For the first time ever, I experienced a shot bridge while loading 28 gauge target loads. I was using Hummason #8-1/2 shot, and it looked large to me, so I measured a dozen or so pellets, with the results being .090" to .095", which places it between #7-1/2, and #8 shot. The #9 shot measured around .08" which is what it should be. Has anyone noticed similar problems with shot not measuring what it should?
Hummason Shot Size
- Thread starter stubblejumper
- Start date
- Location
- Western Manitoba
If you go to ANSI/SAAMI Z299.2 -Shotshell - 2015 on page 37 they give their allowable tolerances. For Game size shot (not defined but usually #6 or larger) the tolerance is +/- .010". For Target size shot (not defined but usually #7 1/2 or smaller) the tolerance is .005". Shot size nominal diameter increment is .010". #8 1/2 shot is nominal diameter of .085", but could vary between .080" and .090" and still meet SAAMI standard as #8 1/2. A pellet that measures .085 could also correctly be found in a bag of #9 shot. A pellet that measures .090 could also be found in bag of 7 1/2 shot. Another way of looking at it for the larger "Game" sizes, a shot pellet that measures .120" is nominally a #5, but could be found in a load labelled #6 or #4 and still meet SAAMI standard.
digitalblue
CGN Regular
- Location
- GTA unfortunately
I've found that slight variation in shot sizes is fairly normal, regardless of brand. I've found quite a few pellets of what would be #6 in some #7.5 shot quite regularly. If you look into how lead shot is produced (hot lead fed through drippers for smaller shot sizes), it's not surprising.
As with the shot bridging, I also load 28ga and find you need to be a bit rough with the press. After pulling the handle, you need to be quite jerky with it, slamming it around to dislodge any shot in the drop tube. This is usually a problem with larger shot sizes (#4 in my experience), if you continue to have issues with smaller shot, try lubing the drop tube/funnel with some graphite powder.
As with the shot bridging, I also load 28ga and find you need to be a bit rough with the press. After pulling the handle, you need to be quite jerky with it, slamming it around to dislodge any shot in the drop tube. This is usually a problem with larger shot sizes (#4 in my experience), if you continue to have issues with smaller shot, try lubing the drop tube/funnel with some graphite powder.
