hoss
.327 Meteor
Posts: 716
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Post by hoss on Oct 19, 2009 11:56:33 GMT -5
I remember reading (repeatedly) that 18" is really all thats needed for optimal velocity of shotgun loads: Just put a mossberg rifled slug barrel on my 870, and I'm wondering if I really need 24" of pipe. Initial groups with BuckHamm'r slugs were 5" high and an inch to the left at 50 yards, but fairly well centered and roughly 1 and a half inches center to center. I'm thinking of slicing off about 4" and replacing the sights, but I don't want to reinvent the wheel here. Any thoughts, experiences or just general impressions would be appreciated! Thanks!
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Sarge
.30 Stingray
Posts: 348
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Post by Sarge on Oct 19, 2009 12:14:30 GMT -5
I don't think you'll give up thing. I've got a 21" RemChoke-barreled 870 Special Purpose which shoots well enough with all loads, that I've never wished for a longer barrel. In fact I sold off my spare 30" RemChoke barrel because the shorter barrel had spoiled me.
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woody
.375 Atomic
Posts: 1,116
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Post by woody on Oct 19, 2009 13:26:01 GMT -5
Factory 870 20 ga. cantiliver barrels are 18 1/2" long. I inquired why not make the a little longer. The factory told me it was not needed and mine shooter awesome so I gues they are right. I just like the 21" length a little better.
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hoss
.327 Meteor
Posts: 716
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Post by hoss on Oct 19, 2009 15:59:12 GMT -5
So far y'all are reinforcing my thoughts on the matter: I just finished reading the latest Guns article on the new rem 870 rifled slug gun with a 25.5 inch bull barrel and heavy stock and they maintain Remington tested all barrel lengths btween 18.5 to 26 and the 25.5 was optimal, but I wonder how much of that had to do with weight and shooter recoil sensitivity. I think mine will end up at the 20" mark. In the H&R single shot, (my initial idea) a 24" inch tube still handles decently: but if you add in an extra 6" of action and any chance of tromping through thick brush...
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rigby
.327 Meteor
Posts: 769
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Post by rigby on Oct 19, 2009 17:07:57 GMT -5
Hoss did you get a chance to try the slugs at any further distance 75 or a 100 yards? If so was there any yawing?
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hoss
.327 Meteor
Posts: 716
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Post by hoss on Oct 19, 2009 20:57:23 GMT -5
I haven't yet, but I have a good feeling about them... the buckhammers are full bore diameter lead slugs that have an attached base and engage the rifling directly as opposed to being spun inside a sabot. I also plan to try the diabolo style slugs from gardners cache. I'll dial 'em in at fifty (about 2" too high, so down 2 and over just a smidge) and then move to 100 and see.
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woody
.375 Atomic
Posts: 1,116
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Post by woody on Oct 20, 2009 15:49:27 GMT -5
If you ever get a chance to get a fixed barrel Ithaca they really shoot!!! Not uncommon to shoot around 2" at 100 yards with the right slug. Federal Barnes Expanders are always a very good choice. Lightfields are very good slug also.
I have a buddy that worked at Ithaca before they closed and he has a awesome 20 gauge DSII. It is a 175 yard deer killer no problem. We have shot it farther but would not on an animal. Really drops after you get at that distance.
The 20 gauge is very compatiable to a 45-70. Most good 3" slugs throw a 260 grain bullet around 1900 FPS. Most everyone in my area is heading towards the 20 now days. They are easier on the shooter and there is very good ammo out there for the 20 now. No need to shoot a 12 gauge. Same goes for turkey loads in the 20.
I shoot a 20 ga 870 for my main deer gun with Lightfields. really drops them!!! The Buckhammer slugs look promising in the 20 gauge. I may try them next year.
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