A crisp autumn morning. The air, cool and carrying the scent of fallen leaves, invigorates your senses. You’re out in the field, shotgun at the ready, anticipating the explosive flush of a covey of quail or the thunderous rise of a ring-necked pheasant. The choice of ammunition in your shotgun – specifically, the bird shot you use – is crucial for success. But what do you truly know about the shells that power your hunt? In the world of bird hunting, one term often comes up: high brass bird shot. This article dives deep into the subject, exploring what it is, what it does, and how to select the perfect shells to match your hunting needs.
Let’s begin!
What is High Brass Bird Shot?
Bird shot is a type of shotgun ammunition designed to disperse a pattern of small pellets at a relatively short distance. Unlike a single projectile, like a slug, bird shot covers a wider area, increasing the likelihood of hitting a moving target. The term “bird shot” encompasses various shot sizes, from the tiny number nine shot used for small game to the larger number four shot used for larger birds. But what about the term “high brass”?
To understand “high brass bird shot,” you must first understand how a shotshell works. A shotshell is composed of several key components:
The Hull
This is the cylindrical outer casing of the shell, typically made of plastic. It holds all the other components together. At the base of the hull, you’ll find the brass or metal portion.
The Primer
This is a small, sensitive explosive cap located in the base of the hull. When struck by the firing pin of the shotgun, the primer ignites the propellant powder.
The Propellant (Powder)
The gunpowder that generates the force to propel the shot.
The Wad
A crucial component, the wad sits between the powder and the shot. It serves several purposes, including protecting the shot from being crushed by the force of the explosion, providing a gas seal to direct the expanding gases behind the shot, and ensuring the shot travels down the barrel in a uniform fashion.
The Shot (Pellets)
These are the individual pellets that are launched from the shotgun. Shot is typically made of lead, steel, bismuth, or other materials, and it comes in various sizes (from very small to relatively large) to suit different game types.
The Crimp
The closure at the top of the hull that keeps all the internal components secured within the shell.
Now, let’s focus on the “high brass” aspect. “High brass” refers to the height of the metal or brass base of the shotshell. It’s the metal portion that extends up the hull.
The distinction between “high brass” and “low brass” isn’t about the power of the load; rather, it is indicative of the shell’s construction and the intended application. Low brass shells typically have a shorter metal base and are generally designed for lighter loads and lower pressures. These may be well-suited for target shooting or practice rounds.
Features and Construction of High Brass Shells
The construction of high brass bird shot involves certain features that distinguish it from shells with lower brass.
The material used for the brass section itself is usually, as the name suggests, brass, but it can also be other durable metals. Brass offers several advantages:
Durability
It’s robust enough to withstand the pressures generated during the firing sequence, allowing the shell to function reliably even with heavier loads.
Resistance to Pressure
The metal base helps to resist expansion when the gases created by the burning powder are rapidly expanding inside the hull. This is essential for maintaining a proper seal.
Reliable Extraction
The robust base helps the extractor claw of the shotgun to grasp the shell securely for extraction after firing.
The hull material is almost always plastic, designed to withstand the forces involved in firing. The plastic can be a variety of polymers, all chosen for their durability and resistance to damage.
The crimp, located at the top of the shell, can vary slightly. High brass shells often utilize a slightly more robust crimp to ensure the heavier payload is securely held within. The crimp must also be effective at maintaining the structural integrity of the round.
One of the most important components is the wad. In high brass bird shot, wads are often designed for use with heavier loads. They’re frequently one-piece wads with features like a cushioning section and a shot cup or shot protector. These wads help protect the shot pellets from deformation as they travel down the barrel, improving the pattern and accuracy. They also protect the barrel itself from damage.
The primary purpose of the high brass design is to increase the durability of the shell and provide rigidity. This is particularly useful for:
Containing Higher Pressures
High brass shells are typically designed to handle higher pressure loads. This can be important for heavier payloads of shot or faster velocities.
Ensuring a Secure Seal
The sturdier construction helps to ensure a reliable seal between the hull and the chamber of the shotgun, which is critical for consistent performance.
Reliable Cycling
The robust construction promotes smooth and reliable ejection and loading, critical in any type of shooting, especially in hunting, where follow-up shots can be important.
Applications and Uses of High Brass Bird Shot
While the “high brass” designation is not specifically correlated to an application, the construction means they tend to be used in certain types of shooting.
While less common, high brass bird shot can be used in target shooting. This may be if a shooter prefers the more rugged construction for repeated use, if they are using a shell with a particularly heavy load, or if they’re shooting clay targets at longer distances.
The hunting applications, however, are where high brass bird shot truly shines.
For upland bird hunting, high brass bird shot is often a great choice. Hunters often pursue birds like pheasant, grouse, quail, and woodcock. The larger game and the sometimes challenging conditions of upland hunting require reliable ammunition. The shell’s construction aids in reliable ejection and loading, and the use of heavier loads increases the chance of a clean kill at moderate distances. The specific shot size will depend on the particular bird being hunted, with larger shot sizes often preferred for pheasant and smaller for quail.
Waterfowl hunting often means that hunters will prefer high brass bird shot. Hunters who are pursuing ducks, geese, and other waterfowl may prefer high brass bird shot due to the demands of waterfowl hunting. Waterfowl loads are often heavier than those used for upland birds, with greater shot weight needed to reach the longer distances. The sturdier construction of a high brass shell is especially beneficial when dealing with heavier shot charges and higher velocities, which lead to a higher pressure within the shell. These shells, often featuring steel or other non-toxic shot, are designed for long-range performance, delivering tight, consistent patterns.
Other hunting uses include a variety of birds, and any scenario in which a hunter requires a durable and reliable shell with heavy loads.
Defense and Other Potential Uses
Some individuals may choose high brass bird shot for home defense, though this is a complex topic. While bird shot is less likely to penetrate walls than a slug, the use of bird shot for defense is a matter of personal preference, and the legal implications can vary considerably depending on location.
Choosing the Right High Brass Bird Shot
Selecting the proper high brass bird shot requires careful consideration of several factors.
Shot Size Considerations
The shot size is a critical factor in determining the effectiveness of your ammunition. Shot sizes range from very small pellets (like number nine shot) to larger ones (like number four). The best shot size depends on the game you’re hunting and the anticipated distance.
- Number seven and a half shot and number eight shot are suitable for doves and quail.
- Number six shot is frequently used for pheasant and other upland birds.
- Number four and number two shot is favored by waterfowl hunters, offering the necessary knockdown power at longer ranges.
Shell Length and Gauge
Ensure you select a shotshell that matches the gauge and chamber length of your shotgun. For example, a gauge shotgun will take a gauge shell. Shell length, typically measured in inches, must also correspond. Using the wrong size can cause malfunctions or even cause injury.
Load Weight
The load weight, measured in ounces, refers to the amount of shot in the shell. Heavier loads deliver more pellets downrange, providing a denser pattern and more energy on impact. Heavier loads also result in more recoil.
Velocity
The velocity, expressed in feet per second (fps), refers to the speed at which the shot leaves the barrel. Higher velocities typically result in flatter trajectories and longer effective ranges.
Brand and Quality
Choose reputable brands known for producing reliable and consistent ammunition. Top-quality shells often feature more consistent patterns and are more reliable. Buying a well-known and trustworthy brand may be well worth the cost, as it may improve performance and reduce the possibility of malfunctions.
Safety Considerations
Always observe these safety precautions:
- Gun Safety Rules: Always treat every firearm as if it were loaded. Point the muzzle in a safe direction, keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot, and be certain of your target and what is beyond it.
- Understanding Gun Compatibility: Be sure that the ammunition you are using is designed for your gun and compatible with its chamber length.
- Storage and Handling Practices: Store ammunition in a cool, dry place, out of reach of children. Handle ammunition with care, avoiding dropping or damaging it.
- The Importance of Eye and Ear Protection: Always wear eye and ear protection when shooting a firearm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between high and low brass?
High brass refers to the height of the metal base of the shotshell. High brass is typically designed for higher pressures, offering greater durability and reliability. Low brass shells usually have a shorter base.
Is high brass always more powerful?
No. High brass shells are not necessarily more powerful than low brass shells. While they are often designed for heavier loads, the power of a shell depends on factors like shot weight, powder charge, and velocity.
Which shot size is best for [specific bird]?
The best shot size depends on the bird and the hunting conditions. Consult a shot size chart or consult a local expert.
Can I use high brass shells in my gun?
Yes, unless your gun is specifically designed for low-pressure rounds. Always make sure your ammunition is compatible with your shotgun’s gauge and chamber length.
Which brand is best?
The “best” brand depends on your personal preferences, budget, and the intended application. Research different brands and try out a few different options to see which ones perform best for you.
Conclusion
High brass bird shot plays an important role in the world of shotgun shooting. Understanding its features, benefits, and applications is key to selecting the right ammunition for your specific hunting needs. High brass shells often offer greater durability and are designed to handle heavier loads, making them a popular choice for upland bird and waterfowl hunting. Selecting the correct shell, shot size, and load weight is essential for achieving optimal performance. Keep safety as your primary consideration and always choose the correct ammunition for your gun.
Make informed choices, practice safe gun handling, and enjoy your time in the field.
