bird shot
Definition
Noun: - Small lead pellets for shotgun shells: "Bird shot" refers to small, spherical pellets of lead (or other materials like steel or bismuth) loaded into a shotgun shell. It is designed to spread upon firing, making it effective for hunting small game, particularly birds, and for sport shooting like clay target games.
Usage
- Primary Use: Used as the projectile ammunition in a shotgun for hunting or sport.
- The hunter loaded his shotgun with bird shot for the duck hunt.
- For shooting clays, number 8 bird shot is a common choice.
Advanced Usage
- Technical Specification: Often categorized by size number (e.g., #9, #8, #7.5, #6), where a larger number indicates smaller pellets. The choice depends on the target species and range.
- Heavier bird shot, like number 4, is better for larger birds such as pheasants.
Variants and Related Words
- Shot (n): The general term for the collective small pellets in a shotgun shell.
- Buckshot (n): Larger shot pellets designed for hunting bigger game like deer.
- Shell (n) / Shotgun shell (n): The complete cartridge containing the shot, powder, and primer.
Synonyms
- Small shot: A general synonym emphasizing pellet size.
- Game shot: Can be used in a similar hunting context, though it is less specific.
Related Phrases
- Pattern of shot: Refers to the spread of the pellets after firing.
- A tighter choke tube will produce a denser pattern of bird shot.
Noun
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small lead shot for shotgun shells
