Stupid shotgun question...

Super-Dave · March 3, 2008, 07:45 AM

Why are shotgun slugs "foster/Brennake" shaped they way they are?

Why not just have a .65" round ball in the shell in stead of the flat headed slug? I would think they would weigh about the same and the ball would be more aerodynamic and more accurate and probably penetrate deeper.

KMO · March 3, 2008, 08:28 AM

My guess is that the shape originates in tradition rather than actual function. I'm curious to see if anyone knows the answer...

foghornl · March 3, 2008, 08:45 AM

The sort of 'rifle-bullet' shape of the Foster Slug gives a better BC (Ballistic Co-efficient) than the round ball...

Retains more velocity, energy, and accuracy [less drop] downrange than a ball.

Dave McC · March 3, 2008, 08:47 AM

The Forster style slug is shaped that way to swage down through ANY choke without hurting the barrel. Round balls and chokes do not mix well.

The Brenekke has much better sectional density than a round ball. This helps retain energy.

I've hunted with a couple round ball fans. Briefly.

Inside 30 yards they were effective. After that they crippled and wounded rather than gave clean kills. None of them could be talked into putting their pet loads on paper.

While there may be some RB loads and shotguns capable of giving acceptable accuracy, I haven't seen them.

KMO · March 3, 2008, 08:48 AM

So much for tradition...I stand corrected!

March 3, 2008, 07:45 AM	#1
Super-Dave Senior Member Join Date: February 1, 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 795	Stupid shotgun question... Why are shotgun slugs "foster/Brennake" shaped they way they are? Why not just have a .65" round ball in the shell in stead of the flat headed slug? I would think they would weigh about the same and the ball would be more aerodynamic and more accurate and probably penetrate deeper.

March 3, 2008, 08:45 AM	#3
foghornl Senior Member Join Date: March 18, 2002 Location: Ohio Posts: 1,354	The sort of 'rifle-bullet' shape of the Foster Slug gives a better BC (Ballistic Co-efficient) than the round ball... Retains more velocity, energy, and accuracy [less drop] downrange than a ball. __________________ Load your weapons and 'Stand Ready'. It will be a bumpy ride.

March 3, 2008, 08:28 AM	#2
KMO Senior Member Join Date: January 13, 2008 Location: Northern Arizona Posts: 949	My guess is that the shape originates in tradition rather than actual function. I'm curious to see if anyone knows the answer...

March 3, 2008, 08:47 AM	#4
Dave McC Staff In Memoriam Join Date: October 13, 1999 Location: Columbia, Md, USA Posts: 8,811	The Forster style slug is shaped that way to swage down through ANY choke without hurting the barrel. Round balls and chokes do not mix well. The Brenekke has much better sectional density than a round ball. This helps retain energy. I've hunted with a couple round ball fans. Briefly. Inside 30 yards they were effective. After that they crippled and wounded rather than gave clean kills. None of them could be talked into putting their pet loads on paper. While there may be some RB loads and shotguns capable of giving acceptable accuracy, I haven't seen them.

March 3, 2008, 08:48 AM	#5
KMO Senior Member Join Date: January 13, 2008 Location: Northern Arizona Posts: 949	So much for tradition...I stand corrected!