Component Analysis
TBC
Performance Data
| Date | Range | Choke (Nominal) | 30" Circle Impacts (Total) | Performance (Nominal) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11/06/2017 | 30 Yards | 0.015" (Modified) | 148 (206) | 72% (Improved Cylinder) |
| 11/06/2017 | 30 Yards | 0.015" (Modified) | 146 (206) | 71% (Improved Cylinder) |
| 07/05/2017 | 30 Yards | 0.020" (Improved Modified) | 141 (206) | 68% (Improved Cylinder) |
| 11/06/2017 | 30 Yards | 0.020" (Improved Modified) | 154 (206) | 75% (Improved Cylinder) |
| 11/06/2017 | 30 Yards | 0.020" (Improved Modified) | 136 (206) | 66% (Cylinder) |
| 11/06/2017 | 40 Yards | 0.015" (Modified) | 91 (206) | 44% (Cylinder) |
| 11/06/2017 | 40 Yards | 0.015" (Modified) | 85 (206) | 41% (Cylinder) |
| 11/06/2017 | 40 Yards | 0.020" (Improved Modified) | 84 (206) | 41% (Cylinder) |
| 11/06/2017 | 40 Yards | 0.020" (Improved Modified) | 110 (206) | 53% (Improved Cylinder) |
Performance Analysis
That the Eley “Trap” cartridge will not satisfy The Hedgewalker’s requirement of 120 pellets in the standard circle at 40 yards should not detract from just how good this diminutive little shell really is. Although neither this cartridge, nor its 3″ sister loading are the best-performing in percentage terms that the SBS team have encountered to date, they are both capable of exceptional performance when one takes into account the inherent limitations of the .410.
Many of the observations which have been recorded previously about the 3″ version of this cartridge (see here) could be made with reference to the 2½” version also. The fact that the shot size is on the small side for hunting; the apparently ingenious choice of a half-length wad which balances scrubbing and crushing effects; the anticipated hardness of the shot, given the purpose for which it was primarily marketed. They do not need to be repeated here.
In spite of that abbreviated commentary, this is a notably good cartridge. It produces very usable patterns, averaging approximately 144 pellets in the standard circle at 30 yards, suggesting a usable range of 34-35 yards if a minimum 120 pellets are required. This is quite adequate for decoying pigeons, where shots are taken at approaching birds and the ranges are short. Indeed, the negligible recoil of the cartridge will certainly make shooting large bags less tiring than might be the case with other, heavier cartridges.
Whether this, or Eley’s other 2½” cartridge, the “Fourlong”, would be most effective for hunting purposes is difficult to determine and may really be depend on personal taste. The “Trap” loading gives better pattern density and higher initial velocity; the “Fourlong” is probably subsonic, but contains larger shot and shows less per-shot variation in performance. The author remains undecided: gut feeling suggests that the cartridge containing the larger shot size would be the more humane choice, but given that both cartridges should produce sufficient striking energy out to around 35 yards, it is hard to argue against having the densest pattern possible. To date, both choices are superior to all other 2½” shells for which data is available.
Example Patterns
