Shot shell Drop / Trajectory:
Perhaps one of the things that will cross a shotgun hunter’s mind once in awhile is how much does shot drop over a given distance and does this trajectory matter.
It goes without saying that the pellets are losing energy as they travel downrange to their intended target. The controversy continues to rear its head all the time on the sporting clays and trap fields.
It is this one issue that confuses so many shotgunners from beginners to top notch shooters, the shot drop and energy factor.
Shot Velocity Factor At Muzzle:
Now lets look at the difference in drop and energy factors of these 1 1/8 ounce lead loads of #4, #5, #6, #7 1/2, #8 and #9 shot. Muzzle velocity factor of 1,200 feet per second.
Shot Pellet Count 1-1/8 Ounce Load:
1-1/8 Ounce Lead #4 Shot = 152 Pellets.
1-1/8 Ounce Lead #5 Shot = 191 Pellets.
1-1/8 Ounce Lead #6 Shot = 253 Pellets.
1-1/8 Ounce Lead #7 1/2 Shot = 393 Pellets.
1-1/8 Ounce Lead #8 Shot = 462 Pellets.
1-1/8 Ounce Lead #9 Shot = 658 Pellets.
Shot Energy Factor At Muzzle:
#4 lead shot 10.34 ft.lbs. energy per pellet at muzzle.
#5 lead shot 8.21 ft.lbs. energy per pellet at muzzle.
#6 lead shot 6.19 ft.lbs. energy per pellet at muzzle.
#7 1/2 lead shot 3.97 ft.lbs. energy per pellet at muzzle.
#8 lead shot 3.37 ft.lbs. energy per pellet at muzzle.
#9 lead shot 2.38 ft.lbs. energy per pellet at muzzle.
Shot Energy Factor At 60 Yards:
#4 lead shot will retain 3.01 ft.lbs. energy per pellet at 60 yards.
#5 lead shot will retain 2.22 ft.lbs. energy per pellet at 60 yards.
#6 lead shot will retain 1.54 ft.lbs. energy per pellet at 60 yards.
#7 1/2 lead shot will retain .85 ft.lbs. energy per pellet at 60 yards.
#8 lead shot will retain .68 ft.lbs. energy per pellet at 60 yards.
#9 lead shot will retain .42 ft.lbs. energy per pellet at 60 yards.
Shot Drop Factor At 60 Yards:
#4 lead shot will drop 8.8 inches from bore line to 60 yards.
#5 lead shot will drop 9.3 inches from bore line to 60 yards.
#6 lead shot will drop 9.8 inches from bore line to 60 yards.
#7 1/2 lead shot will drop 10.9 inches from bore line to 60 yards.
#8 lead shot will drop 11.3 inches from bore line to 60 yards.
#9 lead shot will drop 12.4 inches from bore line to 60 yards.
Shot Arrival Time At 60 Yards In Seconds:
#4 lead shot will travel 60 yards in .2140 seconds.
#5 lead shot will travel 60 yards in .2193 seconds.
#6 lead shot will travel 60 yards in .2255 seconds.
#7 1/2 lead shot will travel 60 yards in .2375 seconds
#8 lead shot will travel 60 yards in .2423 seconds.
#9 lead shot will travel 60 yards in .2538 seconds.
Overview:
All of the above data is true and accurate.
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