SHOT-GUN PATTERNS 43 



pellets upon a whitewashed target at various ranges. 

 Moreover, in these days of new powders, new cartridges, 

 new caps, new everything in fact, it becomes more than 

 ever necessary to success in the shooting-field that due 

 regard should be paid, amongst other essentials, to the 

 patterns displayed by the shot. Pattern, it must be 

 remembered, is of primary importance, for it matters 

 not how great the velocity imparted to the shot-pellets, 

 nor how skilful the aim of the shooter, without pattern 

 all is lost. A sufficiently thick and even distribution of 

 the pellets in the form of pattern is indispensably re- 

 quisite for the killing of game handsomely, and in 

 consistently good form. Therefore, let me reiterate, 

 occasional target experiments may save endless heart- 

 burnings in the field. They guide the gunner in the 

 selection of suitably loaded cartridges, so that he may 

 do himself justice by shooting well up to and not below 

 his proper form, and thereby make steady, even if not 

 brilliant, practice. 



I have spoken little of penetration whilst mentioning 

 much about pattern. As a matter of fact, with the 

 sportsman of these times, penetration is a somewhat 

 minor consideration compared with pattern. In a 

 general way we must look to the barrel-borer to give us 

 penetration, for with powerful modern powders and 

 precise methods of loading, it is not so much the starting 

 of the shot that we sportsmen need concern ourselves 

 about, it is its due control after starting, the manner of 

 its delivery from the gun-barrel, that will largely deter- 

 mine the question of sufficiency of penetration on arrival 

 at its destination. Skilful barrel-borers of to-day can 

 insure obtaining the best work from the shot under 

 prevailing conditions, therefore the gunner need think 



