Journal Published Online: 01 May 1993
Volume 38, Issue 3

Range of Fire Estimates from Shotgun Pellet Patterns: The Effect of Shell and Barrel Temperature

CODEN: JFSCAS

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of range-of-fire estimates in shotgun pellet patterns at fixed intervals. It was also of interest to investigate the effect of barrel and shell temperature changes on the diameter of pellet patterns. One hundred shots were fired from a .12 gauge shotgun though a series of 5 in-line paper targets positioned at 5-foot intervals between 15 and 35 feet from the muzzle. A series of confidence intervals was calculated to determine the error in range-of-fire estimates. Statistical analysis of the data revealed that shell but not barrel temperature significantly reduced pattern diameter.

Author Information

Horvath, F
School of Criminal Justice, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Gardner, K
Bridgeport Laboratory, Michigan State Police, Bridgeport, MI
Siegel, J
School of Criminal Justice, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Pages: 8
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JFS13442J
ISSN: 0022-1198
DOI: 10.1520/JFS13442J