Hagelpatroner

Hagelpatroner, often shortened to hagel, are a type of ammunition fired from shotguns. Instead of a single projectile, a hagelpatron contains a payload of smaller pellets, typically made of lead or steel. When fired, these pellets spread out from the shotgun's barrel, creating a cone of projectiles. This spreading effect makes shotguns effective for hunting game birds and small animals, as well as for self-defense and sport shooting disciplines like skeet and trap.

The size and number of pellets in a hagelpatron vary depending on its intended use. Smaller pellets, known as birdshot, are suitable for small game, while larger pellets, referred to as buckshot, are used for larger game or self-defense. The casing of a hagelpatron is usually made of plastic or paper, with a metal base containing the primer and propellant. The wad, a component within the casing, separates the propellant from the pellets and helps to control the spread of the shot. The term "hagelpatron" itself is of Swedish origin.