"Mike Beede" wrote in message
...
| In article , C J Campbell
wrote:
|
| Pilots who like frangible rounds but can't get any of the government
issue
| can easily make their own by loading .45 cal shot shells with bits of
wire
| and small birdshot. These can be fired from a revolver, but not an
automatic
| pistol. At close range the round will act just like a slug, but it will
not
| penetrate wallboard, extremely thick clothing, airplane windows or
aircraft
| aluminum.
|
| When I tried shot loads from a revolver, the seemed to spread at
| around a 30 degree angle. The only place it would "act like a slug"
| would be within an inch or two of the barrel. I always assumed that
| was because of the rifling. These were .38 instead of .45, but I
| can't imagine they act *that* much different. Do they?
|

Birdshot spreads out very fast. The bits of wire are loaded into the shell
standing up, interspersed with the shot. Apparently the wire pieces help
keep the shot from spreading so quickly.