slugs for 870

[QTompkins2005]

Just wondering if anyone knows how 12 guage 3 inch federal barnes expander (vital shok) slugs shoot out of the fully rifled remington 870 barrel?

Anyone have really good results with a certain slug out of this gun?

[BOWHUNTERCOP]

You would have to test them yourself, if someone with the same set up as you uses these slugs they may work great for them and not so good for you. I myself have a Remington 11-87 12ga. with the rifled/cantilever barrel, and I use LIGHTFILED EXP HYBRED slugs 2-3/4" I took out a few deer, and a NJ black bear last year with this set up. Remington has a habit of undersizing there slugs, try them also the copper solid, ultra cor-lok, and the buckhammer. It can be expensive at first trying new slugs, but with shotguns its something that needs to be done, like I said LIGHTFIELDS for me.

[slugman]

another vote for lightfields , went through 5 brands to get there , but best for my gun H&R Ultra ....wish they made the exp's in 3" though

I have tried them all thru several slug guns.

General Rule of thumb
1. 3" anything general won't fly as well as 2.75".
2. The new high speed high BC stuff usually throws flyers for some reason. And outrageous expensive.
3. Lightfields are good up to 80 or so yards and fly consistent but not extordinary. Usually around 3 to 4" groups at 100 yards. Good for 95% of all hunting. But I wouldn't count on long shots. Also don't trust the ballistic info on any of the boxs.
4. Every sluggun is different.

I have excellent accuracy out of my browning gold with 2.75" copper solids (less than 2MOA). I have excellent accuracy out of my 870 pump with 2.75" Federal hydroshoks (hourglass shaped slug). But both can shoot lightfields 3" to 4" groups at 100 yards.

[Strut&Rut]

I'll also second the 2 3/4 slugs...I just think they pattern better, without the added kick.

I hunt primarily with Ithacas, which (for me) have notoriously shot Federal's better than other brands. I like the Barnes Expander, 2 3/4 1 oz.

I also like Lightfields and Brenneke slugs.

I tend to stay away from Rems & Winchester in general, they just don't seem to pattern worth a damn in any slug-gun I have ever shot/owned...

EDIT: PS. I've also seen, read & heard about the Rem Core-loks "splintering" upon entry, which has resulted sometimes in either long blood trails or lost deer. You may want to stay away from them...

[ButchA]

I'll tell you one to stay away from.....

Remington Slugger 3" magnum 1oz rifled slug! [&:][]

It has the flattest trajectory and the highest velocity of any slug. BUT..... you have to deal with the "spin you around, knock you flat on your a$$" type of recoil.

Butch A.

[Strut&Rut]

Butch,

LMAO!!

How true though. I got a box for my advisor to shoot through his Win. 12ga. last year before season, and his son-in-law and I watched as a 3 foot flame ignited out the end of the barrel and his arse fell off the bench and landed on the cement pad on the range floor.

It took us all about 5 minutes to stop laughing... which was followed, of course, by his generous offer to let us shoot "those damn slugs"...

[jay79]

hey this is jay 79. I also have a remington 870. I found that regular old standard federal 2.75 slugs work the best for me. At a hundred yards i hold a 2 to 3 in. group. I have shot many deer with these. Last year shot a buck at 125 yards and dropped him in his tracks. But every gun shoots different as they say. The federals are what works for me.Good luck and happy hunting!

[steve d]

I use the Federal Barnes EXpander 12ga. 2-3/4in. 3/4 oz in a Remington 870. Only have good things to say about them Overall peformance accuracy,flight, expansion, and penetration (deer) above normal. On the down side Federal needs to lower the $$$$$. Dead is Dead at $2.00 a slug or $0.75 other brand name. Do the deer feel a difference my wallet can feel it. Regards steve d

[bolton22]

I shoot a remington 1100 smooth bore barrell with rifled choke tube....I shoot Winchester 2 3/4" 1oz rifled slugs....I know it sounds like a crazy set-up but it is a nail driver!!