Rifled Slugs

RickP

RickP

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Much has been previously discussed about rifled slugs, but I have a couple of specific questions that I could not find any information on.

All things being equal, is accuracy or velocity from my 28" barrel going to be any better, the same, or worse than from a shorter barrel? Any other issues that I may encounter with a 28" barrel, besides weight, that would put this idea into the bad category?

Just for the record I have a Supernova Field and hunting late fall in a recently logged mixed hardwood forest.

Thanks for your input.
 
Shouldn't be an issue. People have been firing rifled slugs out of long barrel shotguns long before the short ones became popular.
 
Your only concern is choke restriction, keep it Full or looser and your good to go. Velocity claimed by most mfg's will usually be out of a longer barrel, shorter barrel = slightly reduced velocity and increased lights and sounds. Accuracy will be specific to your gun, you will have to buy all the brands/types you can and try them out to see what your gun likes. They are mostly made undersized as shotgun barrels can vary significantly, its a safety thing. Federal tru-ball and Winchester Rackmaster slugs have features designed to maximize accuracy in smooth bores.
 
My own research shows that a longer barrel provides a few less FPS, probably due to friction. Barrels less than 14 inches lost velocity, probably due to short barrel syndrome (haha). Accuracy on the 14 and 28 inch barrel were not as good as the 20 inch imp cylinder barrel. I did all these tests with Rem Slugger and Winchester 2 3/4. Rem Slugger in a 20inch impcyl barrel had the highest FPS and best accuracy. It's also easier to carry than a 28 inch barrel.

You can fire slugs out of a full choked barrel, but anything bigger isn't recommended. Your velocity on a 3inch magnum slug isn't that much better than a 2 3/4. The trajectory at 100y is about the same for both, and only one company that I can find in the USA makes a 3.5inch slug. You should be hitting -0.0 at 50 yards, an inch or so low at 75, and then 4-6 low at 100. I personally just set my rifle sights up one click, and I hit a tad high at 50, dead on 75, and slightly low at 100.

Shotgun powder is typically of the fast burning variety, similar to stuff you'd use in a handgun. I think an 18 inch barrel gives you max velocity.
 
In the two examples of I've personally seen of others shortening thier hunting barrel shotguns to 18-20 inches, both times slugs impacted higher than before at normal ranges. Notice some 870 Remingtons have the factory bead on a higher ramp.
 
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