Shotgun ammo nomenclature

I've go some old paper shells i found in a canvas bag.



I figure HV might be high velocity, but what are the 3-3/4, 1-1/4, and 7-1/2 representing? They're just under 2-1/2" inches long, so 2-3/4" when opened?

thanks.

 

7 1/2 should be shot size. So that’s target or bird shot.
1 1/4 is the amount of shot included by weight. looks like a 2 3/4” shell for a 12ga. Not positive what the 3 3/4 is for. Would have to Google About it.

 

Google says the 3 3/4 is the dram equivalent for the powder load

 

That high brass is hard to find these days.

 

Thank you sir.

bottom says peters H.V. 12 made in usa

 

That’s correct. A dram is an old black powder measurement. When they went smokeless, giving that number helped shooters know potential velocity/power. Many have dropped using that terminology now, some still do.

 

It seems like 3-3/4 dram is a fairly rowdy load?

at least rowdier than whats generally used for shooting clays.

anyone used those hollowpoint rounds?


Optimal loading pattern for home defense:
slug, bird, buck...
Salt, slug, bird...
Slug, slug, slug...

a whole bunch of those aguilla minishells?

whatcha think?

 

I think using salt for home defense will either get you put in jail or killed. A slug will be lethal if you hit your intended target, but may over penetrate and injure someone else, getting you in trouble and possibly jail. Buck shot in larger sizes has some over penetration issues too. For me, small buck shot is an option, but large bird shot is my preference, BBB - 2 shot. At home defense ranges big bird shot is lethal with a much reduced risk of over penetration. You still have to aim to hit your target as the shot is not very spread out. So large bird shot, that’s my home defense choice. The mini shells often have feeding issues, so are out for me for home defense, otherwise they can be fun. That’s what I think anyway.