Rifled slugs vs non-rifled slugs.

[KINDOFAONE]

I am sure someone on here can educate me on the matter. Are rifled slugs necessary in a non-rifled barrel or choke? and what is the smallest choke you can safely shoot slugs through?

thanks in advance to anyone who can give me any info.

[newglockster]

You want rifled slugs in a smooth-bore barrel. Sabot slugs are for rifled barrels. Many people will say Modified is the smallest you can/should shoot slugs through... YMMV

[shellslinger]

I heard the rifling on the rifled slugs aren't actually meant for the slug to spin when its fired down range. It's actual purpose was to be able go squeeze through chokes. But correct me I'm wrong

[Databyter]

I heard the rifling on the rifled slugs aren't actually meant for the slug to spin when its fired down range. It's actual purpose was to be able go squeeze through chokes. But correct me I'm wrong

Consider yourself corrected.

[gunboat]

Shellslinger -- That was my understanding as well - Two wrongs, make a right :-)

[Fjold]

Rifled slugs do not spin in the barrel since there is nothing for the slugs to grip in the bore.

[shellslinger]

I suppose the answer to your question OP. Is that rifled slugs aren't necessary for a smooth bore. You can shoot sabot or non-rifled slugs out of a smooth bore as well. But its probably best if you stick with rifled slugs for a smooth bore.

[BigDogatPlay]

Foster or Brenneke type rifled slugs are for smoothbore barrels and the pattern of lands and grooves on the sides are supposed to impart spin on them as they travel through the air. How much that works I don't know.

Non-rifled slugs are generally inside a plastic sabot. Those prefer a rifled barrel or rifled choke tube for best results and at longer distances, but they can be shot effectively in a smoothbore out to intermediate distance.

[Databyter]

Rifled slugs do not spin in the barrel since there is nothing for the slugs to grip in the bore.

They do spin in flight, and it is enough to pride them with axial stability that prevents the slug from cartwheeling.

[Whiterabbit]

If it was just meant to make it through the choke, then rifled slugs would be WAY more complicated than making fluted slugs, finned slugs, or adding driving bands to slugs.

Because they are rifled, I logically conclude there must be an alternate reason.

[ThemBastards]

[Red Devil]

Shellslinger -- That was my understanding as well - Two wrongs, make a right :-)

Two wrongs don't make a Right...


...Three Lefts do.

[gatesbox]

I suppose the answer to your question OP. Is that rifled slugs aren't necessary for a smooth bore.

BAN and replace avatar with Brady Bunch pic....

[shellslinger]

BAN and replace avatar with Brady Bunch pic....

Does this work? However, I suppose I'll try working on that ban as well.

[gatesbox]

Does this work? However, I suppose I'll try working on that ban as well.

I salute you sir! Well done..... And don't worry it's easy to get banned around here...

The earliest shotgun slugs were just lead balls, of just under the bore diameter, allowing them to pass through a tiny barrel. Often called pumpkin nuts, these slugs showed very poor accuracy, and were only effective at the very close ranges where they could be relied on to hit the target in a vital area. Later types of slugs, such as the Brenneke design, use a weight-based design and rifling-like fins to provide stability and the ability to easily compress and pass through a choked barrel. These can be fired through a smoothbore barrel with reasonable accuracy, and significantly extend the effective range of the shotgun slug.