Energy requirements for the penetration of heads of domestic stock and the development of a multiple projectile
Blackmore, D.K.
Veterinary Record 116(2): 36-40
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0042-4900 PMID: 3976138 Document Number: 261511
The forces and kinetic energy required to penetrate the isolated heads of calves, adult beef cattle, sheep and red deer with a metal probe the same diameter as the bore of an experimental pistol were determined. Approximately 16 and 127 joules were required to penetrate the heads of adult sheep and cattle, respectively. Using these findings a 10 g projectile, consisting of 49 lead pellets and a lead disc in a polyethylene sleeve, was constructed. This projectile, when fired by a charge sufficient to produce a muzzle velocity of 165 m/second, had sufficient kinetic energy to penetrate the heads and brains of cattle, sheep, horses and deer. The use of such a projectile for the emergency slaughter of animals would be less hazardous than a solid free bullet and was easier to use and more effective than either a solid free bullet or captive bolt. The projectile was not suitable for killing adult pigs because of problems associated with the frontal sinus.