"Cut Shells"...Is This For Real?

[Marshall/Ak]

Re: this video:

http://www.2ndamendmenttv.com/videos/shotguns/lost-arts-pt-1.html


I think it's either not for real, or if it is real, then it's a dangerous practice.
Q: If it's for real, how does one explain how the shot, cup, and casing remnant manage to strike the target "head on" each time? You would think it would tumble...striking the target at random positions...

Marshall/Ak

 

[tvfinak]

"Ringed shells"

"Ringed shells"

This was orginally known as "ringing" the shells. Of course the shells were paper back then with cardboard and felt wads.

The American Rifleman magazine investigated this back some 50 or 60 years ago - I don't recall exactly when- it may have been longer. They actually ran some pressure test and found it worked surprisingly well with no apparent bad effects or excessive pressures. Of course the NRA still couldn't recommend the practice.

They did a similar test on shotguns with short chambers and found the guns patterned tighter with no excessive pressures. Lots of interesting stuff in those old magazines.

Re: this video:

http://www.2ndamendmenttv.com/videos/shotguns/lost-arts-pt-1.html


I think it's either not for real, or if it is real, then it's a dangerous practice.
Q: If it's for real, how does one explain how the shot, cup, and casing remnant manage to strike the target "head on" each time? You would think it would tumble...striking the target at random positions...

Marshall/Ak

 

[1Cor15:19]

I think it's either not for real, or if it is real, then it's a dangerous practice.
Q: If it's for real, how does one explain how the shot, cup, and casing remnant manage to strike the target "head on" each time? You would think it would tumble...striking the target at random positions...

Marshall/Ak

I grew up in the midst of many "rednecks" and my grandpa was among the most foolhardy of the bunch. He used "rung" shells as a kid and even later in life. I've shot many of them myself, but I can't recommend them. I do know that my great grandfather used one to kill a black bear at close range; while I was not there, family lore has it that it was quite effective.

 

[HUNTERKJL]

I have heard before of "the poor boy slug" and how to ring a shell, but this is the first time I've seen it. I don't think it is something I'd try, but is good to know in case a guy was out bird hunting with a pocket full of shot loads and needed an emergency slug or two.

 

[stevelyn]

I've seen it done several times. Guys I used to jack rabbit hunt with in my Army days did it to reach jacks out at longer ranges. It works pretty well.

Q: If it's for real, how does one explain how the shot, cup, and casing remnant manage to strike the target "head on" each time? You would think it would tumble...striking the target at random positions...

It works exactly like a rifled slug does because of the weight-forward position of the shot load in the wad. I think that it would actually be a bit more stable because of the squared off rear causing enough drag to keep everything tracking straight.

 

[Smitty of the North]

Veddy Interesting.

Veddy Interesting.

I'm not a shootgun handloader. I don't know anything about back pressure, not knowing I can find no reason to think it's unsafe.

I imagine that at some distance, the shot would begin to spread, assuming it didn't run out of steam first. ??????

They probably wouldn't function in an Auto or Pump, or other repeater, so are restricted to SS and DB guns.

Smitty of the North

 

[nbh40]

Hmmm, Taurus Judge with 3" #8 shells. Could be fun!!

 

[sayak]

I've ringed shells many times and carried them as "slugs". It is amazing what they will do to a piece of driftwood on the beach, and what they might do to a bear. No danger I could see in using them. I used them in my 870 w/o problems as well.

 

[Smitty of the North]

I've ringed shells many times and carried them as "slugs". It is amazing what they will do to a piece of driftwood on the beach, and what they might do to a bear. No danger I could see in using them. I used them in my 870 w/o problems as well.

I guess, I should have said "wad pressure".

In the video, it didn't look like he affected that.

I'm inclined to try it at my first opportunity.

Like has been said, I'm out huntin the Low Bush Moose with my shootgun, and I come accross a bear. "Hold on bear. I'll just load onna these Ringed Rounds, and I'm ready to make this a contest."

I already have some slugs for my 20 gauge, that I've carried just for that purpose. I even loaded one, one time when I seen bear track in the muddy trail.

Smitty of the North

 

[markopolo50]

In our game laws (Michigan) it has rules stating about the use or non use of cut shells but doesn't call them illegal. I didn't know what they were when I was a kid but a friend said the cut shells when he was in the service. He was on the Army skeet team and he said they were good out to 100 yards. It would have to be an emergency for me to try it.

 

[rbuck351]

The only part that would worry me would be if the cut part of the casing stayed somewhere in the barrel and blew the shot and wad out leaving an obstruction. Apparently it doesn't happen often but it sure looks like it could. I just load a 69cal round ball that I cast. They are really cheap and shoot pretty good.

 

[Smitty of the North]

The only part that would worry me would be if the cut part of the casing stayed somewhere in the barrel and blew the shot and wad out leaving an obstruction. Apparently it doesn't happen often but it sure looks like it could. I just load a 69cal round ball that I cast. They are really cheap and shoot pretty good.

OK, Thanks. I'll just check the barrel after each shot.

Smitty of the North

 

[HEMLOCK]

I can personally guarantee they will kill deer size animals. The only issue you have is the shot will be everywhere in the meat. Out to 75 yards they are surprisingly accurate considering what they are.