When Were Plastic Shotgun Shells Invented?
Shotgun shells have been around for over a century, and they have undergone significant changes in terms of materials and design over the years. One of the most significant developments in shotgun shells was the transition from metal to plastic. In this article, we will explore when plastic shotgun shells were invented and how they have impacted the world of shooting.
Early Shotgun Shells
The first shotgun shells were made of paper or cloth and were filled with gunpowder and pellets. These early shells were prone to moisture and would often deteriorate quickly, making them unreliable for hunting and other shooting applications. In the late 19th century, metal shotgun shells were introduced, which were more durable and reliable than their paper counterparts.
Metal Shotgun Shells
Metal shotgun shells were made of brass or steel and were filled with gunpowder and pellets. They were more durable than paper shells and were widely used for hunting and target shooting. However, metal shells had some drawbacks, including:
• Heavy: Metal shells were heavier than plastic shells, which made them more difficult to handle and load.
• Corrosive: Metal shells could corrode over time, which could affect their performance and reliability.
• Expensive: Metal shells were more expensive than plastic shells, which made them less accessible to some shooters.
The Birth of Plastic Shotgun Shells
In the 1950s and 1960s, plastic shotgun shells began to emerge as a viable alternative to metal shells. The first plastic shotgun shells were made of a type of plastic called polyethylene, which was lightweight, durable, and resistant to corrosion.
The First Plastic Shotgun Shells
The first plastic shotgun shells were introduced by the Federal Cartridge Company in the early 1960s. These early plastic shells were made of a proprietary plastic material that was designed to be more durable and reliable than metal shells.
Advantages of Plastic Shotgun Shells
Plastic shotgun shells have several advantages over metal shells, including:
• Lightweight: Plastic shells are significantly lighter than metal shells, which makes them easier to handle and load.
• Durable: Plastic shells are more resistant to corrosion and wear than metal shells, which makes them more reliable and longer-lasting.
• Affordable: Plastic shells are generally less expensive than metal shells, which makes them more accessible to shooters.
• Consistent Performance: Plastic shells are designed to provide consistent performance, which is critical for hunting and target shooting.
Modern Plastic Shotgun Shells
Today, plastic shotgun shells are made from a variety of materials, including polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyester. These modern plastic shells are designed to provide even better performance and reliability than their predecessors.
Table: Comparison of Metal and Plastic Shotgun Shells
| Metal Shells | Plastic Shells | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Heavy | Lightweight |
| Durability | Prone to corrosion | Resistant to corrosion |
| Cost | Expensive | Affordable |
| Performance | Inconsistent | Consistent |
| Reliability | Unreliable | Reliable |
Conclusion
Plastic shotgun shells have come a long way since their introduction in the 1960s. They have become a popular choice among shooters due to their lightweight, durable, and affordable design. While metal shotgun shells are still widely used, plastic shells have become the preferred choice for many shooters. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a target shooter, plastic shotgun shells are definitely worth considering.
References
- Federal Cartridge Company. (n.d.). History of Shotgun Shells. Retrieved from https://www.federalpremium.com/history-of-shotgun-shells/
- Outdoor Life. (n.d.). The Evolution of Shotgun Shells. Retrieved from https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/guns/evolution-shotgun-shells
- Gun Digest. (n.d.). Shotgun Shells: A Brief History. Retrieved from https://www.gundigest.com/guns/shotgun-shells-brief-history
