Effective Range of Shotguns?

[Charles L. Cotton]

Can anyone point me to an authoritative source that shows the maximum effective range and absolute maximum range (no wind) of shotguns with various size shot. The part I need is for a 12 Ga. with a full choke. I can't use anecdotal information, it has to be a recognized authority that will carry some weight with non-gun people.

Thanks,
Chas.

[WildBill]

Charles -
You might want to check with SAAMI. If they can't give you the data, they could probably point you in the right direction, http://www.saami.org/Technical.cfm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Email Sent.

The only official information I can find defines only initial pressure and velocities.

[mr surveyor]

I was working on the layout and design of a proposed skeet range for our local range a couple of years ago and found it somewhat difficult to obtain qualified/quantified data. I suppose that is due to so many different chamberings, barrel lengths, etc., the same as with rifles. The one thing I did come out of my research with was the "300 yard shot drop area" for #6 and smaller shot for range design. I'm curious now about magnum 00 buckshot out of a 28" barrel. Lot's of variables.

[seamusTX]

Shotgunning: The Art and the Science by Bob Brister has this information in Chapter 12.

A 12-gauge with heavy shot and a full choke is effective to about 60 yards.

There isn't one concise table. The information is spread throughout the chapter, including some photos.

http://books.google.com/books?id=WK-Xpf ... &ct=result" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The 300-yard limit for skeet ranges is a rule of thumb that takes into account the possibility of #8 and 9 shot being boosted by the wind. The shot has little energy at that range.

- Jim

[KFP]

This chart may provide some of the information that you're looking for:

http://www.hunter-ed.com/in/course/ch2_ ... _range.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

In case the link doesn't take you directly to the chart is is in Chapter 2 in the sidebar on the right under the "Range of a Firearm." Hope this helps!

[AggieMM]

Some more reading:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shotgun" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.wildfowlmag.com/tips_strateg ... un_062304/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Ryan

[NcongruNt]

This chart may provide some of the information that you're looking for:

http://www.hunter-ed.com/in/course/ch2_" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ... _range.htm

In case the link doesn't take you directly to the chart is is in Chapter 2 in the sidebar on the right under the "Range of a Firearm." Hope this helps!

Those charts indicate maximum range, not effective range. They show the maximum distance the rounds can travel, given optimum trajectory. The ~2700 ft indicated for 00 Buck means the pellets can potentially travel that far, but their effective range (where it can be predictably used against a target with sufficient ballistic energy to penetrate the vitals of said target) is quite a bit shorter.

[KFP]

Correct, that was why I indicated that it was some of the information. Chas requested maximum range of the round, in addition to the maximum effective range.

[NcongruNt]

Some more reading:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shotgun" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.wildfowlmag.com/tips_strateg ... un_062304/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Ryan

Unfortunately, the latter link has only figures for bird shot (and mainly steel, at that). Being from a waterfowl site, that is to be expected. I think Chas is asking in context of defensive shooting with buckshot (with a full choke, slugs aren't an option).

[NcongruNt]

Correct, that was why I indicated that it was some of the information. Chas requested maximum range of the round, in addition to the maximum effective range.

Ah, yeah. I somehow missed that part.

I stand corrected.

[KFP]

Correct, that was why I indicated that it was some of the information. Chas requested maximum range of the round, in addition to the maximum effective range.

Ah, yeah. I somehow missed that part.

I stand corrected.

Sorry, after reading over my post again, I realize that I may have come off abrasively - not my intention at all.

[NcongruNt]

Correct, that was why I indicated that it was some of the information. Chas requested maximum range of the round, in addition to the maximum effective range.

Ah, yeah. I somehow missed that part.

I stand corrected.

Sorry, after reading over my post again, I realize that I may have come off abrasively - not my intention at all.

No need to apologize. I don't take correction here as an offensive act.

Now I'm off to search for effective range data.

[NcongruNt]

Here's another book found on google that specifically studies gunshot wounds.

Gunshot Wounds by Vincent J. M. Di Maio

Here is a direct link to the shotgun section:

http://books.google.com/books?id=VbrDbb ... #PPA229,M1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It looks quite extensive.

[jbirds1210]

Here's another book found on google that specifically studies gunshot wounds.

Gunshot Wounds by Vincent J. M. Di Maio

Here is a direct link to the shotgun section:

http://books.google.com/books?id=VbrDbb ... #PPA229,M1" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It looks quite extensive.

Chas-

I have a copy of Di Maio's book at my desk if you would like to peek at it. Just let me know.

Jason