Al Thompson
Staff Alumnus
Hi folks,
Ran a quick test this afternoon as to the suitability of my chosen "first up" loads of # 2 shot.
Target was a Columbia SC phone book at 10 yards. This is about the longest shot "probable" in my house. Spread out of my M37 was 12 - 14 iches at this range. I tested the # 2 birdshot, Winchester # 1 buckshot and Remington "Tactical" slugs.
I deliberately "fringed" the book. Aimed a bit high so that the rat hole effect was lessened. (both loads - buck and bird) The Columbia phone book is 3.3 inches thick. It was braced against a bank of damp sand.
The # 2 birdshot penetrated about 1 inch, with pellet deformation.
The #1 buck also deformed and penetrated 2.25 inches.
The slugs - well, they may still be working their way to china. BTW, the recoil was pleasant with the "testical" slugs........
Thoughts: I have witnessed several deer shot with the #1 buckshot loads. I know it will drive through the body. The #2 shot going about halfway leads me to think that in my chosen role, I'll acheive a reasonable wound at my probable engagement range. I'm not changing the load.
FWIW, .25 ACP and .22LR penetrated about 1.25 in the same medium.
Opinions?
Giz
Ran a quick test this afternoon as to the suitability of my chosen "first up" loads of # 2 shot.
Target was a Columbia SC phone book at 10 yards. This is about the longest shot "probable" in my house. Spread out of my M37 was 12 - 14 iches at this range. I tested the # 2 birdshot, Winchester # 1 buckshot and Remington "Tactical" slugs.
I deliberately "fringed" the book. Aimed a bit high so that the rat hole effect was lessened. (both loads - buck and bird) The Columbia phone book is 3.3 inches thick. It was braced against a bank of damp sand.
The # 2 birdshot penetrated about 1 inch, with pellet deformation.
The #1 buck also deformed and penetrated 2.25 inches.
The slugs - well, they may still be working their way to china. BTW, the recoil was pleasant with the "testical" slugs........
Thoughts: I have witnessed several deer shot with the #1 buckshot loads. I know it will drive through the body. The #2 shot going about halfway leads me to think that in my chosen role, I'll acheive a reasonable wound at my probable engagement range. I'm not changing the load.
FWIW, .25 ACP and .22LR penetrated about 1.25 in the same medium.
Opinions?
Giz