Subject: 20 Gauge Shells
20 Gauge Shells
 RE: 20 Gauge Shells
RE: 20 Gauge Shells
RE: 20 Gauge Shells
| Subject: 20 Gauge Shells |
Date: 02-03-2006 |
| Author: peewee |
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Gentlemen: I was wondering if anyone can tell me why 20 guage shotgun shells are yellow. I know there is a safety issue with mixing 12 gauge and 20 gauge shells up and I have seen 12/10/28 gauge in all colours of the rainbow but 20 gauge always seems to be yellow. The only exception to this is I have recently received a large amount of old shotgun ammo and ther is a box of Imperial 20 gauge that is orange in colour. Any information or comments that can be shed on this subject would be greatly appreciated. Regards Bill 
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| Subject: RE: 20 Gauge Shells |
Date: 02-03-2006 |
| Author: BobK |
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Yeah, that was the reason. The 20 could be put in a 12, and would slip down into the forcing cone and hang up there. Then, the shooter, glancing in the "empty" chamber, would think he forgot to load it, and slip in a 12 ga. shell, and the gun would explode when fired.
There were enough instances of this that the manufacturers (or SAAMI) decided to make 20-ga. shells yellow. They were formerly the same colors as their 12 and other gauge shells.
Incidentally, a 28 ga. shell will do the same thing if slipped into a 20-ga. chamber. There are other dangerous combinations as well. But apparently it is not a common occurrence for people to do this.
BobK
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| Subject: RE: 20 Gauge Shells |
Date: 02-04-2006 |
| Author: peewee |
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BobK: Thanks for the information. It seemed logical (to me anyway) that the industry would make the change to a standard colour when you consider the safety issue with the 12 gauge. Do you know when the change was made? Bill
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| Subject: RE: 20 Gauge Shells |
Date: 02-04-2006 |
| Author: BobK |
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After much "ragging" by gun writers, it took place by one of the manufacturers, I think in the late '60s. Soon after, all followed suit.
Now, it's unusual to find 20 gauge shells that are NOT yellow.
But there are still combinations of gauges out there that aren't safe. All you have to do is segregate your shells and know what gun you are going to shoot. Leaving unused shells in pockets of shooting vests, jackets, game-bags, etc. is not too smart and just asking for an accident!
BobK
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