The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Rifled barrele or smooth bore for deer slugs?

Brian Pfleuger · October 11, 2012, 07:46 PM

In theory, there's an advantage to sabot slugs. In practice, I found their range with a acceptable accuracy to be marginally better than smoothbore slugs. They shoot flatter, but the groups are no smaller.

On top of that, even the theoretical range increase is rarely relevant. The VAST majority of deer I've killed have been inside 50 yards. I'd say 95% or better.

Add to that a price of $9-$20/5 for sabots while regular slugs TOP OUT around $9/5...

Well, I no longer think sabots make sense for most hunters.

October 11, 2012, 07:46 PM	#3
Brian Pfleuger Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Austin, CO Posts: 19,578	In theory, there's an advantage to sabot slugs. In practice, I found their range with a acceptable accuracy to be marginally better than smoothbore slugs. They shoot flatter, but the groups are no smaller. On top of that, even the theoretical range increase is rarely relevant. The VAST majority of deer I've killed have been inside 50 yards. I'd say 95% or better. Add to that a price of $9-$20/5 for sabots while regular slugs TOP OUT around $9/5... Well, I no longer think sabots make sense for most hunters.