No. Larger ammo is not always better.
Do you want the hardest hit possible? You may need the biggest (heaviest) ammo possible.
Do you want to be accurate? You need to avoid the biggest ammo.
The important thing is this: MATCH your ammo to your bandsets, and to your desired outcome.
The video discusses the topic of slingshot ammunition and addresses the notion of why bigger ammo is not always better:
- Target Shooting vs. Hunting:
- For target shooting, the size of the ammo isn't crucial. The goal is to knock over a target, hit a spinner, or punch a hole in paper. Larger ammo can provide an advantage for punching holes in paper, but for some tournaments, ammo larger than 9.5 millimeters is not allowed.
- For hunting, the size of the ammo becomes more significant. While some hunters successfully use 8 millimeter steel ammo, many prefer larger projectiles. Larger, heavier projectiles have a better ballistic coefficient and are more efficient at delivering energy to the target.
- Advantages of Larger Ammo:
- Easier to see in flight, which can be beneficial for intuitive or instinctive shooters.
- Easier to manipulate in the hand and pouch, allowing for a better grip.
- Delivers more exciting downrange action, e.g., a half-inch steel ball creates a more dramatic impact on a can than a 3/8 inch ball.
- Disadvantages of Larger Ammo:
- Produces a more pronounced rainbow arc trajectory for a standard slingshot draw weight (defined as 10-12 pounds of resistance). For example, with the same bands, a 12 millimeter ammo will have a more pronounced arc than a 9.5 millimeter ammo at 10 meters.
- Requires more resistance on the bands. To achieve a flatter trajectory with larger ammo, one might need a longer draw length or more latex in the system.
- Conclusion:
- The effectiveness of ammo size is application-specific. Neither larger nor smaller ammo is inherently better; it depends on the intended use.
- It's essential to understand the limitations of the projectile, know your bands, grasp the physics of slingshots, and most importantly, have fun.
What's important? Understanding the nuances of slingshot shooting and making informed choices based on one's specific needs and preferences.