WordNet
n. a shell containing lead shot; used in shotguns
Wikipedia
A shotgun shell is a self-contained cartridge typically loaded with multiple metallic " shot", which are small, generally spherical projectiles. A single, large projectile known as a shotgun slug can also be used, and numerous specialty rounds such as less-lethal rounds (e.g. beanbag rounds), flechette rounds, lead-dust rounds for door-breaching are also available. An old non-lethal shotgun load consisted of a shotgun shell loaded with rock salt, which could inflict very painful, but rarely deadly, wounds, and was therefore popular for scaring away trespassers.
Most shotgun shells are designed to be fired from a smoothbore barrel, but dedicated shotguns with rifled barrels may take a number of different rounds. A rifled barrel will increase the accuracy of slugs, but makes it unsuitable for firing shot, as it imparts a spin to the shot cup, causing a centrifugal force that makes the shot cluster disperse. Specialty shotgun ammunition includes non-lethal rounds available in the form of slugs made of low-density material, such as rubber.
Usage examples of "shotgun shell".
When it did, the combined push of Kelly's arm and the inertial mass of the body pushed the chamber backwards, jamming the primer on the fixed firing pin, and the shotgun shell went off, its crimped green-plastic face actually in contact with Junior's shirt.
Does he have any idea how hard it is to run a shotgun shell through NIBIN?
He had found only the one shotgun shell when he had discovered that he had somehow packed the shotgun with his books and plates and other possessions.
David had time to look down at the shotgun shell again and think about grabbing it.
He heard somebody crack the shotgun and a green-cased shotgun shell flipped out.
Audrey did a little hop step, and he heard her pump, and a shotgun shell bounced off the floor and he adjusted a hair to the right and pulled the trigger again.
Dean said, sliding a spare shotgun shell into his mouth for a fast reload.
Extracting a shotgun shell from a pocket in her ski jacket, Del spoke in a murmur that would not carry beyond the carousel: 'Here.