We just finished doing some tips and tricks on waterfowl ammunition for one of the TV shows we sponsor--Waterfowler TV. They'll begin to air this summer. We decided the age old topic of shot string was one to touch on and could be visually represented with a simple prop--a Slinky. Shot string is the result of the effect a barrel and choke have on a column of shot as it exits the shotgun. We found it interesting that for many years we've emphasized the importance of patterning a shotgun on a flat surface. We still contend it's the best way to find out where a particular gun will hit and with what pattern density, but a shot pattern is, in reality, very three-dimensional. You're not dealing with a flat disc of pellets, but rather a Matrix-like elongated sphere of bird dropping shot. Without the aid of Hollywood producers to recreate the effect of shot string relative to gravity and another dimension, we chose to visually demonstrate shot string with the stair-crawling favorite toy--Slinky. Although not a totally accurate representation of the exact dimensions of a typical shot column, this toy provided a simple and clear view of the effect choke has on a column of shot. And as Drew Goodlin pointed out, it's important not to over choke and string shot out too far. So the tip is to think in 3D, choose the right choke and consider shot string when evaluating leads and visualizing your shot on target. Thinking more about what shot does in flight will make shooters more sophisticated about their gun and ammunition and should result in more birds in the bag. In another related demonstration, shotshell guru Rochelle Poore showed shot density variations using a golf ball to represent High Density shot and a child's plastic ball to represent a lighter steel pellet. There was a clear difference in the downrange energy and carry of each ball-type. It was yet another simple, real-world test to demonstrate key factors one should consider when choosing ammunition and choke. So, although we pride ourselves on being a technology leader and part of the world's largest ammunition manufacturer, sometimes the best way to explain something is with a simple toy. | 
