What Choke Should I Use for Slugs?

Hunting with Firearms
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Seeking Advice on Shotgun Choke for Slugs

I’m getting into slug shooting and I’m confused about what choke I should be using. I’ve read various opinions around the forums, but there seems to be no consensus. Here are some details about my setup:

  • Shotgun type: I’m using a 12-gauge shotgun.
  • Slug type: I plan on shooting both Foster slugs and Sabot slugs.
  • Purpose: My primary goal is accuracy, especially for hunting where I need to ensure clean shots.

What I’ve Heard

From my research, I’ve come across a few different choke options:

  • Cylinder choke: Some say this is a safe bet for slugs since it doesn’t constrict the shot, allowing for a wider spread. However, I’m worried it might affect my accuracy at longer distances.
  • Improved Cylinder: This one seems to be a popular middle ground. It offers a slight constriction which could help with accuracy while still maintaining some degree of spread.
  • Modified choke: I’ve read that some experienced shooters prefer this because it offers a tighter pattern that could be beneficial when targeting at greater distances, especially when using sabot slugs.

Questions I Have

  1. What do you guys use? What’s been your personal experience with these chokes?
  2. Are there any specific slug types that work better with certain chokes?
  3. What are the safety considerations? I want to make sure I’m using the proper techniques to avoid any accidents.

I appreciate any advice or insights you all can share. Thanks in advance for helping a beginner out!

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When using slugs, a cylinder bore is often recommended. It provides the most spread and is great for close-range accuracy. Full choke is generally not advised for slugs due to potential damage to the shotgun.

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Thanks for the insight, David! I’ve always wondered why full choke isn’t ideal for slugs. What about modified choke? Is that a good compromise?

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4

Modified choke can work okay with slugs, especially for medium-range shooting, but I’d still lean towards cylinder bore for the best accuracy overall.

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I find it interesting how much choke affects performance. Has anyone tested slugs with both modified and cylinder bore and compared results?

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I’ve shot slugs using both modified and cylinder bore. The cylinder bore had better accuracy in my testing at 50 yards! Always good to experiment.

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That’s a great point, Bryan! I think experimenting is key. They say knowledge is power, but in shooting, testing is power! What slugs have you guys found work best?

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In my experience, Brenneke slugs perform quite well, especially with a cylinder bore. They seem to be accurate and hit hard!

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That’s good to know, Melissa! I typically use Foster slugs. Would they suit a modified choke, or not really?

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Foster slugs can work with modified chokes, but just be cautious with the accuracy. It’s a balance; you might have to adjust your aim.

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Remember, the choke constriction can affect the leading edge of the slug, causing accuracy issues at longer ranges. Best to stick with cylinder or improved for longer shots!

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That’s really helpful advice, Y. You made me rethink my choices. How does barrel length factor into this?

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Barrel length can play a role. Longer barrels generally provide better accuracy with slugs due to increased velocity. Shorter barrels can be beneficial for maneuverability but may sacrifice some precision.

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That makes sense! I’m still getting the hang of things, and barrel length is something I’ll pay attention to. Anyone have a funny story from the field?

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I once missed a target entirely because I forgot to switch my choke! Shot a slug through a full choke and had no idea the chaos I caused. Lesson learned! :sweat_smile:

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When it comes to slugs, a cylinder or improved cylinder choke usually works best for deer hunting since it’s all about speed and energy transfer. You want minimal constriction for maximum spread.

17

That makes sense! But what about using slugs for clay shooting? Wouldn’t you want a tighter choke for that?

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For clay shooting, I’d recommend a modified choke. It gives you a tighter pattern that helps improve accuracy without losing too much energy.

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19

Great question! I think it really depends on your shooting style—are you aiming for rapid fire? That could influence your choice as well.

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Absolutely! And considering environmental factors, like wind or rain, can also impact which choke you might choose on a given day! It’s all about adaptability!