Custom Shotgun Load Rumor

scorpion_tyr · November 10, 2008, 09:07 PM

I recently heard a rumor from a Vietnam Veteran about a custom shotgun load. He said they used to take lead fishing weights and clamp them onto monofilliment wire in a circle and load them into 12 gauge shells. He claimed that the monofillement wire they used had a melting point a few degrees above the temperature of the muzzle blast so that what came out was a swirling sphere of several lead weights and red hot wire that would cut through anything. I can see how such a round would be very lethal. Does anyone know if there's any truth to this or if it's even possible?

hogdogs · November 10, 2008, 09:43 PM

It would have severe limitations. For one the wire would be hot but not capable of melting too much unless right at the muzzle and then the heat would be the least of the enemy's concern. The lack of concentric spheres of split shot would make a controlled trajectory a real challenge.
The lack of controlled expansion of the shot pattern due to afore mentioned problem with the spheres and likelyhood of tangles and surely kinks in the wire would make that so called circle of shot impossible to control. Now a final point of mention is that unless you used very tiny balls and the thinnest of wire like a 30 gauge or finer you won't fit much of either in even a 3 1/2 long mag shell.
But what do I know, I am neither a veteran nor a shotgun expert and I stayed in a microtel last night.
Brent

USP45T · November 10, 2008, 09:43 PM

never heard of the red hot wire concept. have heard of the bolo with piano wire 12g round. never shot one.

hogdogs · November 10, 2008, 09:47 PM

The bolo USP mentions was only 2 larger size balls with a single connector, not a circle. It had use in cannons with chain 'tween 2 cannon balls to destroy sails, masts and rigging of sailing ships in naval battles.
Used smaller I think it is more a novelty money taker than tactically superior battle round.
Brent

Jeff Mulliken · November 10, 2008, 10:07 PM

IMO....It's a fabrication, complete crap.

Among other things the heat is all behind the wad and the projectiles are in front of the wad.....

Jeff

scorpion_tyr · November 10, 2008, 10:08 PM

I appreciate it guys. Didn't think it was really possible.

.45 COLT · November 10, 2008, 10:21 PM

Too much Ba Mui Ba has been known to cause delusions.

DC

madcratebuilder · November 11, 2008, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Too much Ba Mui Ba has been known to cause delusions.

That brings back memories.

zippy13 · November 11, 2008, 11:34 AM

Here's a new patch for your shooting vest...

November 10, 2008, 09:07 PM	#1
scorpion_tyr Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 2008 Location: East Texas Posts: 1,326	Custom Shotgun Load Rumor I recently heard a rumor from a Vietnam Veteran about a custom shotgun load. He said they used to take lead fishing weights and clamp them onto monofilliment wire in a circle and load them into 12 gauge shells. He claimed that the monofillement wire they used had a melting point a few degrees above the temperature of the muzzle blast so that what came out was a swirling sphere of several lead weights and red hot wire that would cut through anything. I can see how such a round would be very lethal. Does anyone know if there's any truth to this or if it's even possible?

November 10, 2008, 09:43 PM	#2
hogdogs Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 31, 2007 Location: Western Florida panhandle Posts: 11,069	It would have severe limitations. For one the wire would be hot but not capable of melting too much unless right at the muzzle and then the heat would be the least of the enemy's concern. The lack of concentric spheres of split shot would make a controlled trajectory a real challenge. The lack of controlled expansion of the shot pattern due to afore mentioned problem with the spheres and likelyhood of tangles and surely kinks in the wire would make that so called circle of shot impossible to control. Now a final point of mention is that unless you used very tiny balls and the thinnest of wire like a 30 gauge or finer you won't fit much of either in even a 3 1/2 long mag shell. But what do I know, I am neither a veteran nor a shotgun expert and I stayed in a microtel last night. Brent Last edited by hogdogs; November 10, 2008 at 10:11 PM. Reason: spellin corrections

November 10, 2008, 09:43 PM	#3
USP45T Junior Member Join Date: October 28, 2002 Posts: 12	never heard of the red hot wire concept. have heard of the bolo with piano wire 12g round. never shot one.

November 10, 2008, 09:47 PM	#4
hogdogs Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 31, 2007 Location: Western Florida panhandle Posts: 11,069	The bolo USP mentions was only 2 larger size balls with a single connector, not a circle. It had use in cannons with chain 'tween 2 cannon balls to destroy sails, masts and rigging of sailing ships in naval battles. Used smaller I think it is more a novelty money taker than tactically superior battle round. Brent

November 10, 2008, 10:07 PM	#5
Jeff Mulliken Senior Member Join Date: July 13, 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 250	IMO....It's a fabrication, complete crap. Among other things the heat is all behind the wad and the projectiles are in front of the wad..... Jeff

November 10, 2008, 10:08 PM	#6
scorpion_tyr Senior Member Join Date: November 10, 2008 Location: East Texas Posts: 1,326	I appreciate it guys. Didn't think it was really possible.

November 10, 2008, 10:21 PM	#7
.45 COLT Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2004 Posts: 308	Too much Ba Mui Ba has been known to cause delusions. DC

November 11, 2008, 11:34 AM	#9
zippy13 Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 6,442	Here's a new patch for your shooting vest...