Slug (projectile)

A slug, in the context of projectiles, typically refers to a single, heavy projectile designed to be fired from a shotgun. Unlike shot, which consists of multiple smaller projectiles (pellets) that spread upon leaving the barrel, a slug is a solid, or nearly solid, projectile intended to deliver a concentrated impact on the target.

Slugs come in various forms, including:

• Foster slugs (or rifled slugs): These are hollow point slugs with external rifling-like grooves swaged into the outside. The hollow point enhances expansion upon impact, while the "rifling" is designed to allow the slug to be safely fired through smoothbore barrels. The grooves compress during firing, allowing the slug to pass through the choke. Despite the name, these slugs are primarily designed for use in smoothbore shotguns and gain most of their stability from their weight-forward design, not from significant rotation.

• Brenneke slugs: Similar in concept to Foster slugs, but featuring a wad attached to the rear of the slug, typically made of felt or plastic. This wad remains attached to the slug in flight, improving accuracy and stability. They are also primarily designed for smoothbore shotguns.

• Sabot slugs: These slugs are smaller than the bore diameter of the shotgun. They are encased in a plastic or other material sabot, which engages the rifling of a rifled shotgun barrel and imparts spin to the slug. The sabot separates from the slug after it exits the barrel, allowing the slug to fly true and achieve greater accuracy and range. These are specifically designed for use in shotguns with rifled barrels.

• Full Bore Slugs: These slugs have a diameter roughly equal to the bore of the shotgun. They may or may not have external rifling-like grooves.

Slugs are generally used for hunting large game where shot would be ineffective due to insufficient penetration. They are also employed in law enforcement and military applications where greater stopping power is required than that offered by buckshot. The effective range of slugs is typically less than that of rifle bullets, especially in smoothbore shotguns, but they deliver significantly more energy at shorter distances. Safety precautions are paramount when handling and firing slugs, as their power and potential for over-penetration can be substantial. Proper understanding of the slug type and the shotgun for which it is intended is crucial.