Ammo for # 6 Lead Shot: # 6 Lead Shot Explained: When it comes to weight, number of projectiles, and diameter of your bird shot, # 6 lead shot is just in the middle. This shot, as the name says, is for birds of all sizes, although it favors large game birds. The advantage of using larger shot is that more projectiles can be used on each trip into the field. Disadvantage is that it's harder to control where you're shooting when hunting small animals. 6 Shot means there are six balls or pellets in the shell. This is typical for commercial shells, but you can also find 7-shot and 8-shot shells for hunting purposes. Larger quantities of smaller shot provides better coverage for large areas. It's up to you whether this extra expense is worth it for home use. The term "ball" refers to the spherical projectile most commonly used by hunters to kill prey. A ball will usually have two types of nicks or marks on it: one for breaking the neck of the animal and another for separating meat from bone. A perfect ball should not have any other marks besides these two. You want to make sure they aren't too deep so the bullet doesn't break upon impact. Balls range in size from 1/4 oz. To 1 oz. Most shots for hunting large game come in sizes between 3/8 oz. And 1/2 oz.