How Far Will A Shotgun Kill Game? (100m) - 002

Published on November 24, 2018
Duration: 12:14

This video explores the effectiveness of shotguns for hunting game at extended ranges, specifically focusing on 100 meters. The instructor uses pattern boards to test various loads, including 32-gram #5 shot, 50-gram BB shot, and a 28-gram high-velocity load. The results indicate that while some hits are possible at 100 meters, consistent, clean kills are unlikely, especially with smaller shot sizes. The video emphasizes the importance of ethical hunting practices and understanding ammunition limitations at range.

Quick Summary

The effective range for consistent, clean kills with a shotgun is generally around 55 yards. At 100 meters, pattern density and retained energy decrease significantly, making clean kills improbable and increasing the risk of wounding game. While hits are possible, the likelihood of multiple pellets striking vital areas for a humane dispatch is very low.

Chapters

  1. 00:09Introduction: Shotguns Over 100 Meters
  2. 00:20Pattern Board Testing Setup
  3. 00:28Ammunition Types for Testing
  4. 01:30Clarification on Previous Video's Range
  5. 01:45Setting Up Targets at 100 Meters
  6. 02:08First Shot: 32g #5 Shot at 100m
  7. 03:02Analyzing 32g #5 Shot Pattern
  8. 04:25Testing BB Shot at 100 Meters
  9. 04:47Shooting 50g BB Shot
  10. 05:54Analyzing 50g BB Shot Pattern at 100m
  11. 07:21Discussion on Hunting Ethics
  12. 08:28Testing at 90m, 80m, 70m with BB Shot
  13. 08:56Analyzing 90m BB Shot Pattern
  14. 09:29Analyzing 80m BB Shot Pattern
  15. 10:05Analyzing 70m BB Shot Pattern
  16. 11:12Test at 55 Yards for Comparison
  17. 11:1555 Yard Test: 28g #6.5 Load
  18. 11:39Conclusion: Effective Range of Shotguns

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the effective range of a shotgun for hunting game?

Based on testing, the effective range for consistent, clean kills with a shotgun is generally considered to be around 55 yards. Beyond this distance, pattern density and retained energy significantly decrease, making clean kills unlikely and increasing the risk of wounding game.

Can a shotgun kill game at 100 meters?

While it's possible to hit game at 100 meters with a shotgun, achieving a clean kill is highly improbable. Tests with various loads showed insufficient pattern density and retained energy at this range, with only a few pellets making contact and lacking the power for a humane dispatch.

What factors affect shotgun effectiveness at long range?

At longer ranges, shotgun effectiveness is primarily limited by pattern density (how spread out the shot is) and retained energy (the power of each pellet). Smaller shot sizes lose energy rapidly, and even larger shot can spread too widely to guarantee multiple hits on a vital area.

Which shotgun loads are best for longer ranges?

For longer ranges, heavier loads with larger shot sizes (like BB or #4) offer more retained energy, but pattern density remains a critical issue. High-velocity loads can help, but ultimately, the physics of shot dispersal limits effectiveness beyond optimal ranges for humane hunting.

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