The 2 3/4 figure is probably something called a "drams equivalent" figure, meaning that the velocity of the shot load that would result in using 2 3/4 drams (a unit of weight) of black powder. This is an old fashioned velocity criteria and in being replaced by 1100 - 1150 feet per second in this case.

The 1 1/8 is the weight of the shot in ounces (in this case, size #8 shot).

The heavier loaded shell has the same shot weight, in this case 7.5 shot (slightly larger than #8 shot) and indicates a 3 dram equivalent shell with the shot traveling about 1200 feet per second at the muzzle.

For clay target shooting it is a good idea to reduce recoil as much as possible. The two most important things that can be done to reduce recoil is to use a lighter weight of shot and reduce its velocity, which the 2 3/4 dram equivalent load does.

The other possibility of the 2 3/4 is an indication of the length of the shell - 2.75 inches verses the other one at 3 inches. I do not believe that is what your figures indicate because one is called "light" and the other one, "heavy." There are both the more common 2 3/4" shells and 3" shells used for increased killing power and longer range, often with a heavier shot load.

The gun takes its name from the fact that usually causes a cartridge containing shot. These metal pads are of different sizes and can be used for several different purposes. Small fires should be used in birds and so on, while the biggest blow is the big game like deer.

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Thumbs up and Thanks.

[quote="Rollin Oswald"]Bore: hole in the barrel through which the shot passes, measured in thousandths of an inch. (12 gauge bores are from .025" to .045" or even larger.)

Incorrect. SAAMI standard for 12 gauge bore size is .729"

Thank you, deadapair. I corrected it. (And the "7" isn't even all that close to the "0", either.)

Here is a good link to some terms with good pics-
Thanks Boxall and Edminston (Uk)
http://www.boxallandedmiston.co.uk/shotgunanatomy/

Rollin on the list for gauge shouldn't there be a reference to the number of pure round lead balls the size of the gauge to make a pound.
you could have 1 ball 1lb or 20 smaller balls to make 1 pound

Jedd,

One lead ball would weigh a pound in a 1 gauge gun.

I have edited my comment. Strange that I didn't see the term cast before...

Scout,

2 3/4 Size of Shell 1 1/8 Oz of shot, #8 Size of Shot, Light shell

3" Size of Shell 1 1/8 Oz of Shot #7.5 Size of Shot, Heavy shell

Pine Creek/Dave
L.C. Smith Man