7-1/2 vs 8 Shot

[Half Dog]

Some time age I measured some shot hoping to determine the number size of the shot. I wasn’t able to determine the difference between 7-1/2 and 8 shot due to tolerances but someone posted a method to tell them apart. I’m having trouble trying to find that post so I wanted to ask again how to determine the difference between the 2 shot sizes.

Thank you in advance for your time.

[HWooldridge]

Theoretically, 7-1/2 is .095 diameter and #8 is .090, but tolerances could certainly cause some blending. There is also a listing for 8-1/2 @ .085 on the chart but I have never seen it available. I just shoot either #6 or #7-1/2 and call it good.

[SOFMatchstaff]

If they're not mixed, just weigh about 10 or so of each, the heavier batch is the 7 1/2 size. If they are mixed, it will take a sieve to tell. The only benefit to 8's is a bit denser pattern .

[MarkP]

Simple method;

17 minus the shot size = Diameter in hundredths of an inch.

Example

#6 shot.... 17-6=11. Dia = 0.110"

[megasupermagnum]

All you need to do is measure enough of them, say 30, and average. #8 is supposed to average .090", and #7.5 .095". It is to be expected individual pellets can vary plus or minus .005" often enough. They should average out pretty close though.

There is a more accurate method, but it isn't needed.

[DDriller]

Simple method;

17 minus the shot size = Diameter in hundredths of an inch.

Example

#6 shot.... 17-6=11. Dia = 0.110"

After all these many years I did not that about shot sizes. Learned something today.

[Minerat]

I'd probably weight out one ounce of each and count the pellets in each batch. Compare that with a standard shot table.

[dverna]

It is not worth worrying about unless you intend to sell the shot.

[fecmech]

If you are buying bagged shot, depending on the brand it can sometimes be all over the place. Eagle shot in particular, generally runs small (about 1 size smaller than what's marked on the bag) .

[megasupermagnum]

I'd probably weight out one ounce of each and count the pellets in each batch. Compare that with a standard shot table.

This will not work.

[Half Dog]

I’m guessing that measuring the diameter is the way to go.

I believe I used 2 sizes that are too close as an example. I should have used 7-1/2 or 8 & 6 size shot. We cannot use shot size 6 shot shooting clays. Sorry about the confusion.

[megasupermagnum]

You should be able to tell #8 and #7.5 if you measure enough of them.

There is another method using water and a graduated cylinder, but that's just unnecessary if you ask me.

[Baltimoreed]

I have always loaded #9 in my 3/4-7/8 oz cas loads as that puts more pellets down range but the last 2 bags that I was able to score in a ftf deal are supposed to be 8 1/2 so there shouldn’t be much difference.

[Shawlerbrook]

Agree with dverna that the difference isn’t worth worrying about.

[Cap'n Morgan]

If you weigh a sample of ten pellets, the numbers will be as follows
(US Standard shot size - density 11.3 almost pure lead)

Weight of ten pellets:

#9 = 7.5 grains
#8.5 = 9.1grains
#8 = 10.9 grains
#7.5 = 12.8 grains
#6 = 19.9 grains
#5 = 24.7 grains
#4 = 32.7 grains
#2 = 50.4 grains

Just pick the closest number to your sample to find your approx. shot size.