AFTE Store - Utilizing the Wad Drop Off for Estimating a Shooter’s Location

Consistencies and variations exist in the assembly of shotshells. While the primer, head and hull tend to demonstrate uniformity among different brands of ammunition, shot cups and shot wads show noted design variations. This study examined several types of shotshell wads and their drop off consistency to determine a shooter’s location. The shotshell brands selected for this examination included Federal, Winchester, Remington and Estate; Target, Hunting, and Law Enforcement loads (specifically for 12 gauge shotguns). Results indicate each wad type presents an independent level of consistency that may be useful in the determination of shooter location and the direction of shot with some limitations.