Split Shot Size Guide
The most important thing to remember about split shot is: size names do not guarantee the shot will be a specific weight or diameter. Size names provide no more than a relative scale that is specific to that manufacturer. Always verify the weight with the manufacturer to know what you will actually receive. Some companies don't list the actual weight on packaging, don't purchase these if exact weight is important.
The size names for split shot originated from the shot size names for actual shot (for projectile weapons). Originally split shot was no more than shot for guns with a split in it. Another point of complication is that the USA and UK sizes are not the same (in addition to in-country differences). They still go in the same relative order, but for example, a USA size B is similar but not the same as UK size B.
| #4 | Smallest |
| #3 | |
| #2 | |
| #1 | |
| B | |
| BB | |
| BBB | Largest |
The following table is an example of shot sizes you might see in a modern-day UK variety pack. Note that while it maintains the same shot size names from firearms, it is not the same standard as the US or even necessarily the same weight as the UK standard for shotguns.
| #8 | Smallest |
| #6 | |
| #4 | |
| #2 | |
| BB | |
| AAA | |
| SSG | Largest |
Additionally, several USA-based manufacturers use the following relative scale instead. Once again, exact weights and sizes vary between companies, so it provides no extra clarity. Note that this scale does not maintain the same naming conventions as traditional shot sizes either.
| B | Smallest |
| BB | |
| 3/0 | |
| #7 | |
| #5 | |
| #4 | |
| #3 | |
| #2 | Largest |
Further Complications
The addition of tabs / wings to removable / reusable split shot changes the shape of the shot. The naming conventions for such shot can end up:
- Using the same base size name from normal shot but now the shot is heavier
- Choose a name based on the same weight and now the main sphere is a different size
- Re-use same size names for a new scale that doesn't match in weight or diameter
Additionally, instead of choosing new size names for non-lead based shot, the same relative naming convention is re-used. This has all the same issues as removable split shot mentioned above as the densities of the split shot are different.