Crow Busters Forum

I have run across this site several times in searches for miscellaneous data.

http://www.shotgun-insight.com/

Until recently I have not taken the time to figure out how to use it or how it is useful in shotgun shooting. It was a chore for this old country boy to understand the basic of what is going on in this program. I think I have a very elementary understanding of the results and how to apply them.

After enough trial and error to get the concept down, I inserted the first three shots of the #5's patterns I posted several weeks ago. The process goes something like the following:

1. Take a pic of the pattern and upload it into the program.

2. Using the controls, manipulate the photo so the hits can be detected and counted.

3. Computer counts the hits and records the info into graphs.

4. Provide the other data required... Pellets per shell, weight of shot load, choke, distance shot, etc.

5. Read the data and repeat for multiple shots.

6. Select multiple saved data files representing single shots to an "average file". The "average file" compiles all data from a series of shots so you get the overall picture of what you shell are doing.

7. Next take this info and insert it into the "Pattern Optimizer" with selected target area and it will give the probability of the number of strikes per target.

Since I developed this load to shoot squirrels, I used a target area of 7 square inches. I guessed this to be about the size of the head, neck and torso of a squirrel. This load delivered a 75% pattern density of 23" at 40 yards. That means that 75 % of the pellets in the shell will strike an area of 23" in diameter. 

OK, all that said here is the bottom line... The statical probability of hitting a squirrel in the chest, neck or head at 40 yards with one of these shells is as follows: 

1+ hits = 99.3%

2+ hits = 95.9%

3+ hits = 87.4%

Another cool feature of this program is the ability to scale off of a known pattern to see what theoretical patterns would look like at different distances and what the probability of pellet strikes are at those ranges. 

Sooooo, does anyone know the kill area in square inches of a crow? He's next!