For Feltwad and the Brits!

[Historian]

Something I've wondered for years, but have never asked:
Anyone know why we use B, BB, BBB, T, TT, and F for the sizes between 1 and 4 buck? They have to be called something obviously, but why letters instead of 0,00, 000 etc. or letters in order, A, B, C, etc.?
I know they use different systems in the UK, Europe, Australia etc.
Not suggesting it be changed, just curious what the back story is.

Mr. Feltwad and the Brits, so fellow waterfowler's would like to know how we came up with the system of naming shot sizes. I told them if anyone knows it would most likely be someone like you or others over across the pond. Can you help us out?

 

[Britsmoothy]

Never really understood it my self.
Heard some varying stories but nothing conclusive.

We have AAA (5mm, .20") SSSSG, SSSG, SSG (sometimes called Special SG about .270"), SG (.33") and LG(.36").

 

[Woody Morgan]

Never really understood it my self.
Heard some varying stories but nothing conclusive.

We have AAA (5mm, .20") SSSSG, SSSG, SSG (sometimes called Special SG about .270"), SG (.33") and LG(.36").

Oh dear. Two countries separated by a common language.

wm

 

[megasupermagnum]

It is very odd, and always has been. If anything the shot sizes are better now. Personally I'd like to see a revamp of the terms. I'd like to simply call them by their diameter. Instead of #5 shot, I'd like to call it 120 (.120" diameter), or 3mm for the rest of the world. #6 would become 110 shot, or 2.8mm, and so on.

 

[Britsmoothy]

It is very odd, and always has been. If anything the shot sizes are better now. Personally I'd like to see a revamp of the terms. I'd like to simply call them by their diameter. Instead of #5 shot, I'd like to call it 120 (.120" diameter), or 3mm for the rest of the world. #6 would become 110 shot, or 2.8mm, and so on.

A lot of Europeans do put the diameter of the the shot on the cartridges.

 

[Feltwad]

Well I may be old fashioned but lets keep it British the same size shot which has its been known for its different size for 300 years from the early shot known has swan shot ,we see more American changing the sizes of a gun from bore to gauge , and the shotgun cartridge to shells .
Feltwad