20 guage slug question - The Firearms Forum

jack404 · 05-23-2012, 06:15 PM

does anyone know if slugs for a rifled barrel can be used safely in a smooth bore shotgun

in 12 G i'd say no worries but no 20 G here so not sure ..

mjp28 · 05-23-2012, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jack404

does anyone know if slugs for a rifled barrel can be used safely in a smooth bore shotgun

in 12 G i'd say no worries but no 20 G here so not sure ..

Good question, I've used many "pumpkin balls" out of my smooth bore 20 ga but slugs for a rifled barrel I'm not sure. (gut feel yes..added)

USNative · 05-23-2012, 06:49 PM

I would think that you can shoot the rifled slugs through a smooth bore but if I remember right you need to have modified choke or improved cylinder barrel. I wouldn't think it would matter what guage it is.

I would do more research on this subject before you go firing one through the gun as I may not be right. I don't see any reason why it would be a problem though. There may also be a question of accuracy if it can be done.

Don't take my word for any of this as I am only assuming on my own logic. I used to shoot a lot of slugs through a 12 guage and I did use modified choke. If I remember right I did fire some rifled slugs through it and it was smooth bore. It wasn't too accurate over about 50 yards for me but I did kill a few deer with it within that range.

It's been a long time since I did this so please do your homework befoire you try it IMO.

jack404 · 05-23-2012, 06:53 PM

i've used 12 G but never 20g so dunno Ryan asked me but could not say for sure

Hammerslagger · 05-23-2012, 09:08 PM

I am working from a not to certain memory of a conversation with the designer of a well known and powerful saboted slug, earlier this year.

Prudently, one should not fire saboted slugs designed for rifled shotgun barrel's in choke bored guns. Improved cylinder is not likely a problem, but tighter chokes my cause unwanted bore pressure increases, and open up the barrel's choke, as the sabot is designed for a cylinder bore rifled barrel.

Projectile stability will be poor when fired from a smooth-bore barrel, also.

JLA · 05-23-2012, 09:21 PM

Yep. just need a rifled choke tube to spin the sabot off. Most sabot slugs for a shotgun are 45 or 50 cal pistol bullets and require very little RPM to be stable. I had a rifled choke tube for my remmy 870 that id shoot 3" groups @ 100 yds with 12 ga hornady SST slugs.

ryan42 · 05-23-2012, 09:45 PM

Thanks for posting it Jack,I only bought 2 boxes of sabot rifle slugs on accident.Im sure my gun shop will let me trade them.

05-23-2012, 06:15 PM	#1
jack404 Former Guest Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Australia Contributor Posts: 17,622	20 guage slug question does anyone know if slugs for a rifled barrel can be used safely in a smooth bore shotgun in 12 G i'd say no worries but no 20 G here so not sure .. -->

05-23-2012, 06:49 PM	#3
USNative V.I.P. Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Montana Posts: 373	Re: 20 guage slug question I would think that you can shoot the rifled slugs through a smooth bore but if I remember right you need to have modified choke or improved cylinder barrel. I wouldn't think it would matter what guage it is. I would do more research on this subject before you go firing one through the gun as I may not be right. I don't see any reason why it would be a problem though. There may also be a question of accuracy if it can be done. Don't take my word for any of this as I am only assuming on my own logic. I used to shoot a lot of slugs through a 12 guage and I did use modified choke. If I remember right I did fire some rifled slugs through it and it was smooth bore. It wasn't too accurate over about 50 yards for me but I did kill a few deer with it within that range. It's been a long time since I did this so please do your homework befoire you try it IMO. __________________ WINCHESTER....Hail To The King Baby!!! "A man has an inborn right to bear arms. Any government claiming a "right" to regulate a "right" is the definition of a tyranny !!!"

05-23-2012, 06:53 PM	#4
jack404 Former Guest Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Australia Contributor Posts: 17,622	Re: 20 guage slug question i've used 12 G but never 20g so dunno Ryan asked me but could not say for sure

05-23-2012, 09:08 PM	#5
Hammerslagger Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1,099	Re: 20 guage slug question I am working from a not to certain memory of a conversation with the designer of a well known and powerful saboted slug, earlier this year. Prudently, one should not fire saboted slugs designed for rifled shotgun barrel's in choke bored guns. Improved cylinder is not likely a problem, but tighter chokes my cause unwanted bore pressure increases, and open up the barrel's choke, as the sabot is designed for a cylinder bore rifled barrel. Projectile stability will be poor when fired from a smooth-bore barrel, also. Last edited by Hammerslagger; 05-23-2012 at 09:09 PM.. Reason: typo

05-23-2012, 09:21 PM	#6
JLA TFF Moderator/Host Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Heart Of Texas Contributor Posts: 17,319	Re: 20 guage slug question Yep. just need a rifled choke tube to spin the sabot off. Most sabot slugs for a shotgun are 45 or 50 cal pistol bullets and require very little RPM to be stable. I had a rifled choke tube for my remmy 870 that id shoot 3" groups @ 100 yds with 12 ga hornady SST slugs. __________________ It takes 43 muscles to frown, 17 to smile, and 3 for proper trigger squeeze. The latest caliber or gear is no substitute for experience and skill. Rifles and cartridges don't make hits -- shooters do. Fact of life: After Monday and Tuesday, even the calendar says WTF!

05-23-2012, 09:45 PM	#7
ryan42 Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: marion indiana Contributor Posts: 1,549	Re: 20 guage slug question Thanks for posting it Jack,I only bought 2 boxes of sabot rifle slugs on accident.Im sure my gun shop will let me trade them. __________________ Tommorrow is promised to know one! Ryan Stevens