1 1/4 vs 1 1/8?

[Nershi]

I am about to order a case or two of shells for the season and I was wondering if you guys have a preference over 1 1/4 vs 1 1/8? I am ordering Kent's because they pattern well out of my gun. The 1 1/4's are 1425 FPS and the 1 1/8's are 1560 FPS. I understand the 1 1/4 will have a higher pellet count but it seems to me that speed would be a bit more important than having an extra 10-20 pellets per shell. What is better, more weight or more speed? It has been awhile since my last physics class so I can't remember how that velocity stuff works.

What do you prefer and why?

[tornadochaser]

1425 is plenty of speed, I'd go with the 1 1/4 oz, but that's because the 1 1/8 oz doesn't pattern good for me.

[cstemig]

I also would recommend the 1 1/4 loads at 1425 fps. For me, that Kent load been a winning combination. If you shoot a higher speed load, sometimes it will change your pattern density down range. If you get an opportunity, I would try a box of each on a patterning board to find out for sure.

[triplecurler]

What range are you shooting and what shot size, shooting ducks, geese or both?

[Nershi]

Ducks mainly but the geese get it if they come in. 3 shot within 40 yards most within 30 yards.

Now that you guys mention it I remember reading that the higher fps do not pattern as well because the pellets get strung out. I am pretty sure I patterned it with shells in the 1400 fps range.

[9manfan]

1 1/4 for me, never really liked the 1 1/8.........I like the extra BB's...............

[gimpfinger]

I've had alot less cripples with the ounce and a quarter loads.

your mom...

[emptymag]

1 1/4oz

[lumbertick]

I am no ballistics expert and my understanding of physics doesn't go much beyond what goes up must come down...but I always choose the heavier loads over the extra speed for the simple reason that more pellets means more chances to make a kill. I am sure that some dweeb (sorry if this offends you Lanyard) with coke bottle glasses could calculate the numbers and produce and argument that states more speed is better. Put into real life hunting situations I really doubt that 100fps is the difference between making a hit or not making a hit. And since steel loses energy on impact so easily I don't think in real life you will notice any difference in the penetration. I am not preaching here...but shooting is an athletic activity...and practice is more way important than shell selection in my opinion. When I was young (oh god...now I sound like fowler) and shot a lot more...I was a lot deadlier. Buy the 1-1/4 ounce shells and get out and have fun!


lt

[lanyard]

Not offended at all. Haven't touched this one because...... it likely doesn't matter: hence the choice of most to go with more pellets at the slower fps.

1) fps is a velocity vector.... it is speed
2) "speed kills" is a misnomer
3) momentum kills- enough momentum from your shot has to transfer to the bird for the bird to die
4) momentum= mass x speed
5) 3 shot has more mass than 4 shot

To gain the full 100 fps difference in same shot size momentum you would need > 500 yards (1,500 feet) with NO reduction in velocity. Figure though, the mass is not sufficient to carry velocity down range much (lighter objects will stop faster from friction), so by the time your shot hits 40 yards you lost half (made up ratio)..... regardless, your difference in velocity at this point is not 135, it's 67.5... incremental gain in speed.

Now, at 40 yards your shot string is spread out... let's say it's ONLY a foot long... so now you've added, on average, >2 pellets per inch, maybe >1 pellet per inch, depending on shot size..... incremental gain.

Unless you're shooting at snow geese 90 yards up.... I'm guessing you will feel most confident in the incremental gain of more pellets.... but more likely it's your shot size selection and your talent that is killing birds.

1 1/4 ounce 3's at 1425 fps have more momentum than 1 1/4 4's at 1425 fps. If your shots are decoying early birds under 30 yards 4's, 5's, 6's will do the job. If you're doing late season, full on fat mallards and having to shoot them 30-40 yards because they're hanging up, 1's and BB's.

Momentum = mass x velocity kills birds. Heavier objects (more mass) carry energy further. Killing birds with a shot gun requires multiple hits, so the density of the pattern matters. Golden BB's are great, I"ve used many of them, but ultimately the best pattern with the right momentum is what you are after.

The error on the side of caution would be: more pellets doing slightly less individual damage is more cumulative than slightly less pellets doing more individual damage. Your shot string is slower, but heavier, so in theory, carries momentum better than a lighter, faster shot string.