Pattern Shotgun

[Contenderizer]

I'm getting ready to pattern a couple of shotguns and my first problem is determining the number of pellets in the shells. I don't reload shotshells anymore, so I plan to use factory ammo.

I though about poking a few holes in the base of the hull, just above the brass, then soaking the shell in water. The shell should then be safe to take apart so I can count the pellets.

Is there a better/safer means?

[Jack]

You don't need to worry about detonating the powder in a shotgun shell with a knife.
Cut the front half of the shell open- where the shot is, pour out the shot and count the pellets.
Or cut the crimped end of the shell off.

[Mr. 16 gauge]

Why bother cutting open the shell at all? Seems like a waste to me....esp. with the price of ammo skyrocketing lately!
Why not use a pellet count table:

http://www.shotgunworld.com/amm.html#Shot%20Size

[skeet]

Originally posted by Mr. 16 gauge
Why bother cutting open the shell at all? Seems like a waste to me....esp. with the price of ammo skyrocketing lately!
Why not use a pellet count table:

http://www.shotgunworld.com/amm.html#Shot%20Size

What Mr 16 gauge says. You will be within the few pellets that you would be if you counted..every shell is a little bit different than the others.

[Contenderizer]

Thanks Guys, I was aware of pellet count tables, but as Skeet alluded, it will only get you close. But, perhaps close enough.

[skeet]

Was by using the tables you would be no farther off than you would be with the difference in the number of pellets from shell to shell. They REALLY aren't all the same. Counting pellets really gets old..so does counting holes in the target.

[fabsroman]

This has been covered pretty well, and like Skeet said, even if you were to count all the pellets in a single shell, what makes you think every shell within that box has the exact number of pellets in it? The odds of 25 shells loaded with #8's or 7 1/2's with the exact same number of pellets in all of them is like the odds of winning the lottery. Now, buckshot, the odds would be a lot better.