Can a shotgun shell be opened without exploding?

Question

I have always wanted to dismantle one but I am afraid. I figure if I used a steel saw on the edge of the shell to open the plastic and then drop the pellets, but am afraid the friction would ignite the powder.

Answer 1

jlust cut the platic with sisiors

no way it should explode

but if you really wanna use a saw just cut bit by it at a time insted of one clean sliice

Answer 2

yes they can but you can buy all the stuff at gander mountain.  Ill save you time.  they have a shell, primer, gun powder, a wad, and then shot.

dont hit the primer.

Answer 3

You don't appear knowledgable enough about ammunition to be cutting open shotgun shells.  You have internet access.  Search for how shotgun shells are made.  Then you will know what to cut with, and what you'll find inside.  The primer and propellant are both explosive and should be treated with great respect.  Let us know how many fingers you have when you're done.  :-)

Answer 4

I've cut one open with a knife... This was when I got my first shotgun. I wanted to see what it was like inside.

Answer 5

You can safely use a pocket knife to pry open the front of the shell to release the shot pellets. I've done it to a whole box of shells once. Do not mess with anything else in the shell.

Once done, you can push the little flaps back into position for blanks (as I did), or theoretically load something new into them. I wouldn't do this second one, though. Both because it could be harmful to your barrel (if it's harder than lead), and dangerous if it's heavier than what the load was designed for. Obviously, if you used it for defense with a hand-loaded shot, it would look pretty bad as well.

I did it for a new year's celebration so we could shoot off our pump shotguns at midnight without fear of gravity (not that pellets would be especially dangerous anyway).

Answer 6

Sure, no problem.  Just take a sharp knife and cut off the end and dump out the pellets.  Then take a pointed stick and pull out the plastic wad.  At this point you can dump the powder out.  The powder is not all that sensitive and as long as you are using a wooden stick or a plastic stick to remove the plastic wad, you won't be making any sparks.  I don't now why you would want to dismantle a shotgun shell but that is how to do it.  Be careful.

Answer 7

If you don't know what you are doing, DON'T do it, as YOU & maybe someone else might get hurt.

Answer 8

Can you do it...yes. Should you do it...No.

Powder's at the bottom by the brass, cut the top off where it's folded up and dump out the shot.



Be advised, the percussion cap is still live after you remove the powder.