"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?

These rounds are typically "snake loads" which are fine for 8-15 feet, but
not much more. I used to load Speer "shot caps" (plastic tubes that would
disintegrate as soon as they left the barrel) for carry while Upland
hunting.