Remember that Mythbusters cowboy shooting episode?

[bogie]

At first glance, this guy gets 'em...

(video safe, site in general not safe for work)

http://www.break.com/index/fastest_gun_in_the_west.html

Then I look at the plates - they didn't move... I think he's using ratshot or dustshot...

 

[Outlaws]

I bet if he stood back an extra foot or two he could have popped them all with one shot.

 

[geekWithA.45]

My thinking on that mythbuster's episode, having participated in a few "rope shoots", is that you really need HP to cut rope. Ball just shoves the rope aside.

 

[George Hill]

No, you can do it also with full wadcutters...

 

[KMKeller]

He's using heavy loads of black powder, the burning particles are actually what pop the balloons.