Shotgun shells, also known as shotshells, are those cartridges that can be fired from shotguns (long guns with smooth barrels). A single shot disperses multiple small shot pellets - in contrast to the rifle cartridge, which is fired from rifled barrels and where only one bullet is precisely and with significantly higher energy delivered to the target.
The shotgun shell contains the projectile (bullet) in the case of so-called shotgun slugs or the shot load (shot pellets), the shot cup for volume compensation in the cartridge, the propellant charge, and the primer charge.
As mentioned above, when firing such a cartridge, many individual shot pellets are dispersed. This type of load is used in Germany only on small and light targets (small game) and generally has an effective range of max. 30-50m. However, caution: The danger area can be much larger! The rule of thumb is: shot pellet diameter x 100m.
The costs for shotgun shells vary greatly depending on caliber and type of shot. Typically, the cartridges are sold in pack sizes of 25 pieces. Common lead shot cartridges usually cost between 5-15€ for a pack of 25. For steel shot, which is increasingly used after a widespread lead shot ban in some federal states, you have to pay a bit more. The probably most expensive shot variant is bismuth shot. For this type of shot, you can expect to pay 50-75 euros for a pack of 25.
Shotgun shells can be purchased by anyone who has a valid acquisition permit (hunting license for hunters, firearms ownership card for sport shooters).
Shotgun shells can be purchased either from the gunsmith / weapon dealer of your choice. Many hunters also buy their ammunition at their local Frankonia branch. But you can also buy ammunition of all kinds online. On Gunfinder.de, you can quickly find the right ammunition for your shotgun and type of hunting thanks to intelligent filters and great offers.
In cartridges for shotguns, the shot size / granulation is indicated by the diameter of the individual shot pellet in a shot cartridge. Instead of directly stating the diameter in mm, numbers are given, whereby - at least according to German understanding - the principles apply: "The larger the number, the smaller the granulation." & "Between two sizes, the diameter changes by about 0.25mm."
Since there is a large variance internationally regarding the designation of shot sizes and due to the same designation of different sizes in different countries, here a table is attached that should help to gain an overview of the country-specific designations of shot sizes.
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