How Lethal is a Shotgun Wad??

Published on April 26, 2024
Duration: 16:07

This video investigates the terminal ballistics of shotgun wads when fired without projectiles. The presenter tests various 12-gauge wads against targets including steel, cardboard, drywall, water jugs, watermelons, and a ballistic dummy head. While most wads showed limited penetration on their own, certain larger wads, particularly the Sterling slug wad, demonstrated surprising effectiveness, causing significant damage to a watermelon and a soda can, and even cracking a ballistic dummy head.

Quick Summary

Shotgun wads fired alone can cause surprising damage. Larger wads, like the 12-gauge Sterling slug wad, have demonstrated the ability to penetrate drywall, destroy a soda can, explode a watermelon, and crack a ballistic dummy head, though they are generally not considered lethal projectiles.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Testing Shotgun Wads
  2. 01:00Steel Target Test
  3. 01:42Tracking Wad Trajectory
  4. 02:20Cardboard Target Penetration
  5. 04:18Drywall Penetration Test
  6. 06:37Water Jug Penetration Test
  7. 07:32Watermelon Destruction Test
  8. 09:01Soda Can Destruction Test
  9. 10:16Ballistic Dummy Head Test (Distance)
  10. 11:58Ballistic Dummy Head Test (Point Blank)
  11. 13:19Ballistic Dummy Head Test (Mid-Range)
  12. 15:01Comparison: Wad vs. Buckshot Load
  13. 15:42Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a shotgun wad alone cause damage?

Yes, a shotgun wad fired alone can cause damage. While not typically lethal, larger and heavier wads have demonstrated the ability to penetrate drywall, destroy a soda can, explode a watermelon, and even crack a ballistic dummy head at close to medium ranges.

What factors influence a shotgun wad's effectiveness as a projectile?

The effectiveness of a shotgun wad as a projectile depends on its size, weight, and the quality of the seal it forms within the shotgun shell. A tighter seal promotes better powder burn and higher launch velocity, making the wad more effective.

How does a shotgun wad perform against a ballistic dummy head?

Against a ballistic dummy head, a shotgun wad can cause significant surface damage, including cracking the outer layer and leaving deep indentations. While it may not achieve full penetration at typical self-defense distances, it can still inflict injury.

Which type of shotgun wad was most effective in the tests?

The 12-gauge Sterling slug wad consistently proved to be the most effective. Its larger size and tight seal allowed it to generate more velocity and force, leading to impressive results against targets like watermelons and soda cans.

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