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These three shotgun shells were a gift from a friend at Gun Digest back in the Attachment 944261980's or so, note they are sales examples with a window showing the lead sabot. The only marking on these shells is BRI and the gage (left BRI 20 GA, BRI 16 GA and BRI 12 GA).
I believe S&W brought out one of the first sabot loadings based on these BRI designs, now
these are common and even Winchester offers a BRI slug loading.
Anyone have any additional information on these BRI sabot shells ?
S&W hasn't ever been much of an ammunition innovator. The first BRI sabotted slugs appeared in 1968.
BRI stands for Ballistic Research Industries. They were a small California ammunition company that was involved in developing sabot bullet cartridges. BRI was eventually bought out by Winchester Corp. Those may have been on a cartridge board at one time(a pure WHAG). However, the link below has pictures of headstamps that are BRI and the gauge only.
http://www.oldammo.com/january12.htm
Thank you Sunray for the information, My three shells only have the BRI and gage stamp. The 16 ga and 20 ga are without a primer while the 12 ga has a piece of steel where
the primer would be located. My shells do not show any sign of being attached to a cartridge board. I have noted that new Winchester slug loadings state BRI on the box indicating
the type of slug/sabot. Now I am able to date these shells to the late 60's, thanks again. Robert