Shotgun shell question.

[Slimjim]

I picked up an interesting shell at the local shop, in a box of misc shotgun shells that were lying around. It is a blue herters brand 12 gauge shell, but it is entirely plastic, Even the crimp is a plastic disc. Does anyone know the exact name these shells were called? Id like to find some more.

 

[GRIZ22]

I remember all plastic shotshells about 25-30 years ago and I don't think Herter's was the only one. They worked well if I recall but the rim didn't hold up as well as brass for reloading (multiple uses). I don't think anyone makes them now.

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

Didn't those have a metal base that was molded inside the plastic?

 

[Regolith]

From what I understand they were specialty loads for wet conditions. Since there was no exposed metal, they wouldn't rust, and the hulls were designed to keep moisture out of the shell.

The only metal in them was a disc in the base that held the primer and gave the extractor something to hold onto.

Don't know what they are called. I've heard of high brass, low brass.....maybe these are called no-brass?

 

[byf43]

The old "Activ" shells were plastic only, EXCEPT for a metal liner inside the rim.

I haven't seen any of them in years.



??????? if they are still made.

 

[dfariswheel]

There was also the Wanda all plastic shell.
This one was ALL plastic, including the rim, and made of a colored transparent plastic.

I used to have a 20 gauge Wanda shell which was clear green. The 12 gauge was clear red.

The Texas manufacturer named the company after his wife, Wanda.

 

[Jorg Nysgerrig]

That's it, byf43! Activ was the brand I of which I was thinking. I don't think I've seen those for at least 15 years. I remember using them a long time ago and I dont' recall anything specific but it seems we always thought less of them than other offerengs.