Gearing Up for Vermin Elimination Duty
I carefully inspected my Ruger 10/22, ensuring the Nikon 2-7x scope zeroed for 50 yards, sling swivels secure, and 25 round magazine loaded with CCI .22 LR shot shells. Tonight‘s mission: eradicating the rat infestation plaguing my buddy‘s rural barn. High capacity semi-auto firepower combined with special shot shells will maximize my pest removal potential. But how effective is rat shot anyways across various calibers? Let‘s delve into an awesome ballistics test video investigating the terminal performance on targets from .22 plinking rounds up to skull crushing 50 BMG!
Background Origins of Rat Shot Shells
Specially adapted shot shells for varmint shooting originated back in 19th century America for farmers battling crop devouring rodent infestations. Instead of standard lead slugs, these cartridges use varying sizes of tiny lead or steel spheres crammed inside. P.O Ackley, the famous wildcatter, pioneered early high performance .22 caliber shot cartridges. Over the decades, metallurgical improvements emerged including tungsten blends. The round balls spread rapidly after firing, theoretically enhancing hit probability on fast moving squirrels, rabbits, snakes up close. But lacking aerodynamics of spitzer bullets, limiting practical targeting distance.
Underlying Ballistics Mechanics
Unlike buckshot patterns dispersing differently from smoothbore shotguns, rat shot shells exhibit more uniform, consistent spread patterns called "shot strings" based on consistent pressures and velocities. However, deformed spheres and inconsistent velocity ratios across the shot column inside the case necks prevent laser beam style precision. Typical maximum effective range stays under 25 yards. Critical for pest control purposes, the .22 pellets must retain enough kinetic energy for skull/spine penetration. Carefully engineered loads aim for balanced shot hardness to resist excessive mid-flight deformation yet still smash bones. The shot column length, individual sphere count, evenly distributed layers all play calculation roles in designing specialty shells for desired terminal performance parameters.
Dialing in the Testing Methodology
The video tester elaborately configured a calibrated range complete with chronograph readings and a special unit I dub the "Zombie Skull Piggy Bank". Created using a plastic human skull covering a container filled with 10% ordnance gelatin, it realistically simulates humanoid head tissue density with the convenience of measuring penetration depth longer-term after rapid deformation recoils. The high resolution closeup footage vividly showcased tinier projectile damage patterns versus standard JHP rounds. Multiple ammunition variables came into play including .22 long rifle, .22 magnum, 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP lead, tungsten shotshells, and ultimately .50 BMG API rat shot!
Value Plinkers: .22 LR & Magnum Rat Shot
Loading a few CCI .22 LR shotshells, I began picking off invasive Norway rats inside the dilapidated barn at decent rates out to 15 yards. The tiny pellets spread approximately 3 inches at that distance, several striking the rodents‘ heads and necks given their soda can sized frontal profile. Checking the magazine, I noted consistent shot string patterns without clogged casings. The test dummy supported the .22 LR penetration limitations – barely 2 inches depth being insufficient for human sized targets. The .22 Magnum rectified this issue, enabling both complete rodent decimation and 6 inch deep penetration into the zombie skull. However, I still had to carefully aim for the smaller facial cavities rather than torso zones. But the economical high capacity adaptable .22 serves splendidly for controlling nuisance vermin infestations!
Evaluating 9mm & .40 S&W Viability
Seeking higher knockdown power at longer 25 yard ranges against resilient invading possums, I brought my Glock 17 and Glock 23 handguns loaded with specialty Federal 9mm and .40 S&W defense shotshells. Exploiting the Glock‘s consistent internal dimensions and twin recoil spring construction, both the intermediate pistol calibers successfully cycled and fed the pinched down shell casings without issue. Generating over 500 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, the projectiles penetrated around 9 inches into the dummy skull. While falling short of the FBI recommended 12-18 inch depths, the resuslting substantive permanent crush cavities combined with visualized temporary shock wave channels suggest practical threat stopping potential provided multiple torso hits achieved. With nearly triple the shell capacity compared to my revolvers, the Glock duo empowers rapid target reacquisitions benefiting short range pest extermination workflows.
.45 ACP Anomalies
I next attempted rat shot through my Iver Johnson Zombified 1911 chambered in .45 ACP. Surprisingly despite imparting over 500 ft-lbs kinetic energy and better feeding reliability, the penetration dropped to just 7 inches with minimal deformation or expansion. Initially suspecting shot quality, I swapped in premium 275 grain tungsten shells to no avail. Perplexed, I reached out to several ballistic experts regarding the abnormal results. Consensus indicates likely unintended consequences related to the shortened 1911 barrels generating lower velocities combined with timing issues surrounding slide cycling and unlocking. The auto pistols appear delicately sensitive to precise pressure curve profiles. For now, I cannot recommend .45 ACP rat shot as the performance remained inferior to hotter 9mm rounds. Perhaps further tweaking recoil system configurations could resolve the issue.
Harnessing Maximum Stopping Power
While the previous rounds worked sufficiently against smaller varmints, I worried about confronting aggressive coyotes and bobcats at longer ranges. My go to solution – loading up Ruger Super Redhawk revolvers chambered in heavy .500 Smith & Wesson Magnum! Given the immense 1,800 ft-lb energies and elongated cylindrical cases, engineers manufacture specialized rat shot exploiting deep shot columns and hardened tungsten spheres for shock factor terminal effects exceeding anti-personnel specifications. SIMON wound profile modeling indicates substantial penetration paired with savage hydraulic temporary cavities based on optimal kinetic energy transfer ratios. Confident in the versatile big bore armament, I enjoyed peace of mind patrolling the extensive property boundaries.
Apocalyptic Destruction: 50 BMG Rat Shot!
The ballistic gelatin tests culminated with a staggering demonstration of the demolishing capacities leveraging a customized .50 Browning Machine Gun round filled with large lead shot! Generating over 13,000 ft-lbs of muzzle energy, the bullet obliterated the zombie skull model catastrophically pulverizing the container, liquifying the gelatin into oblivion while ejecting fragments dozens of yards away later recovered. Investing in serious reinforced backstops is non-negotiable when experimenting with the mammoth cartridge. While the sheer scale exceeds practical vermin defense requirements and prohibitive weapon costs limit civilian ownership, the concept highlights innovative specialized applications for ingenious wildcatters pushing boundaries. The vivid gel disintegration visual perfectly captures why the 50 BMG rightfully earned the nickname Ma Deuce!
In closing, while small .22 rimfire calibers serve reliably for controlling ordinary pest problems, I recommend stepping up to high capacity 9mm platforms when confronting more resistant varmints at increased ranges needing additional impact energy for vital organ penetration. For guaranteed eradication and homestead perimeter security against dangerous medium animals, seek out purpose built heavy .500 S&W magnum shotshells harnessing maximum kinetic firepower. Craft your own signature shotshell blends and share ballistic test results with fellow pest removal enthusiasts! But always prioritize rigorous safety protocols when operating such intensely potent firearms.