Schrotpatronen

Schrotpatronen, often referred to as shotgun shells, are a type of ammunition used in shotguns. Unlike rifle or pistol cartridges that contain a single projectile, a schrotpatrone contains multiple small pellets, known as shot, or sometimes a single larger projectile called a slug. The shot is typically made of lead, but can also be composed of steel, bismuth, or tungsten, especially for waterfowl hunting where lead shot is restricted.

The primary components of a schrotpatrone include the hull, which is usually made of plastic and sometimes brass at the base, a primer that ignites the propellant, the propellant powder, and the wad. The wad serves multiple purposes: it separates the propellant from the shot, seals the bore of the shotgun barrel during firing to maximize gas pressure, and helps to contain the shot until it leaves the muzzle.

Schrotpatronen come in various gauges, with 12-gauge and 20-gauge being the most common. The gauge refers to a historical measurement related to the number of lead balls of a specific diameter that would weigh one pound. Smaller gauge numbers indicate a larger bore diameter. The size of the shot pellets also varies significantly, indicated by numbers like #7.5, #6, or #00 buckshot, with smaller numbers signifying larger pellets. These variations allow schrotpatronen to be tailored for different applications, including sport shooting, hunting, and self-defense.