Mossberg 500...Can I shoot a slug?

lorcin25 · 03-26-2008, 02:55 PM

I have a mossberg 500 12 ga. I know it is not rifled but I guy today said you can get slug rounds that fire out of it and work well. Is that true? If so, what can I get?

Rem 742 30-06 · 03-26-2008, 02:58 PM

yes you are fine. Buy rifled slugs like remington sluggers

lorcin25 · 03-26-2008, 03:15 PM

Explain a rifled slug to me....does it act as though the barrel were rifled even though it is not?

Rem 742 30-06 · 03-26-2008, 03:28 PM

It tries to at least i am not sure how much it actually does.

Bravo · 03-26-2008, 03:39 PM

There are 2 types of slugs:

1. Rifled Slugs

2. Sabot Slugs

A rifled slug has rifling built into the slug itself. This makes up for the barrel not having rifling. The slug spins in a motion similar to what rifling would cause due to the air passing over the grooves on the slug. Rifled slugs shot from a smooth bore are relatively accurate out to about 50-75 yards.

Sabot slugs are a smooth slug (similar to a rifle bullet) fired from a plastic housing. This housing reacts to rifled barrels, and causes the slug to spin. Because it's making contact with actual rifling, it will spin much faster than a rifled slug fired from a smooth barrel. The result is a slug that is more accurate, out to about 100-150 yards rather than 50-75 yards.

If you were to fire a sabot slug from your smooth bore Mossberg 500, you would create an effect similar to firing a mini ball from a smooth bore musket. Your shot pattern with 5 shots at 50 yards would probably be about 1 to 2 feet. Not great grouping.

Here is a sabot slug by winchester (note the plastic sabot/housing): http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w...p3_slug_sm.jpg

Here is a rifled slug by remington (note the grooves that will react to the air): http://www.remington.com/images/prod...lugger_big.jpg

Long story short: Rifled Barrel = Sabot Slug. Smooth Barrel = Rifled Slug

Also, Use a Cylinder choke. When shooting slugs, you want zero constriction if possible.

Rem 742 30-06 · 03-26-2008, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bravo

Also, Use a Cylinder choke. When shooting slugs, you want zero constriction if possible.

Don't most manufacturers recommend improved choke. They do if i remember right.

texnmidwest · 03-26-2008, 03:43 PM

The slug itself has spiral veins on it's outside with a solid base. When the slug goes out the barrel and down range the wind resistance against the veins will impart a certain amount of spin to the slug. Theoretically stabilizing the slug and improving accuracy. Same principle as a pin wheel. Wind makes it spin.

You can also get a rifled choke tube. Not sure how well they work. I would assume that it is best to either buy the rifled slugs or use sabot rounds through rifled choke tubes. You can also buy a slug barrel for your mossberg. Should cost around 150 to 175. Not cheap but that would give you better sights and better accuracy.

Bravo · 03-26-2008, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rem 742 30-06

Don't most manufacturers recommend improved choke. They do if i remember right.

I can't see why they would. An IC choke constricts the barrel slightly (0.01 inches). I'm thinking that they might say you should use an IC choke or smaller constriction, meaning only use Cylinder, Skeet, or Improved Cylinder chokes.

Also, here are the best rifled slugs (in my opinion):

Remington Slugger: Remington Slugger® Rifled Slugs

Winchester Rackmaster:
Shotshell

My favorite: Federal Truball:
Cabela's -- Federal® Truball™ Rifled Slugs

samuel · 03-26-2008, 04:23 PM

They tested 'rifled slugs and they don't spin.The best barrel they have found for foster type slugs is a backbored bbl that is bored to .740".Actually they are using this for shot too as it distorts shot less.The standard cylinder bore is .729" and works well with foster type slugs.They can be fired in any choke including full 'but' they create a pressure surge going through the choke and put more trauma on the slug as it exits the barrel.When gasses escape past any projectile in any firearm they pass the projectile.If they do this unevenly it pushes the projectile slightly one way or another causing it to be slightly unstable.With rifled barrels they straighten up because they are spinning.But a foster type slug with no spin stays 'yawed' causing inaccuracy.Actually they do straighten a little once they are free of the turbulance of the gasses because of the 'skirt on the slug. The pressure surge lets higher pressures effect the slug so the less choke the less pressure and the less effect on the slug.Sabots wont work in smoothbores but often foster type slugs work well in rifled barrels,especially the ones that the wadding stays attached.I have gotten fair accuracy from any decent slug but prefer Remington,Winchester,and federal,in that order. sam.

Bravo · 03-26-2008, 04:30 PM

Rifled slugs don't spin at all? Not even when they get in open air? Wouldn't they be as accurate as a sabot slug then when fired from a smooth bore?

Taurus Fan · 03-26-2008, 04:31 PM

This is some info on slugs/rifling/chokes/etc. that sounds about right:

Shotgun Slugs

Bravo · 03-26-2008, 04:37 PM

Well I'll be darned...the rifling doesn't make them spin.

Good article! Sorry to doubt you Sam

I guess you learn something everyday.

ArkansasHunter · 03-26-2008, 04:44 PM

I agree it was a good artical and I'm now wondering how a boat tail designed slug would do ?

samuel · 03-26-2008, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taurus Fan

This is some info on slugs/rifling/chokes/etc. that sounds about right:

Shotgun Slugs

Thanks for saving me.I cant post things like you did because I am the dumbest PC operator on here.Round balls are even worse out of a smoothbore. sam.

Righteous · 03-26-2008, 06:42 PM

What everbody has failed to mention is that some mosberg 500's have ported barrels, if yours does then NO you cant shoot slugs

ArkansasHunter · 03-26-2008, 06:47 PM

Hey Righteous ! I didn't know that, though I own a Mossberg with ported barrel I don't intend to shoot slugs through it Thanks for the Heads up !
Though I beleive you I've not read this anywhere before and I go to Mossbergs web site daily.
Interesting !...A.H

DWARREN123 · 03-26-2008, 07:31 PM

I have fired rifled slugs from shotguns, some guns like them and some don't. To have better accuracy a rifled or slug barrel is best.

Bravo · 03-26-2008, 07:55 PM

The only reason that you shouldn't fire slugs from a ported barrel is because the slug can shave off lead as it goes through the ports, and potentially damage them overtime. But shotguns with ported barrels will fire slugs.

A.H., if you were ever put in the situation where you needed to fire a slug, I would say that you wouldn't have a problem.

nathangdad · 03-26-2008, 08:43 PM

I solve this dilemma by shooting shot out of my smootbore
tube and slugs out of my rifled tube. I feel it a great asset to
have this choice of specialization. You get the best performance
from either shot or slug.

Although it has a supposed benefit there is little, if any, gain from
shooting a slug with rifling on the exterior through a smooth
bore shotgun tube.

samuel · 03-27-2008, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArkansasHunter

I agree it was a good artical and I'm now wondering how a boat tail designed slug would do ?

I dont know how you could make a boattail as the slug is hollow in back with most of the weight forward. sam.

03-26-2008, 02:55 PM	#1
lorcin25 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Alabama Posts: 291	Mossberg 500...Can I shoot a slug? I have a mossberg 500 12 ga. I know it is not rifled but I guy today said you can get slug rounds that fire out of it and work well. Is that true? If so, what can I get?

03-26-2008, 03:39 PM	#5
Bravo Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Maine, USA Posts: 1,881	There are 2 types of slugs: 1. Rifled Slugs 2. Sabot Slugs A rifled slug has rifling built into the slug itself. This makes up for the barrel not having rifling. The slug spins in a motion similar to what rifling would cause due to the air passing over the grooves on the slug. Rifled slugs shot from a smooth bore are relatively accurate out to about 50-75 yards. Sabot slugs are a smooth slug (similar to a rifle bullet) fired from a plastic housing. This housing reacts to rifled barrels, and causes the slug to spin. Because it's making contact with actual rifling, it will spin much faster than a rifled slug fired from a smooth barrel. The result is a slug that is more accurate, out to about 100-150 yards rather than 50-75 yards. If you were to fire a sabot slug from your smooth bore Mossberg 500, you would create an effect similar to firing a mini ball from a smooth bore musket. Your shot pattern with 5 shots at 50 yards would probably be about 1 to 2 feet. Not great grouping. Here is a sabot slug by winchester (note the plastic sabot/housing): http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w...p3_slug_sm.jpg Here is a rifled slug by remington (note the grooves that will react to the air): http://www.remington.com/images/prod...lugger_big.jpg Long story short: Rifled Barrel = Sabot Slug. Smooth Barrel = Rifled Slug Also, Use a Cylinder choke. When shooting slugs, you want zero constriction if possible. Last edited by Bravo; 03-26-2008 at 03:42 PM.

03-26-2008, 03:43 PM	#7
texnmidwest Listen to yur Inner Hippo Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: South east Wisconsin Posts: 3,401	The slug itself has spiral veins on it's outside with a solid base. When the slug goes out the barrel and down range the wind resistance against the veins will impart a certain amount of spin to the slug. Theoretically stabilizing the slug and improving accuracy. Same principle as a pin wheel. Wind makes it spin. You can also get a rifled choke tube. Not sure how well they work. I would assume that it is best to either buy the rifled slugs or use sabot rounds through rifled choke tubes. You can also buy a slug barrel for your mossberg. Should cost around 150 to 175. Not cheap but that would give you better sights and better accuracy. __________________ "Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati" (If all else fails play dead)

03-26-2008, 07:31 PM	#17
DWARREN123 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: BETWEEN TN & KY Posts: 774	I have fired rifled slugs from shotguns, some guns like them and some don't. To have better accuracy a rifled or slug barrel is best. __________________ Have a nice day!

03-26-2008, 08:43 PM	#19
nathangdad Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,439	Personally, I solve this dilemma by shooting shot out of my smootbore tube and slugs out of my rifled tube. I feel it a great asset to have this choice of specialization. You get the best performance from either shot or slug. Although it has a supposed benefit there is little, if any, gain from shooting a slug with rifling on the exterior through a smooth bore shotgun tube.

03-26-2008, 02:58 PM	#2
Rem 742 30-06 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern Wisconsin Posts: 390	yes you are fine. Buy rifled slugs like remington sluggers

03-26-2008, 03:15 PM	#3
lorcin25 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Alabama Posts: 291	Explain a rifled slug to me....does it act as though the barrel were rifled even though it is not?

03-26-2008, 03:28 PM	#4
Rem 742 30-06 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern Wisconsin Posts: 390	It tries to at least i am not sure how much it actually does.

03-26-2008, 04:23 PM	#9
samuel Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,087	They tested 'rifled slugs and they don't spin.The best barrel they have found for foster type slugs is a backbored bbl that is bored to .740".Actually they are using this for shot too as it distorts shot less.The standard cylinder bore is .729" and works well with foster type slugs.They can be fired in any choke including full 'but' they create a pressure surge going through the choke and put more trauma on the slug as it exits the barrel.When gasses escape past any projectile in any firearm they pass the projectile.If they do this unevenly it pushes the projectile slightly one way or another causing it to be slightly unstable.With rifled barrels they straighten up because they are spinning.But a foster type slug with no spin stays 'yawed' causing inaccuracy.Actually they do straighten a little once they are free of the turbulance of the gasses because of the 'skirt on the slug. The pressure surge lets higher pressures effect the slug so the less choke the less pressure and the less effect on the slug.Sabots wont work in smoothbores but often foster type slugs work well in rifled barrels,especially the ones that the wadding stays attached.I have gotten fair accuracy from any decent slug but prefer Remington,Winchester,and federal,in that order. sam.

03-26-2008, 04:30 PM	#10
Bravo Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Maine, USA Posts: 1,881	Rifled slugs don't spin at all? Not even when they get in open air? Wouldn't they be as accurate as a sabot slug then when fired from a smooth bore?

03-26-2008, 04:31 PM	#11
Taurus Fan Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Cobra Command Headquarters Posts: 781	This is some info on slugs/rifling/chokes/etc. that sounds about right: Shotgun Slugs

03-26-2008, 04:37 PM	#12
Bravo Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Maine, USA Posts: 1,881	Well I'll be darned...the rifling doesn't make them spin. Good article! Sorry to doubt you Sam I guess you learn something everyday.

03-26-2008, 04:44 PM	#13
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 10,681	I agree it was a good artical and I'm now wondering how a boat tail designed slug would do ?

03-26-2008, 06:42 PM	#15
Righteous Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 214	What everbody has failed to mention is that some mosberg 500's have ported barrels, if yours does then NO you cant shoot slugs

03-26-2008, 06:47 PM	#16
ArkansasHunter Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: South Arkansas Posts: 10,681	Hey Righteous ! I didn't know that, though I own a Mossberg with ported barrel I don't intend to shoot slugs through it Thanks for the Heads up ! Though I beleive you I've not read this anywhere before and I go to Mossbergs web site daily. Interesting !...A.H

03-26-2008, 07:55 PM	#18
Bravo Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Maine, USA Posts: 1,881	The only reason that you shouldn't fire slugs from a ported barrel is because the slug can shave off lead as it goes through the ports, and potentially damage them overtime. But shotguns with ported barrels will fire slugs. A.H., if you were ever put in the situation where you needed to fire a slug, I would say that you wouldn't have a problem.