Component Analysis
[TBC]
Performance Data
| Date | Range | Choke (Nominal) | 30" Circle Impacts (Total) | Performance (Nominal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/08/2017 | 30 Yards | 0.015" (Modified) | 80 (99) | 80% (Modified) |
| 01/08/2017 | 30 Yards | 0.015" (Modified) | 49 (99) | 49% (< Cylinder) |
| 01/08/2017 | 30 Yards | 0.020" (Improved Modified) | 64 (99) | 64% (Cylinder) |
| 01/08/2017 | 30 Yards | 0.020" (Improved Modified) | 77 (99) | 77% (Modified) |
Performance Analysis
The time available for initial testing of this cartridge was limited, as is the resulting number of patterns. It is not legitimate to draw firm conclusions about the Eley cartridge’s performance from only a handful of patterns, but we do not expect further testing to alter the conclusion which the initial data implies: #5 is simply too large a shot size to produce any kind of adequate pattern in a .410.
In other cases where the number of pellets contained in the un-fired cartridge has been fewer than our (i.e. the SmallBoreShotguns teams’) “lowest-acceptable” limit of 120, we have employed a 20″ circle to analyze our patterns in the hope of finding any degree of usefulness, whilst noting that a smaller effective pattern area requires a much higher degree of accuracy on the part of the shooter. In this case, however, we feel that the wild variation in performance both for a single choke and between chokes – the patterns for the ½ choke are either side of the two for the ¾ choke – does not justify this approach.
Although, as one might expect from the use of larger shot-sizes, percentage performance is relatively good, it is not sufficient to overcome the handicap of having only 99 pellets in the case to start with. Absolute pellet counts are entirely insufficient for use on live game or clays at almost any range – though reducing the effective pattern size to 20″ or 15″ might make this a humane cartridge at 10-15 yards if the shotgun is aimed, like a rifle. The rolled turnover used to close the cartridge is undoubtedly contributes to the wide variations in performance.
We cannot recommend the use of this cartridge where other alternatives are available. In spite of having heard many anecdotes about the amazing effectiveness of these cartridges at apparently incredible range, we are forced to conclude that, where those tales are accurate, the clean killing of quarry has been the result of lucky single pellet strikes, rather than the consistent creation of humane patterns by gun and cartridge. Smaller shot offers a better compromise between pattern and energy for a 12½g loading.
Example Patterns
