A shotgun shell flight path indicator is described which in general includes a
shell casing having a primer end having a primer, a propellant disposed within
the interior of the casing proximate to the primer adapted for ignition by the
primer, and a non-combustible indicator positioned within the casing. The indicator
generally includes a base positioned proximate to the propellant where the base
has a sufficient mass and size for unaided observation following discharge from
a shotgun barrel. The indicator may include ballast integral to the base and pedals
extending outwardly from the base to assist in aerodynamic drafting behind expelled
shot to visually represent the flight trajectory of the expelled shot of a shotgun
shell. The indicator may further include a plug disposed in the casing between
the ballast and the propellant where the plug is adapted to compact the ballast
within a ballast pocket integral to the base upon discharge of the shotgun shell
to reduce peak barrel pressure for a shotgun.
