What would you think that the max effective distance of 1 oz of #81/2 shot @ 1200 fps would be effective & if it was pushed to 1290 fps--I have a lot of this shot & would be considering using it for caps just in case a get a few punches in the near future---Phil
1/2 ft/lb of energy is widely considered to be the amount of energy that must be retained to break targets. 8 1/2s @ 1200 fps drop to that level at 49 yards. Initially launched at 1290fps they drop to that level at about 54 yards.
49 yards is considered a really slow handicap shot from the 27. If you think that 40 yards is closer to an average 27 yard handicap shot, then 8 1/2s launched @ 1150 fps retain .64 ft/lb at 40, 1200fps yields .067, and 1290 yields .72. Any of these energy levels is more than enough to break any ATA target they hit, except for wet, frozen bios.
Science tells us that 8 1/2 shot launched at ATA legal velocities is more than sufficient. If you barrel/choke likes it, and your brain accepts it, you have a wider effective pattern than you do using 8s or 7 1/2s. Specifically, for 80% PEs, the sure kill pattern diameters for 1 1/8oz loads are 2.2" for 7 1/2 shot, 9.6" for 8, and 14" for 8 1/2.
As long as you are comfortable using it, the smallest shot that will break the target yields the densest pattern, with the largest sure kill area.
At the Grand back in the mid eightys Federal had a light 8 1/2 Gold Medal in 1oz. available. I shot them at 21 yd. our of a model 12 and they shot great.
I still haved some hulls left. I would think they would work for most shooters at shorter yardges.
Somewhere along the way I heard someone mention (or read) that it takes 11 #8's to actually break a target or 7 of #7-1/2's but have not been able to relocate this info - anyone ever hear of this?
I've never head that crk, and it cannot be true. Winchester's research pretty well proves that pellet strikes are individual events. One either has sufficient energy to break the target, or it doesn't. Also, when you consider the average pattern, it would be a minor miracle for 11 pellets to hit any single target.
Status
Not open for further replies.
You have insufficient privileges to reply here.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
Trapshooters Forum
4.1M posts
85.3K members
Since 2005
A forum community dedicated to Trap shooting enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about targets, clays, hunting, gunsmithing, gear reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!