When a shotgun cartridge is fired the pellets begin to disperse soon after the cartridge has left the weapon. This dispersion increases with the range of fire but it also depends upon the degree of ‘choking’ of the barrel of the weapon. ‘Choking’ refers to the restriction of the bores of certain shotguns at their muzzle ends. The degree of constriction is maximal in the ‘full choke’ weapon and is of lesser extent in the ‘half choke’ weapon. The purpose of the ‘choking’ device is to keep the charge of shot in a single mass for some distance before dispersion commences. In these circumstances, a single large irregular lacerated wound is produced. Burning, blackening, and tattooing are seen around and in the depth of the wound. The wad is often found in the wound. As the range of fire increases to a few yards, the burning, blackening and tattooing disappear, while the charge of shot begins to spread.
- Separate pellets entering the skin: appear around the central opening caused by the main mass of shot. In addition, an independent injury may be caused by the wad.
- Dispersion of shot increases at greater ranges: the greater the dispersion the greater the range.
- Actual spread depends upon the type of boring of the weapon.
- Direction of fire of a shotgun can only be determined from the entrance wound in close range injuries.
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