Pellet size deviation

HogDogs,

Although I really can't add any knowledge to Your Thread, since the other guys have already posted good info and knowledge... I've found out something since I've been "researching" (learning) more about Shot and ShotShells, recently.

As always, I've always figured that the cheaper stuff is lower grade, as is usually the case, and that's where UNuniformities are born, hence the lower price. And while the best way to get the most uniform ShotShell loads is to either Handload them or spend the extra cash for the Higher Grade, here's what I've learned.

Shot are made by pouring molten lead into a "pan" that has many holes of a particular size in it. Different size holes make different size shot. The molten lead is poured into/onto these "pans" and vibrated to help the lead "feed" through the holes. The small droplets of lead fall a short distance, X amount of feet, into cool water where they solidify. Like a drop of rain, they "Round themselves Out" as they fall, then harden in the cool water. I think they call this the "Shot Tower" method.

Although this doesn't add much to Your Thread, I found it quite interesting, as I've wondered how they were made.

And I, myself, use the cheaper Federal's and Winchester Low Brass loads for rabbits and squirrels. I'm sure they're inconsistent, but they sure put the small game down in a hurry!
 
CC - the shot tower that West Coast has in Carson City was a tad taller than a few feet - the further it falls, the more time it has to round itself out. Theirs is pumped up and forced through a sieve and then let to fall. Others don't use this method- it isn't as fast as other ways. As long as it is hard and round, it will outperform soft and oblong.
 
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