Shot pattern control wad structure for shotshell

Abstract

A shot pattern control wad structure for use in a cartridge for shotgun wherein the cartridge includes a case having a tubular outer wall and a wad structure located in the case between gunpowder and a charge of pellets. The wad structure of the present invention is a two-piece structure and includes a base wad having a tubular cylindrical body open at a forward end thereof and has a closed rearward end that faces adjacent to the gun powder. The second portion of the wad structure is a shot container having a tubular cylindrical body with open rear and front ends and contains the charge of pellets and is dimensioned to be slidably received within the base wad. The open front end of the sot container has an annular inwardly restricting extrusion passage for extruded passage of the charge of pellets therethrough and the open rear end of the shot container is preferably provided with longitudinal slits. An interlocking retainer is provided between the base wad the shot container for preventing relative axial movement therebetween in either axial direction.

1 . A shot pattern control wad structure for use in a cartridge for a shotgun, said cartridge including a case having a tubular outer wall, said wad structure located in said case between gunpowder and a charge of pellets, said wad structure comprising: 
 a base wad having a tubular cylindrical body open at a forward end thereof and having a closed rearward end face adjacent to the gunpowder, said cylindrical body having slits longitudinally extending from said open forward end; and    a shot container having a tubular cylindrical body with open rear and front ends for containing the charge of pellets and dimensioned to be slidably received within said base wad, said open front end having an annular inwardly restricting extrusion passage for extruded passage of said charge of pellets therethrough; and    interlocking retainer means between said base wad and said shot container for preventing relative axial movement therebetween in either axial direction.    
   
   
       2 . The shot pattern control wad structure of  claim 1 , said interlocking retainer means comprised of an annular radially protruding band on one of said base wad and said shot container received with a snug fit in a corresponding annular groove in the other of said base wad and said shot container.  
   
   
       3 . The shot pattern control wad structure of  claim 2 , including an annular groove in said base wad receiving the open annular rear end of said shot container therein.