High Speed Shot Photos

[Badger Arms]

I couldn't help but watch the Discovery Channel last night. They had one of those forensics shows where a guy was supposed to have committed suicide with a shotgun but they didn't think it possible by the angle of the shot into his head. (Hey, don't most people put the shotgun in their mouth?) Anyhow the question comes around that they think there are marks from the wad pedals around the entry wound. They had to figure out how fast the petals on the wadding opened up.

They take a Remington 1100 shotgun into the lab, set it up in a vice, and shoot the thing in front of the camera. They determine that the wadding is still protecting the shot column out to about 18" where it separates virtually instantly and cleanly. The remaining column of shot then begins to disperse. In another test they did, the shot produces a 2" pattern up to about 8 feet. I cant imagine many times where I'd shoot beyond 8 feet in a house. Might as well have a slug for that matter at that range.

 

[TrapperReady]

Wouldn't a slug have more overpenatration issues?

The lesson that I think people need to learn from this is that shotguns need to be aimed at close range. It seems like some people think that they're going to get "can't miss" patterns at hallway/room distances.

 

[Dave McCracken]

Spread is a myth at most HD ranges. The longest shot opp here allows shirt pocket sized patterns.

Shotguns used recreationally are pointed. "Serious" shotguns are aimed.

And once again, we should measure the longest possible shot opp distance on our house, add a yard for GPs, and pattern our ammo at that distance.

Slugs are not good choices for HD, they do have much application for CD. Load up your HD shotgun with shot, keep some slugs handy if your community is in danger.

 

[Badger Arms]

I wasn't making a case for using slugs, just a point about spread. You would do better using an aiming device such as ghost-ring or rifle sights so long as you could see them inside. A slug can be effective in Alaska and other cold climates where you might have to penetrate through layers of clothing. I still prefer 00 buck for my peace of mind. I can use it to put down a moose if I needed to as well as stop intruders or other Bad Guys. From a HD prespective, I don't think you can beat it.

Now I am wondering how fast a buckshot column begins to separate??? What about them 'spreader' choke tubes which are supposed to create larger patterns quicker?

Better yet, what about the 'buck-n-ball' with a single lighter slug backed with a few pellets? Wish they'd make that.

 

[3 gun]

Two ways to get an "open" pattern at HD ranges. Federal PD loads use a special wad with a hollow tube in the center and no wad to the outside, between the shot and shell. Patterns from my Mossy 500 with an 18" cyl bore run about 10" at 30 feet. Second you can use a rifled barrel with 00 buck and no wad or just a fiber one like S&B uses. It patterns about 12" at 30 feet. Not sure I would trust my life on it but it is an interesting effect. My HD gun is loaded 2 Fed PD rounds and 3 S&B 00 buck. I like the S&B for indoors since it does open up better at short ranges.