Velocity from 12-1/2" 12 Ga
- Thread starter P.E. Islander
- Start date
Last year I did a bunch of chrono work with different 870 barrels (20", 18", 14" 12.5 and 8.5") and a few different slugs (it is on here somewhere if you search my old threads). Actual loss was right around 25 fps per inch barrel shorter.
The February 2008 issue of Small Arms Review has an article by Jeff Zimba on this topic. Energy by the Inch - The Great Shotgun Chop of 2007. He tests the effect on velocity, accuracy and patterns with slug and 00 buckshot on a single barrel from 30" down to 6.875".
"...it is a safe assumption that for maximum performance at a minimal size for shooting slugs, a 12-inch barrel seems to be the optimum length. In the buckshot testing, it was the 18-inch stage that performed the best and had the smallest extreme spread..."
http://www.smallarmsreview.com/home.htm
"...it is a safe assumption that for maximum performance at a minimal size for shooting slugs, a 12-inch barrel seems to be the optimum length. In the buckshot testing, it was the 18-inch stage that performed the best and had the smallest extreme spread..."
http://www.smallarmsreview.com/home.htm
And pattern issues can be resolved by adding a screw in or other type of adjustable choke system.
Methinks it is the next step that needs to happen to these tactical style shotguns to improve their performance.
Oh and good info PE.
Methinks it is the next step that needs to happen to these tactical style shotguns to improve their performance.
Oh and good info PE.
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Ive done a bit of round ball shooting out of my 20" Remington, I know I have some loads and results written down somewhere. Years ago these loads were referred to as "pumpkin balls". Round balls are certainly much less fussy to cast than hollow base slugs.
My round ball mold is a Lyman .690" and, if memory serves me correctly it fits nice and snug in a one ounce Winchester wad. Gave decent accuracy, and as you noted, they penetrate like crazy! I did most of my testing in the winter and I was able to recover most of them when the snow melted. Most had hardly a scratch on them.
Round ball loads are on my "must try" list for the Grizzly. Might be fun to come up with some 2" round ball loads to get an extra shot in mag!
Republic of Alberta
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
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Perhaps.....just maybe...you are even cooler than I had originally thought
Did you cast your balls out of wheel weights? What kind of velocity did you get?
Did you cast your balls out of wheel weights? What kind of velocity did you get?
Yep, cast them of wheel weights - they are pretty damn hard as they were cast hot and then water quenched. I just weighed a few and they come in at around 482 grains, give or take a grain.
I can't seem to locate my load data and velocity readings. I'll give it another go in the next week or two and let you know the results.
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Cool , I was always very curious about this. Thanks for posting.
, I was always very curious about this. Thanks for posting.
