The Rise, Fall, and Resurgence of Paper Shotgun Shells
By Derrick R. Stallings – HuntingOfficer.com
There’s something almost romantic about the old days of hunting. The crunch of frosted leaves underfoot, the smell of wood smoke drifting from a nearby cabin, and the feel of a good old side-by-side resting in your hands. But for those who remember—or those who’ve inherited tales around the fire—another part of that nostalgia comes wrapped in red, green, or yellow paper: the humble paper shotgun shell.
A Brief History of the Paper Shotgun Shell
Before the now-ubiquitous plastic hulls dominated the shooting world, paper shotgun shells were the standard. Their roots go back to the late 1800s when manufacturers like Winchester, Peters, Remington, and Western began producing shells with brass bases and tightly wound, waxed paper hulls. These replaced all-brass shells, which were heavier, more expensive, and prone to corrosion.
By the early 1900s and through the mid-20th century, paper shells were the standard for hunters and sport shooters alike. Whether you were jump-shooting mallards in a rice field or flushing quail through a thicket, you likely did it with a pocket full of paper shells.
They were available in nearly all popular gauges of the time:
- 12 gauge (most common)
- 16 gauge (the “gentleman’s gauge”)
- 20 gauge
- 10 gauge
- 28 gauge
- Even .410, though less frequently in paper
Shells were often color-coded—12 in red, 16 in purple, 20 in yellow—to avoid dangerous mix-ups. That system, introduced with paper hulls, still holds today in plastic shells.
How They Were Made
Paper shells were made by tightly winding multiple layers of paper (usually kraft or cardboard stock) into a cylindrical hull. The paper was then waxed or lacquered for moisture resistance. A fiber wad or plastic base insert lined the interior, and the shell was fitted with a brass or steel head for strength.
Once primed, shells were loaded with powder, a wad (originally felt or fiber), shot, and sealed with either a roll crimp (with an over-shot card and glue) or a star crimp like modern shells.
Despite the protective coating, moisture could still creep in—especially during wet hunting seasons. Old-timers knew to rotate their shells or carry extras if they expected a rainy day in the blind.
The Cost of Using Paper Shells
Paper shells cost more to produce than today’s plastic hulls. They also had a shorter shelf life, were less reloadable, and demanded more care in handling.
Reloading: While they could be reloaded a few times, the paper would soften, scorch, and eventually fail. Careful reloaders used wax dips and fiber cards to extend their life, but plastic soon outpaced them in both ease and longevity.
Storage: Paper shells needed to be stored in dry, cool places. A damp basement could ruin an entire box. This made cost-conscious hunters wary, especially those who needed reliability in backcountry or waterfowl settings.
Pros and Cons of Paper Shotgun Shells
Pros:
- Biodegradable: Long before “green” was cool, paper hulls returned to the earth.
- Classic Scent: The distinctive smell of a fired paper shell—burnt wax and cardboard—is pure nostalgia.
- Aesthetics & Feel: Paper shells have a thicker, textured feel and just look right in a vintage gun.
- Tradition: For heritage hunters, it’s a way to connect with generations before.
Cons:
- Moisture Sensitivity: Wet environments could ruin them—soggy shells were a real issue.
- Reload Limits: Plastic shells offered 5–10+ reloads; paper might last 2–3.
- Storage Challenges: Aged shells often misfired or swelled if stored improperly.
Why Plastic Won the War
Plastic hulls first hit the market in the late 1950s and exploded in popularity by the ’60s. Hunters loved them—they didn’t swell in the rain, had better reloadability, and were cheaper to manufacture. Manufacturers shifted to plastic to streamline mass production and reduce complaints about failed shells in the field.
Waterfowlers especially welcomed the change. Duck blinds are notoriously wet environments, and swollen paper shells were no match for damp waders and leaky boats. Plastic brought confidence and convenience—and paper faded almost entirely by the 1970s.
The Resurgence: Federal’s Upland Paper Loads
Federal’s new paper loads deliver tradition with modern performance.
Fast forward to today, and nostalgia is making a comeback. Shooters are returning to traditional guns and loads—not for performance, but for experience. Federal Premium recognized this and answered the call with their Upland Paper loads.
These 12-gauge shells combine vintage styling with modern components:
- Water-resistant paper hulls
- Clean-burning powder
- Copper-plated shot
- Premium wads for tight patterns
Hunters say the smell, recoil, and even the sound of paper hulls bring back memories they didn’t even know they had. They’re not the cheapest shells on the shelf, but they aren’t meant to be. These are for the hunter who hunts with his heart as much as his gun.
Where to Buy Paper Shotgun Shells Today
Federal’s Upland Paper loads are available through many sporting retailers and online. Here are some places to pick them up:
- Federal Premium Official Site
- MidwayUSA – Federal Upland Paper 12 Gauge
- Bass Pro Shops – Limited Availability (search: Federal Upland Paper)
Collectors looking for vintage boxes of Remington Kleanbore, Western Super-X, or Peters High Velocity paper shells can find them on:
Final Thoughts
Paper shotgun shells are more than just ammunition—they’re a living piece of hunting history. From their humble beginnings in the 1800s to their golden era mid-century, and now their nostalgic rebirth, paper shells represent a link to simpler times. They remind us of early morning hunts with elders, worn-out vests, and dogs that needed more praise than GPS.
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter looking to relive the past or a new shooter with a love for vintage gear, paper shells offer more than performance—they offer soul.
So this season, load up a box of Federal’s Upland Papers. Not because you have to… but because you want to. Trust me, one sniff after that first shot and you’ll understand why some things are worth keeping alive.
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*AI was used to research the subject matter of this post.
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