The velocity of a shotgun pellet on impact can be predicted from a number of physical factors.
Parameters:
(1) muzzle velocity of the pellet in feet per second
(2) distance between muzzle and target in feet
(3) ballistic coefficient of the pellet
LOG10 ((muzzle velocity) / (impact velocity)) =
= (distance in feet) / (40748 * (ballistic coefficient)) = X
muzzle velocity =
= (impact velocity) * 10^(X)
impact velocity in feet per second =
= (muzzle velocity) * 10^((-1) * X)
Interpretation:
• The threshold velocity for skin penetration by a steel sphere is 125-170 feet per second (Office of Surgeon General, Department of the Army. Wound Ballistics. 1962).
• A missile can cause serious injury even without skin penetration.
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