These kinds of tables are available in several sources. The problem with using them shooting Black Powder is we know that the Brand of powder, as well as the granulation of the powder has an effect on the velocities achieved. So, the numbers given here, for various loads of powder and shot for different gauges is interesting, but needs to be checked out with actual black powder loads before assuming the velocities given in the tables are accurate.
As for determining shot size, the " RULE OF 17" has been used for years to figure out the dimension of pellets based on the shot size designation. For lead shot from #1 through #12, just subtract the number of the shot from "17" and you get the dimension of the pellet. The same holds true for steel shot. The only shot that can't be determined with the Rule are Steel BBs, BBB, T, and F. shot, and then lead buckshot. Where the " BBs" used in air rifles are .177" in diameter, the Steel BBs used in shotgun shells, are .18" in diameter. BBB= .19", T= .20", and F= .21". Buck shot then goes up from .24 for #4 buck, #3 buck =.25, #2 buck=.28, #1=.30, 0 Buck=.32, 00 Buck= .33, 000 Buck = .36( but sometimes comes in .35). Most of the shotgun ammo companies now print on the box the game for which that the size shot and load are recommended.
The most useful table is the one that discusses ranges for various chokes, and the other table that gives the expected maximum spread of a load at the various ranges, based on the choke used. AGain, all these numbers are averages, and need to be checked for a particular gun. They should give new shooters an idea of just how thin those patterns get at longer ranges, and why the more open chokes are intended for taking birds at very close ranges. Much of this information can be found in the Lyman Shotshell Reloading manual, with much more. Tables there give time in flight for shot at various MVs at 20, 40, and 60 yards, pellet energy at those ranges, drop, and down range velocities.
Finally, the most important information from the Lyman tables is pellet energy retained at those distances. It would be nice if the tables gave numbers for every 5 yards, instead of every 20 yards, but its not that difficult to figure out what the pellet energy is at the in-between distances, using the data supplied.
Thanks to Roundball for finding a source that puts all this information in one place. :thumbsup:
