Tin Can Test
- Thread starter Walkabout
- Start date
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Develop shot load for smoothbore. Shoot at hunting yardage (15-30 yards?) and see if your shot will penetrate a tin can. If so, it has the theoretical energy to kill small game. Lots of variables, here, but it is one of those "rules of thumb."
ADK Bigfoot
ADK Bigfoot
Just to be clear, one side of the can or both?
One side.
Sidney Smith
58 Cal.
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I'd imagine a charge would have to be pretty light on powder to not penetrate a tin can.
Good point. One of the variables. A modern soda can is a "tin can." So is a soup can. Two very different metals/thicknesses. And are we talking about #9 shot or #4? As I said, lots of variables.
ADK Bigfoot
ADK Bigfoot
I go by a soup or tuna can at 25 yards. Soda cans are thin as paper.
If you're using 1f watch it don't bounce back at ya!
Here's is an example at 20 yards starting at the 2:20 time stamp:
smoothshooter
50 Cal.
Both sides or one side of the can?
Have always wondered about that test criteria since I first read of it as stated by Turner Kirkland in his Dixie Gun Works catalog when I started ordering them as a kid in the early 1970’s.
A soda can is Aluminum not tin
barnettshale
36 Cal.
Many moons ago in my much younger days (70’s) I was stationed at Fort Lost in the Woods “Fort Leonard Wood “ and living off post got to know and hunt with some great local folks. When spring turkey season came around they were testing pet loads. The test was breaking one of the old time glass Pepsi bottles at 30 steps. If it didn’t break the bottle they wouldn’t hunt with it.
Tin cans ain't tin no more. Thems steel and usually coated in zinc.
Oh Nathan.....
LOL
My 1F loads in 20GA have no problem at 25 yds. I may get a can of 1.5 F though.
Not to disagree but I am pretty sure tin is a form of steel. At least in America don't know about your metals in Brit
No tin is an element
A "tin can" was once made of thin rolled iron, tinned with layer of "tin", later it was made of steel, with an interior coating to protect the can and the food.
Actually most folks that I've seen put the steel tuna fish can with the bottom flat, onto a target board with double sided sticky tape, and you shoot through the bottom of the can, as the top has been removed and discarded to extract the canned tuna from within.
LD
Shooting Full soda cans are more fun. 
and you don’t have to walk down range to see a hit. Shake them vigorously then throw as far as your arm will allow. After the first shot keep them hopping until out of range.
and you don’t have to walk down range to see a hit. Shake them vigorously then throw as far as your arm will allow. After the first shot keep them hopping until out of range. So I googled it and they are tin coated steel so for me this is over BYE BYE
Well the tin can debate has turned ugly. Let’s switch gears and debate how many layers of moms Tupperware needs to be penetrated to kill critters.
