Hunters Guide

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Ammunition practice questions for British Columbia

By Hunters Guide. Last reviewed September 18, 2026.

These 4 ammunition questions are drawn from the BC CORE Practice Exam. They are original practice items written from published Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Education curriculum topics, with an explanation on every answer.

Ammunition questions

  1. 1What does the gauge number of a shotgun measure?

    1. The length of the barrel
    2. The number of lead balls of bore diameter that weigh one pound
    3. The weight of the shot charge
    4. The maximum shell length
    Show the answer

    The number of lead balls of bore diameter that weigh one pound

    It is an old weight-based measure, which is why a bigger gauge number means a smaller bore. A 12-gauge bore is wider than a 20-gauge.

  2. 2In shot sizes, what does a larger number mean?

    1. Larger pellets
    2. Smaller pellets
    3. A heavier powder charge
    4. A longer shell
    Show the answer

    Smaller pellets

    The numbering runs backwards to intuition: number 8 shot is smaller than number 4. More, smaller pellets give a denser pattern but less energy per pellet.

  3. 3You pick up an unfamiliar box of rifle ammunition. Which marking must match the barrel?

    1. The bullet weight
    2. The cartridge designation on the headstamp
    3. The brand
    4. The box colour
    Show the answer

    The cartridge designation on the headstamp

    The headstamp names the cartridge, which must match the designation stamped on the barrel. It does not tell you the load inside.

  4. 4A shotshell contains a wad and shot. Which four parts make up a centrefire rifle cartridge instead?

    1. Case, primer, powder, bullet
    2. Case, wad, shot, powder
    3. Primer, wad, powder, bullet
    4. Case, primer, shot, bullet
    Show the answer

    Case, primer, powder, bullet

    Wad and shot belong to shotshells. Knowing which components belong to which cartridge type is part of not mixing ammunition up.

Ready for the full set? Take the BC CORE Practice Exam.