Shot is termed either birdshot or buckshot depending on the shot size. Like birdshot, buckshot is described by pellet size, with larger numbers indicating smaller shot. Informally, birdshot pellets have a diameter smaller than and buckshot are larger than that. Security forces responded to protests by firing tear gas, rubber bullets, stun grenades and birdshot. Security forces responded to protests by firing tear gas, rubber bullets, sound bombs and birdshot. Authorities initially claimed that only birdshot had been used as shotgun ammunition. Birdshot sizes are numbered similar to the shotgun gauges. The M15 cartridges were loaded with 118 pellets of No. 7 1/2 birdshot. Beanbag rounds consist of a tough fabric bag filled with birdshot. Police in riot gear opened fire with tear gas and birdshot. More than 30 protesters were injured and one was killed by birdshot. Police described the wounds as looking as if they came from birdshot. The surveyor was showered by an explosion of birdshot, injuring him slightly. As they ran, the Hanigans shot birdshot into their backs. Carpenter Alan Blanchard was permanently blinded by a load of birdshot directly to his face.