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Anyone done a shell?

I've seen a few people on here talk about making a brush from a shotgun shell, but didn't find any followups or pictures. Has anyone done it, and how did it look/perform? I've been running numbers, and I think I could make a brush built on a solid brass 12 gauge shell for a fairly reasonable price. Is it worth persuing, or has it not worked out for those who have tried it?
 
Gauge
Bore diameter
(millimeters)

Bore diameter
(inches)

6

23.3

0.92

10

19.7

0.77

12

18.5

0.73

14

17.6

0.69

16

16.8

0.66

20

15.6

0.615
24​
14.7​
0.58​
28​
14.0​
0.55​
32​
13.4​
0.526​


i use the above chart..you might get away with 10gauge, 6 would be best.
 
Maybe:
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I was going to look at 3 options. A full brass shell, a modern plastic shell full length, and just the brass portion of a modern "high brass" shell. I don't have an 18mm knot, but have a 20. The 20 will not quite fit the brass portion of a 12 gauge shell even with the plastic liner removed.

I went ahead and took a test shot of a full length and a trimmed out 12 gauge with a 20mm knot on top of it. With an 18 you can get the general idea of how it would look. Any opinions on which would be better for you? The full length shell could be solid brass. I personally would lean toward that option but haven't found any solid brass 10 gauge shells yet.
$IMG_7128.jpg$IMG_7129.jpg
 
Last edited:
You're going to need some depth for adjusting the loft. I don't think you're going to want the glue cake to be flush with the handle edge.

Personally, I'd go for full-length brass. If not available in 10ga or 6ga, you might be able to extend the shell with some thin walled brass tubing.
 
I've been wanting to make one out a 12 gauge shell. I was going to put bb's in the shell with a slight amout of play then install a 18 mm fan Silvertip. I also have 2 18 mm brushes and am surprised with the good results.
 
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