Copper slugs in smooth-bore shotguns?
- Thread starter hansol
- Start date
Well that's where I get a little confused. Obviously lead is the softest, but I've heard of guys shooting hard-cast slugs out of their smooth bores. Then on top of that, you have guys shooting steel shot loads. Now steel is obviously harder than copper, so...
But I'm no scientist, so like I said, just bouncing ideas off the people on the forum here.
But I'm no scientist, so like I said, just bouncing ideas off the people on the forum here.
wow.. thats gonna pack a punch for sure 1 1/3 oz! niiice
i doubt the accuracy will be that great..
I am keen to see the range results.. and i would like to know your handload recipe
Hey guys,
I'm making up a few loads based on this data, but that being said, I have no idea how they will turn out, so use this at your own risk. (I'll also be testing with the string-and-sandbag method):
Starting load:
Win AA 2 3/4" hull
Win 209 primer
34.5 grains Blue Dot
WAA12 wad (cut down because I don't need the "shot cup")
580 grain (1 1/3oz) Slug
(roll crimped)
*this load is untested, so if you use it and blow up a gun, it's not my fault etc*
As for the accuracy issue, I only care about hitting a 12" dinner plate at 30 yards, so if my loads will do that, then great.
Another thing a guy could test out is "paper patching" the slugs using teflon tape or masking tape, but you run the risk of increasing pressures depending on how much of a "seal" you get. And as I'm not trying for uber-accuracy with these loads, I don't think I will worry about that.
I'm making up a few loads based on this data, but that being said, I have no idea how they will turn out, so use this at your own risk. (I'll also be testing with the string-and-sandbag method):
Starting load:
Win AA 2 3/4" hull
Win 209 primer
34.5 grains Blue Dot
WAA12 wad (cut down because I don't need the "shot cup")
580 grain (1 1/3oz) Slug
(roll crimped)
*this load is untested, so if you use it and blow up a gun, it's not my fault etc*
As for the accuracy issue, I only care about hitting a 12" dinner plate at 30 yards, so if my loads will do that, then great.
Another thing a guy could test out is "paper patching" the slugs using teflon tape or masking tape, but you run the risk of increasing pressures depending on how much of a "seal" you get. And as I'm not trying for uber-accuracy with these loads, I don't think I will worry about that.
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rommelrommel
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I would find a slug load to use... you're already experimenting enough IMO. I can't see the "paper patching" idea helping at all unless you want to experiment with a rifled bore and full diameter slugs.
Here's a slug load from the lyman #4 manual:
hull = Win AA
Win. 209 Primer
44 gr Blue Dot
Wad = WinAA12R
525gr lyman slug
pressure @ 9,200 LUP
From my past browsing of load data, this 44 grains would be a pretty "hot" load in my opinion though. I personally would back off some, but the manual lists it, so...
hull = Win AA
Win. 209 Primer
44 gr Blue Dot
Wad = WinAA12R
525gr lyman slug
pressure @ 9,200 LUP
From my past browsing of load data, this 44 grains would be a pretty "hot" load in my opinion though. I personally would back off some, but the manual lists it, so...
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rommelrommel
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
As long as your slug is smaller than your choke, I don't forsee a major problem... but I'd be firing the first one remotely as suggested before. Steel shot can be forced down as long as the choke and barrel are up to it... firing a solid copper slug through a smaller diameter choke could be... interesting...
Yes, firing a slug through a full choke would be quite spectatcular. I cut my barrels back to 24", so as such have no chokes on them at all. I wanted my rig to originally fire .735 round balls and such, and now have moved on to try copper projectiles for better penetration.
most soild cooper slugs are shot with a plastic sabot around them from a rifled barrel .that said copper plated shot is sht from full chokes all the time if you are making them from soild copper i would check the size and check thesize of the bore thy may fit with no problems i would not try to push them thru to small of a hole DUTCH
i shoot copper solid out of a rifled barrel. i get better results than the sabots. it has to do with velocity. i found the sabots were just too fast (1900 to 2100 fps). so went slower with a solid slug (1500 fps). It works for rifled barrel for me. You have a smooth bore,so make sure you use a "rifled" slug (which makes it spin).
