12Ga. QUESTION

[Rudi]

When did the US military stop using full length brass shotgun hulls? I believe paper hulls were introduced for sporting use in the 1920s. Thanks.

 

[Drm50]

Plastic was as durable and waterproof as Brass and much cheaper. In theory anyway. Govt probably paid more.

 

[pasound]

The Army first issued paper hull 00-buck in WWI, but the hulls absorbed water and would not chamber. Brass cases were issued instead. After WWII, shotgun hulls remained brass. Plastic hulls were issued during Vietnam, designated the M-162. At first, these were the same red hulls as civilian loads, and later were changed to O.D. green.

 

[Tom Kent]

I recall seeing mostly brass shotgun shells in Viet Nam in '66-"67.

 

[DWalt]

At one time, Remington made their "Arrow" brand paper-cased shotshells for sale to duck and goose hunters. They had a lacquer coating which was supposed to be waterproof. Easily spotted because they are so shiny. Waterfowl hunters had the same paper case swelling problems as soldiers operating in wet conditions. I have a few of the old military brass 12 Ga shotshell cases somewhere. Keep in mind that plastic shotshell cases weren't mainstream until around the mid- to late-1960s, so it's very possible that brass cases were still being used by the military during the Vietnam war. I have a few of the 5-round boxes of more recent military 00 Buck loads made by Winchester, those have red plastic cases and high brass bases.

 

[Nevada Ed]

Early shotgun shells were made of wound paper and many of the Trap shooters
in the 70's to the late 90's used the soft paper, "Plumb red" Federal Gold Medal hull, that was famous for its soft recoil and GREAT patterns, that won
a lot of meets.
Today they are mostly all plastic with paper base or the new "Uni " one piece, hull.

I remember the Paper wad loads of old, that looked like confetti raining down, after the shot.

Memories..........

 

[DWalt]

I have read that paper shotshell cases are still sold and used in very cold climate countries because plastic cases will get brittle and crack easily.