What is a shotgun shell that fires one single projectile called?

A slug.

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  1. A buckshot load
  2. A slug ✔
  3. A cartridge

Why: Shotguns usually fire a cloud of small pellets called shot. A slug is the exception, one solid projectile. Slugs are used for larger game and travel much farther than shot.

Huh, didn't know that: Shot pellets can be made of lead, steel, bismuth or tungsten.

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Why did the garden slug apply to hunter education? It heard there was a shell involved.
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References

Answer: A slug. Shotguns usually fire a cloud of small pellets called shot. A slug is the exception, one solid projectile. Slugs are used for larger game and travel much farther than shot.

  1. CT DEEP Hunter Safety Exam Answer Key portal.ct.gov/-/media/DEEP/hunting_trapping/pdf_files/Hunter_Safety_Manual/ExamAnswerKey.pdf?la=en
    A smoothbore shotgun may be loaded with a cartridge that has a single projectile known as a: a. slug
    Checked 2026-10-08.
  2. Massachusetts Hunter Education Lesson 2A Firearms Basics www.mass.gov/doc/lesson-2a-firearms-basics-0/download
    fires multiple projectiles (slug is the exception)
    Checked 2026-10-08.

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