12 gauge slug diameter While the shotgun itself is described by its gauge, the slug's diameter is approximately 0. Lee 12 Ga. Interestingly, larger gauge numbers indicate smaller shell diameters. 5 mm, or . VALU-SLUG Rifled Lead Slug 1 oz. At a velocity of 1640 fps It is possible to obtain a kinetic energy at muzzle of 2943 ft/lb. Blasting eight or nine holes . Nylon fins, attached to the round ball, set up stabilizing rotation for superb long-range accuracy and knock down power. The term “12 gauge” refers to the diameter of the shotgun’s barrel, measured in inches. Gauge is the measurement of the bore diameter of a shotgun. 72 inches or 18. ¹ Shotgun slugs are versatile ammunition used for hunting, self-defense, and sport shooting, offering powerful performance and accuracy in a variety of scenarios. Understand the different 12-gauge ammo shot patterns Dec 14, 2024 · What is a 12 Gauge Slug? A 12 gauge slug is a single projectile fired from a 12 gauge shotgun. Shotguns come in different size gauges which determine the size of its ammunition. It will typically have a diameter of about 0. The Sabot slug is designed to fit standard shotgun wads and star crimped. Unlike shot, which contains numerous pellets, a slug is a single, solid projectile designed for longer-range accuracy and greater stopping power. 95 Our Price: In both 12 gauge and the 20 gauge cartridges, Hornady ® SST ® Shotgun Slugs deliver sub‑2" groups at 100 yards and feature the flattest trajectory on the market. Dec 21, 2024 · What Caliber is a 12 Gauge Slug? The term "caliber" refers to the diameter of a projectile, usually expressed in inches or millimeters. So the border diameter is 0. The Basics of a 12 Gauge Slug Shotgun Let’s start with the gauge. Discover reliable hunting and target shooting shells with various shot sizes and lengths for top performance. . Feb 18, 2024 · A 12 gauge rifled slug typically has a caliber of . Nov 21, 2024 · Instead, the 12 gauge denotes a specific bore size, with the slug typically having a diameter of roughly . Whether you're hunting big game or honing your shooting skills, our selection of 12 gauge ammo delivers the performance you need. This means that the diameter of the slug is . It has many options for shot loads. 729, and if you want to make a pumpkin ball slug, which is just a big round ball that's the diameter to use. Your guide to 12 gauge ammo! Learn about shot sizes, loads (slugs, birdshot, buckshot), and choosing the right ammo. cartridge manufacturer. Shop 12 gauge ammo in 100-round boxes. A 12-gauge shotgun doesn't have a caliber in the traditional sense; it has a gauge, and What is a 12 Caliber Slug Cartridge? Unlike traditional buckshot shells, a 12 caliber slug cartridge contains a single, solid, often metallic projectile. 721" to 0. Cannons were similarly sized, but this definition was formalized for shotguns by the Gun Barrel Proof Act of 1868 in Great Britain. Shot Size, Type and Length by Gauge Find shot size, type and length by gauge including 10, 12, 16, 20, 28 and 410 shotgun gauges. Will be interesting to see if anyone has data for those old slugs! Good luck, garrisonjoe Shopping for the Slugger High Velocity Rifled Slug, 12 Gauge, 383 Grain, 2-3/4 in, 1800 fps - Learn more about the latest Slugger Rifled Slug and other hunting or shooting gear at Remington. How do you know which 12-gauge ammo shot patterns work best for you? With options ranging from hundreds of tiny beads to a single heavy slug, there’s plenty that you can do with your 12-gauge shotgun. 16 gauge shotguns are still a little popular, but are not commonly manufactured. The key doubles as a support rib allowing use of a standard trap wad - no need for a support wad or base filler. 72 caliber for 12 gauge and . In contrast, a 20 Gauge Shotgun has a bore diameter of . Easy to load great to shoot! Aug 13, 2001 · Shotgun slug = ??? in rifle caliber? The Art of the Rifle: General Apr 7, 2025 · In this Shotgun Shells Explained article, we cover shotgun gauges, shell lengths, and shot types to help you choose the right shotgun ammo to fit your needs. This type of slug is commonly used for hunting deer, wild boar, and other game. The sabot helps the bullet maintain its shape as it is fired from the larger diameter shotgun barrel, allowing for improved accuracy and velocity. For over 100 years the 12 gauge has been the all-around choice of North American and British shotgunners. How a long arm with a fully rifled barrel can be termed a "shotgun," I fail to understand, but that is beside the point. Velocity and accuracy meet and exceed expensive factory DGS12 Dangerous Game Slug - 12 Gauge (25/pak) *This is not Loaded ammunition The DGS slug line has proven itself in the field and in the lab to be one of the best all-around performing slugs for a variety of shotgun and barrel combinations. Can the . 729 inches. The most common shotgun gauges, in descending order of size, are: 10 gauge 12 gauge (most prevalent) 20 gauge (second most Lyman Bullet Mould Shotgun Sabot 12 Gauge Slug. The 12 gauge is a common shotgun size, and the Nov 15, 2008 · The DGS has a total weight of about 1 1/8 oz with a diameter of . However, the large "ooo" ("triple-aught") buckshot can be used for self defense against bears. Sabot Slug The Sabot slug is a type of 12 gauge slug that’s designed to be used with a shotgun that has a rifled barrel. Feb 18, 2013 · The standard lead rifled slugs for 12 gauge are around . BPI is offering these slugs in box quantities to maximize savings for our customers. 62 inches. The term “sabot” refers to a plastic or paper carrier that holds a smaller caliber bullet. The gauge system, while different from standard caliber measurements, is fundamental to the design and function of shotguns. What will they penetrate. Feb 16, 2024 · FAQs How effective is the 12ga slug for large game hunting? The 12ga slug can be effective for large game at close ranges, particularly with proper shot placement and when using higher-end, high-performance slugs. is the 12 gauge, but there are also 28, 20, 16, and 10 gauges. Shop online for great deals on 12 gauge slugs, including 12 gauge sabot slugs, 12 gauge rifled slugs, and more. Instead, the term ’12-gauge’ refers to the bore diameter of the shotgun, which is approximately 0. Federal slugs offer reliable performance for a palatable price. This makes the 12 gauge bigger than the 20 gauge. The diameter, however, is not as straightforward as it might seem. They are contained and sorted by size through a rigid demilitarization process*. 729". Here's what you need to know about shotgun gauges, to include the differences between 10 gauge vs 12 gauge vs 20 gauge and other popular bore sizes. This makes it a preferred choice for large game hunting and tactical or home defense situations. Jan 25, 2016 · The gauge is the diameter of the bore, which is the hollow part of the barrel. I shot some for the first time a week ago. 729 inches (18. 730" Dangerous game slugs can be pushed at a velocity of 1640 fps, without exceeding the Proof max of 740 bars. Our VALU-SLUGS come from a major U. Smaller gauges, such as 20-gauge, will have smaller bore diameters, while larger gauges, like 10-gauge, will have larger A 12 gauge shotgun can be used for just about anything, and the flexibility in shell size shows that fact. However, the 12 gauge designation for shotgun shells, including slugs, isn't a caliber in the traditional sense. Nov 17, 2024 · The Relationship Between Gauge and Diameter The formula to calculate the bore diameter based on the gauge is a complex one, but knowing the basics helps in understanding slug sizing. It's crucial to remember this diameter is an approximation, as slight variations can exist between manufacturers. It is the only choice for Trap or live pigeon shooting, the most common choice for Sporting Clays and Skeet, and the overwhelming choice for waterfowl shooting. Mar 24, 2008 · diameter of 12 gauge slugs? The Dave McCracken Memorial Shotgun Forum May 7, 2025 · The Land Pattern musket fired a round ball of about 0. With a diameter of approximately 18. Lyman 1 Cavity Sabot 12 Gauge Slug Mold (681 Diameter) 525 Grain (28) Write a Review Q&A (6) List Price: $118. 20 Gauge: A smaller and lighter option, 20-gauge slugs typically have a diameter of around 0. Lethal downrange energy is combined with stunning accuracy - even in Feb 18, 2024 · A 12 gauge sabot caliber size is a type of shotgun ammunition that is used for hunting and shooting sports. 12 gauge slugs, for instance, are purposely sized small enought to fit through any full choke barrel, just to protect the ammo maker from lawsuits for damaging such gun barrels. The reputation behind a load of 00 buckshot is well-deserved. Sabot wad design outperforms rifled slugs in rifled slug barrels. Shotgun Shot Size Chart guide. 73 inches (18. The 12 gauge has a diameter of 18. 802". 72 or 18. ” But shotguns also fire slugs and slugs are outrageously devastating too, in their own The AQ has been a BPI favorite for 20 years. What are the slugs’ designs, you ask? Well, it depends. May 12, 2015 · The 12-gauge shotgun is a legendary manstopper and a storied staple of frontier home defense. From a shotgun shell, they must have quite a bit of power behind them. com. 6 mm, or . Many upland game hunters also favor a Feb 17, 2024 · What is the difference between a 12 gauge and a 20 gauge slug? A 12 gauge slug is larger in diameter than a 20 gauge slug, with the 12 gauge being . 69 inches. The lower the gauge number, the larger the bore diameter. The diameter of the wad slug is slightly less than the nominal bore diameter, being around 0. Feb 18, 2024 · What is the best choke for shooting 12-gauge slugs? When shooting slugs, it’s best to use a cylinder or improved cylinder choke to minimize barrel constriction. Available in 1-ounce and 1-¼-ounce options, you'll be thrilled with the power these loads bring to the target. The quoted load is indeed for a "shot wad" into which the slug is inserted. 62 caliber. x You May Also Likex Oct 28, 2022 · The only problem with slugs that are 0. Uses standard plastic wads. 6 mm). Energy damping crush-sections absorb setback forces, enabling the projectile to stabilize earlier in the propulsion cycle. S. Well, round balls aren’t what we use today, but shotgun slugs are still with us. BPI is offering this slug in box quantities to maximize savings for our customers. Aug 1, 2020 · Diameter 0. Sabot slugs These days most of the major shotshell manufacturers also offer sabot slug loads for 12 and 20 gauge shotguns. 729 inches, dictating the size of projectile it can fire. [5] The term is related to the measurement of cannons, which were also measured by the weight of their iron round shot; an eight-pounder would fire an 8-pound (3. 50 caliber. A 12 gauge shotgun can be built to shoot slugs at deer at 100 yards, or #9 shot at skeet in the backyard, and everything else in between. This guide dives deep into the specifics, clarifying common misconceptions and providing essential information for safe and effective use. Approximate bullet length-. Jun 23, 2016 · The gauge of a shotgun was originally the number of round balls just big enough to fit the gun's bore that could be cast from 1 pound of lead. This is one of our most popular 12-gauge slug components. 730" in diameter is that some 12 gauge guns don't even have a bore that big, much less a choke that big, e. 615 inches (15. g. Aug 23, 2024 · 12 Gauge: This is the most common gauge and typically uses slugs with a diameter around 0. 700 inch in diameter: The black powder charge pushed it to over 1,000 fps, so it was essentially a “low-recoil” 12-gauge shotgun. The most common gauge in use in the U. 6 kg) ball. Therefore with a 12-gauge, it would take 12 balls of lead of the same size as the 12 gauge shotgun's inner bore diameter to weigh 1 pound (453. Jul 23, 2018 · Shotgun slugs came out of the dark ages with the advent of the sabot slug and rifled shotgun barrels. 690, at the top. 61 for 20 gauge). Gauge refers to the size of the shotgun shell in terms of its diameter or circumference. Slugs for Reloading The Popular 12 Gauge By Chuck Hawks The 12 gauge has a nominal bore diameter of . 7/8oz. Most people use something that goes in the standard plastic shock on wad, Lyman makes a 525 grade 12 gauge slug, that measures 0. 33 caliber holes in a bad guy, each delivering its own wound path, is perhaps the surest bet among all “one-shot stops. 6 g). While a rifle's caliber directly refers to the diameter of its bullet, shotguns use a different system based on gauge. 678" So the load above that I shared IS NOT suitable for the old style slugs that you have. A 12-gauge rifled slug is a very large projectile, typically much larger than a rifle or pistol bullet. You will not find a more accurate slug for a 12 gauge smoothbore shotgun. or 1oz. 615 inches. 690 in (17. Most likely the barrel on your gun is going to be larger because a full choke is typically around . Federal® Rifled Slug 12 Gauge The Federal® Rifled Slug is an outstanding slug choice. Surprisingly accurate, at least at about 75 yards (didn't get to shoot them much farther than that) shooting from atop my house down into the pond. 5 mm) for a 12-gauge wad slug, and a wad slug is generally cast solely from pure lead, necessary for increasing safety if the slug is ever fired through a choked shotgun. 694" and true bore diameter is usually . 729 inch. Feb 13, 2006 · If you measure the choke in that barrel, you can order a mould that is smaller in diameter so that you can shoot PRB out of that choked barrel. 72 caliber and the 20 gauge being . 5 mm, it is designed to deliver high energy transfer and deep penetration upon impact. Nov 2, 2018 · 12-Gauge Shotgun Load Types The 12-gauge shotgun is one of the most versatile firearms you can own. 69 inches (17. As mentioned, 12-gauge shotguns have a standard bore diameter of approximately 0. Not suitable for a bore-diameter slug like these old Foster slugs you have. Apr 27, 2021 · A look at how today's 20-gauge slugs stack up against the traditional 12-gauge offers—and perform just as well if not better. So, the answer isn't a simple caliber conversion. 724". Cast Lead Slug - 100% Lead - Features Lee's exclusive drive key: "The drive key positively rotates the slug in rifled shotgun barrels. Buckshot vs Slug shotshell comparison by Ammo. They are contained and sorted by size through a rigid demilitarization process. (100/box) Our VALU-SLUGS come from a major U. Shotgun Shell Sizes Understanding shotgun shell sizes involves three key factors: gauge, length, and shot size. 12 Gauge Slug vs Buckshot for self-defense and big game hunting? Are slugs good for home defense? Jul 9, 2024 · Demystifying 12-Gauge Shotgun Slugs: Caliber, Ballistics, and Practical Applications A 12-gauge shotgun slug does not have a defined caliber in the same way as a rifle or handgun cartridge. It's a measure of the bore diameter of the shotgun barrel. Ballistic-tip slugs slip through the air with a much greater ballistic coefficient than the Dec 24, 2024 · The term "caliber" when discussing firearms can be a bit confusing, especially for those new to shotguns. These are for use only in fully rifled barrels. No special roll crimping tools necessary. 5 mm). 69" so you will best best served with something at that diameter or slightly larger. Thus 12 lead balls that fit a twelve-gauge shotgun would weigh 1 pound. This is a huge piece of lead or copper cast downrange at the target. 75 inches and weigh around one ounce. Are there different sizes of 12-gauge slugs? While the diameter of 12-gauge slugs is generally consistent, there are variations in weight and design among different brands and types. Our lab is continually amazed at the versatility and performance of this slug. Dec 14, 2024 · Table of Contents Understanding the diameter of a 12 gauge slug is crucial for hunters, sport shooters, and anyone handling this powerful firearm. This makes the DGS ideal for standard cartridges lengths**. A 12 Gauge Shotgun has a bore diameter of . the Beretta Mobil Choke bore is about 0. What we have now with sabots is, in effect, rifle bullets the size of shotgun slugs (. Mar 10, 2006 · What caliber is a 12 gauge slug? By the bore size it looks like it could be . Dec 14, 2024 · What is a 12 Gauge Slug? A 12 gauge slug is a single projectile fired from a 12 gauge shotgun. Shot size comparisons of different shotgun pellets or shot sizes from #12 birdshot to 000 buckshot for hunting, upland birds, waterfowl, and turkeys. The Sabot slug is smaller in diameter than the shotgun’s barrel, and it’s surrounded by a plastic sabot that helps it fit snugly into the Feb 5, 2025 · 12 Gauge Slugs: Size and Diameter A 12 gauge slug is a single projectile fired from a 12 gauge shotgun. Aug 22, 2022 · What Does Shotgun GAUGE Mean? The gauge of a shotgun is an old term that refers to the barrel diameter. So, the question "What's the caliber of a 12 gauge slug?" needs a nuanced answer. 45-70 be used for home defense? Dec 14, 2024 · What is a 12 Gauge Slug? A 12 gauge slug is a single projectile fired from a 12 gauge shotgun. This makes it ideal for hunting larger game. Hunting bear, including black, brown and grizzly bear is not recommended using buckshot. Nov 12, 2024 · 12 Gauge Slug Gun Definition What is a 12 gauge slug gun, you might ask? In simple terms, it’s a shotgun specially designed to fire a single projectile, typically a slug, at a relatively high velocity. 5mm. The 20 gauge has a diameter of 15. The gauge number is equal to the number of lead pellets of that diameter that add up to a weight of 1 pound.