Can someone explain how cut shells work...

[dustin]

Right... I've see the videos for this where they shoot a shotty and the pattern is X big.

They do a little corkscrew cut around 3/4 of the shell and shoot it and the pattern is half X.

Don't say what's going on though, just the result.

NFI how cutting the case changes the pattern?

[Noisydad]

At close range it makes an ordinary shotshell into a solid slug. Thats the purpose of cut shells. You cab tighten up patterns dramatically by pouring molten wax into the shot then crimping the shell.

[MeccaOz]

From what I was told, they used to use them before slugs were a big thing, and because during the depression they were more affordable than slugs. They were mainly deer loads, well thats my understanding

Thanks for telling us about the wax Noisydad ... hmmm I think I need a 12g now...

[tom604]

molten wax,,,,,i can see a burn in my future

[Timb0]

Well check this bloke out then. They are always shooting crazy things out of shotguns http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfbrP7ujerE

[Westy]

long Range shot gunning!!! LOL do people still do this???WoW

[Chronos]

firstly they shoot the top half of the shell along with the wad and shot so be careful about choke selection

i've played with them with a few mates on cut 28g trap loads and they seem fairly accurate. might be a good emergency ammo supply if you run out of slugs and still had some "work" to do

Chronos

[bigfellascott]

I've used them before, put big holes in things!

[dustin]

At close range it makes an ordinary shotshell into a solid slug. Thats the purpose of cut shells.

I get the purpose for the life of me I just cant see how it cutting it does anything.

You have a tube (the shell) of tiny ball bearings.

You cut a corkscrew in the tube.

The same tube is still full of the same tiny ball bears but they come out in a heaps tighter group.

Know what I mean? Or have I totally missed something?

[Noisydad]

The whole top half of the shell tears away and goes up the pipe (still containing the wad and shot). You'll need to be using cylinder choke as per solids.

[dustin]

Aaaah.

The top half of the shell going with it is what wasn't explained

Cheers Noisy.

[wimpb]

This video might have some useful info as well:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BlbiKUWkyI

Unfortunately the guy in the video didn't continue the series and he passed away last year I think.

[Gregg]

The old poor mans slugs