Dealing with shotguns, what does the "6 shot," "4 shot," etc. mean?

Answer 1

iuud2noi is partially correct, and partially dangerously WRONG! Shot size, in diameter, is smaller the larger the number. No. 6 shot is smaller than No 4 shot. It is also lighter, and does not pack as much kinetic energy as the larger size. Thus the reason "00" is used for large game. It packs more knock-down energy.
But shell SIZE, as stated in "gauge", corresponds to the diameter of the gun barrel in which it is to be used. One should NEVER attempt to fire a smaller gauge shell say 20 gauge) in a larger gauge ( 12) barrel, contrary to iiood2no's statement. A smaller shell can fall into a larger barrel, then if the right shell is inserted and fired, the smaller shell will virtually explode the gun in your face!
Gauge size begins with 8 ( the largest) and proceeds to 10, 12, 16, 20, 28 and .410, the smallest. The latter differs in denomination from the others and though referred to as "gauge" is the same as "caliber" in rifle and handgun sizes ( .410 of an inch). Indeed, some early handguns used .410 ammo, and the shotshell could be used effectively in it!
But that's more than you wanted to know, isn't it?

Answer 2

Number 6 Shot

Answer 3

The lower the number, the larger the pellet size of the shot. I guess it's that way because of the way the bore size is measured - 12 ga larger than a 20 ga larger than a 28 ga.

Answer 4

Certain size shot is used for individual animals depending on what animal you are hunting.* The higher the number shot the smaller around they are, for example # 8 shot used in target shooting.* # 4 shot for rabbits, # 00 buck shot for Deer.

Answer 5

it means the size of the pellets in the shell. the lower the number the larger the pellet

Answer 6

Jaws is correct. The number indicates the size (not the amount) of the pellets in the shell. "00" is the largest and used mainly for larger animals such as dear, small bears and boars.

A Shotgun is normally named after the size shell it shoots. Such as a ten Gage or 20 Gage etc. These guns can shoot shells that are smaller but not larger than their Gage

Answer 7

thats the size or the pellets

Answer 8

Check out this article:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lead_shot