I know this subject has been beat to a pulp, but I have a question about the physics of a shotgun load.
I've learned that bird shot won't penetrate enough in most situations to mortally wound an assailant. I've wondered though if getting hit in the chest at in-home distance with one ounce of lead, even though it's pellets, moving at 1100-1200fps wouldn't at least knock the crap out of the bad guy and give you a chance of a follow up shot if necessary.
I might be off on this but using an on-line calculator it seems that a one ounce load moving at 1100fps would generate about 1173 ft.lbs of energy at the muzzle. Even if you 1/2'd that, it would be quite a punch.
Just curious and if I'm way off base, be gentle 'cuz I'm fragile.
Happy Memorial Day to everyone. God bless those who gave all. Hand Salute!
Hobie