Dimensions
Deformation and distortion make it difficult to measure the dimensions of pellets, limiting the number of pellets that can be used as a basis for determining shot size.
The steps for this procedure are as follows:
- Perform preliminary procedures.
- Determine the total number of pellets received.
- Determine the composition of the pellets.
- It may be useful in some cases to enlist the aid of an instrumental chemist in determining the composition of non-lead shot.
- Determine which pellets are suitable for measuring. For example, determine which pellets roll freely; pellets that roll freely should be measured.
- Measure and record the diameters of the pellets in hundredths or thousandths of an inch. For small pellets, it is generally appropriate to record three decimal places; for buckshot, two decimal places are appropriate.
- Determine the shot size of the evidence shot by comparing to a standard table of shot sizes. Note that industry sources indicate shot designated as a certain size may vary up to plus or minus half a shot size.
Rule of 17 |
The theoretical diameter of shot is calculated as follows:
- Diameter of shot = 17 – shot size
- Where all measurements are expressed in hundredths of an inch
- For example, for No. 6 shot:
- Diameter of shot = 17 – 6 = 11 (or 0.11 inches in diameter)
- Note: This technique does not work for buckshot.
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Click here to view a table on shot sizes weights.
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