Rifled slug vs shot POI

BigWaylon

BigWaylon

Head philatelist
Staff member
2A Bourbon Hound 2024
2A Bourbon Hound OG
Charter Life Member
Benefactor
Supporting Member
Multi-Factor Enabled
Joined
Dec 18, 2016
Messages
64,465
Location
Charlotte
Rating - 100%
71   0   0
In general, if you sighted in a red dot on a shotgun using rifled slugs, would that POI be roughly in the center of the spread when shooting shot?

Let’s assume:
1. Improved cylinder choke
2. 410 gauge
3. ~30 yards
Edit to add: 4. Smooth bore barrel

I know every gun/barrel/ammo might be a little different, and I’d need to pattern it to confirm...but is it a pretty good place to start?
 
Last edited:
If the barrel in question is rifled, no. The POI will change due to the rifling and the difference in the manner in which the shot cup engages the lands. If said barrel is smooth there may not be much differential.
 
I zero my 3gun shotgun on slugs. It has sights installed.

However, I don't really use sights when shooting shot, so never noticed. Only use them for long slug shots.
But I'd say it seems like a great place to start.
 
I did this with my 11-87P. 20" smooth bore, rifle sights, rifled slugs vs 00 buck shot
At 25 yards the slug POI was higher by maybe 1/2 a foot from the center of the shot pattern. It's been a while, I can't recall specifics, brand, etc. But I do recall that it varied by ammo type and some of the buck shot patterned tighter than others.
 
BigWaylon said:
In general, if you sighted in a red dot on a shotgun using rifled slugs, would that POI be roughly in the center of the spread when shooting shot?

Let’s assume:
1. Improved cylinder choke
2. 410 gauge
3. ~30 yards

I know every gun/barrel/ammo might be a little different, and I’d need to pattern it to confirm...but is it a pretty good place to start?
Click to expand...

My experience is not to shoot slugs with any choke. full bore is always best.

The shot pattern based on the distance to the target and the size of the shot. If this is for 3 gun I would set a max distance for the shot "25yds" and find the best load that gives you the spread of the pattern desired at max distance.

john
 
JBoyette said:
The shot pattern based on the distance to the target and the size of the shot. If this is for 3 gun I would set a max distance for the shot "25yds" and find the best load that gives you the spread of the pattern desired at max distance.
Click to expand...
Never tried 3-gun. Will they let me use a <12” .410 that doesn’t have a stock? :D
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom