional or amateur gunsmith can do it.
Many makes and models offer quality shotguns, the most popular 12g pump shotgun the US is the Remington 870. It is durable and field proven, and there are literally millions in circulation, with little changes over the years. So it’s availability of spare parts and gunsmith services, and a large selection of aftermarket parts and accessories.
Shotguns that fit the above description are usually the lowest priced, like the Remington 870. I bought my Remington Model 870 Express with a Synthetic stock, an 18" barrel, with a 6 round mag Capacity for $299 brand new.

[Draven]

A shotty is one of the most versital guns on the market and what you need to get depends on what your using it for. I don't know if they are around but pheonixfire inc, had a great deal of shotgun rounds including a flame thrower round that blaster an ignited magnesium powder 30ft that would basicly set shit on fire. It was fun to play with, they also had the infamous Black Rhino armor piercing slugs for a 12 gauge.

If your not used to any rifles or shotguns I'd start with a 410 or 20 gauge to get use to the recoil & move up to a 12 gauge.