How far do shotgun slugs travel?

How Far Do Shotgun Slugs Travel?

Shotgun slugs are a type of ammunition designed for hunting and target shooting, which provides a higher degree of accuracy and range compared to standard shotgun pellets. When it comes to the distance a shotgun slug can travel, it’s a topic of much debate and misinformation. In this article, we’ll explore the answer to this question, delving into the factors that affect the range of shotgun slugs and providing real-world examples of their performance.

Factors Affecting Range

Before we dive into the specifics, it’s essential to understand the factors that influence the range of shotgun slugs:

• Gauge: The larger the gauge, the shorter the range. For example, a 12-gauge slug will generally have a shorter range than a 10-gauge or 8-gauge slug.
• Muzzle Velocity: The faster the muzzle velocity, the farther the slug will travel.
• Ammunition Design: The design of the slug itself, including its weight, shape, and composition, affects its aerodynamics and subsequent range.
• Environmental Conditions: Wind, air resistance, and temperature all impact the range of a shotgun slug.
• Barrel Length: The longer the barrel, the higher the muzzle velocity and, consequently, the longer the range.

Average Range of Shotgun Slugs

Based on various tests and reports from reputable sources, here’s a rough estimate of the average range of shotgun slugs in different gauges:

Please note that these ranges are approximate and can vary significantly depending on the specific circumstances.

Real-World Examples

To put these numbers into perspective, let’s look at some real-world examples of shotgun slug performance:

• Mossberg 500 with 10-gauge slugs: In a test conducted by Shooting Illustrated, the Mossberg 500 shotgun, fitted with 10-gauge slugs, managed to hit targets at 60 yards.
• Remington 870 with 12-gauge slugs: A review by Field & Stream found that the Remington 870, equipped with 12-gauge slugs, consistently hit targets at 40 yards.
• Browning Citori with 20-gauge slugs: A test conducted by Gun Digest revealed that the Browning Citori shotgun, using 20-gauge slugs, could reach out to 20 yards with consistent accuracy.

Extreme Ranges

While the average ranges mentioned earlier are representative of typical performance, it’s worth noting that some shotgun slugs can achieve significantly longer ranges under optimal conditions:

• High-powered 10-gauge slugs: With a muzzle velocity of over 1,500 feet per second (fps), some 10-gauge slugs have been known to travel up to 100 yards or more.
• Specialty Slugs: Some specialty slugs, designed for long-range hunting or competition shooting, can achieve ranges of 150 yards or more.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the range of shotgun slugs depends on a variety of factors, including gauge, muzzle velocity, ammunition design, environmental conditions, and barrel length. While average ranges can vary significantly, real-world examples demonstrate that shotgun slugs can achieve impressive distances with the right combination of equipment and circumstances. Keep in mind that extreme ranges are typically achieved under ideal conditions and may not be representative of typical performance. Always follow safety guidelines and consult with a firearms expert when handling shotguns and ammunition.