What is the general rule of thumb for shotgun shot spread?

The principle that a shotgun's shot spread generally increases by about 1 inch per yard of distance is widely accepted in firearms instruction. This means that for every yard the shot travels, you can expect the spread pattern to widen by approximately 1 inch.

Understanding this rule helps shooters anticipate how their shot will disperse over distance, which is crucial for effective aiming and target acquisition. For instance, when shooting at a target that is 10 yards away, the shot spread will be roughly 10 inches across. This knowledge is especially important in various shooting contexts, such as hunting or clay pigeon shooting, where accurate estimation of spread can significantly affect performance and outcomes.

Knowledge of this spread dynamics allows an instructor to teach students how to adjust their aim based on the distance to the target, ensuring they maximize their chances of hitting the desired area.