Sabots vs. Slugs?

Question

Okay, I've been a high-power hunter most of my life, but I've decided to try shotgun season this year. I bought a 20 gauge with rifled barrel (so my kid can use it too) and I have a few dumb questions:

Can you use slugs in a rifled barrel? If so, are they as accurate as the $15 a box sabot rounds? $3 vs. $15 is a big difference when you're sighting in for 100 yards.

IF I use sabot rounds, how many shots would I have in the field before worrying about the plastic buildup altering the point of impact?

These $15 sabot rounds have a helluva punch, 1800fps and zero drop at 150 yards. (According to the box) Do slugs have that much snot to 'em? I would assume not, but I won't be shooting more than a hundred yards probably.

Thanks for the answers.

Answer 1

First off you CAN use Rifled Slugs in a rifled barrel shotgun. They are of fair velocity..
But NO..Rifled Slugs can't hold a candle to the velocity and flatter shooting, additional range possible with Sabot Slugs..

As far as plastic fouling, there isn't enough with Sabot Slugs to be overly concerned about. They will still require you to clean your shotgun after shooting, but a little plastic fouling won't compare to the amount of lead fouling you will have as a result of shooting conventional plain old rifled slugs..

The only downside is the price, but when you consider the pluses, the difference in cost is well worth the investment as far as I'm concerned.

At 100 yards your groups will be tighter, and the accuracy is something you have to see and experience for yourself....Amazing..Last Deer season in my Gun Shop I sold 3 boxes of Sabots to every 1 box of Regular Slugs despite the cost difference. And I have some customers who are so tight with their money they "squeek."That in itself tells me the difference. This isn't the time to be worried about a few dollars when you have so much to gain.........

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Sabots vs. Slugs?
Okay, I've been a high-power hunter most of my life, but I've decided to try shotgun season this year. I bought a 20 gauge with rifled barrel (so my kid can use it too) and I have a few dumb questions:

Can you use slugs in a rifled barrel? If so, are they as accurate as the $15 a box...

Answer 3

I have used rifled slugs in my 12 gauge shotgun (with a rifled barrel),and I have not been impressed with their performance.I believe sabot slugs are much better when used with a rifled barrel . My accuracy has been a million times better since I have been using the sabot slugs. Pay the extra money ! You won't regret it !

Answer 4

Rifled barrels are made to shoot slugs. Sabot slugs are alot more accurate in Rifled barrels. Rifled slugs have grooves in the slug and it makes a big accuracy difference. Sabots are way more accurate and they shoot faster. While sighting in, just be careful not to shoot any more than you have to. I agree, slugs are way overprices, i mean $20 for 5?!?!?! I wouldnt worry about plastic buildup. Just clean it ever several shots like you should anyway and you will be fine. I think that box is lying to you too. I know slugs have been imporvedd and can shoot to 200 yards accuratly, but 150 with no drop???

Answer 5

the problem with shooting rifled slugs through a rifled barrel is that the rifling in the barrel puts lands and grooves into the rifled slug that many times "counteract" the rifling that is manufactured into the slug.Whereas sabot-ed slugs rely on the rifled barrel to give the bullet spin.

Answer 6

any kind of slug CAN be used in any barrel but for accuracy sabots for rifled barrels and rifled slugs for smoothbore barrels

Answer 7

Yes, but go with the Sabot's.*