Rifleman Q&A: Dram Equivalent

Ammunition box Winchester Super Speed shotshells drams

Q. Looking at the variety of shotgun ammunition available at my local gun shop, I have noticed that some boxes list “dram equivalent” along with shot size and shell length. Can you explain the term’s significance? Do more drams mean better performance?


Peters Rustless High Velocity shotshell ammunition with printed data

A. More and more ammunition manufacturers are printing the actual velocity of various shotshell loads on the boxes. Still, though, many continue to print dram-equivalent data on ammunition boxes. When all shotshells were loaded with blackpowder, all were loaded with specific charges measured in drams. When smokeless powder first came on the scene, these powders were called “bulk” powders, since they were loaded bulk-for-bulk the same as blackpowder, which resulted in comparable velocities. Therefore, printing the dram equivalent on a box of smokeless-powder shotshells gave the buyer guidance as to its performance.

Nowadays, the actual velocity tells us much more. The accompanying table compares common dram-equivalents with actual velocities for all common gauges.

—John M. Taylor, Contributing Editor


This “Questions & Answers” was featured in the November 2005 issue of American Rifleman. At time of publication, "Questions & Answers" was compiled by Staff, Ballistics Editor William C. Davis, Jr., and Contributing Editors: David Andrews, Hugh C. Birnbaum, Bruce N. Canfield, O. Reid Coffield, Charles Q. Cutshaw, Charles M. Fagg, Angus Laidlaw, Evan P. Marshall, Charles E. Petty, Robert B. Pomeranz, O.D., Jon R. Sundra, Jim Supica, A.W.F. Taylerson, John M. Taylor and John W. Treakle.

To subscribe to the magazine, visit the NRA membership page and select American Rifleman as your member magazine.

Latest

Gotw 2020 Redline Cover
Gotw 2020 Redline Cover

Gun Of The Week: Springfield Armory Model 2020 Redline

Watch American Rifleman staff on the range in this week's video to learn about Springfield's modern bolt-action hunting rifle, the Model 2020 Redline.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 22, 2023

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Picking A Propellant For Your Handloads

Choosing the best propellant for the application is critical to optimal load performance. Here, we provide guidance on navigating the oceans of smokeless propellant options.

Shooter’s Choice Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Shooter's Choice is marking the milestone with fresh branding and product updates.

ATN Corp Awarded DoD Contact

The U.S. Dept. of Defense has selected ATN Corp. to fulfill a $25 million contract that will supply thermal- imaging systems to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.

I Have This Old Gun: Colt 1878 Double-Action Revolver

Despite its success in the single-action revolver market, Colt fell behind when double-action revolvers became popular in the late 1870s. The Colt 1878 was a robust, large-frame revolver that would carry the company into the 20th century.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.