Light vs heavy slug expansion

[Achilles_13]

hey everyone

I’m in the beginning stages of my higher power pesting quest and playing around with slugs. I‘m partial to a lighter slug as, according to my logic, they would expand more violently, lose power faster (less chance of harmfull ricochet),… I’m not too worried about range right now as I’m only comfortable taking shots up to 55 yards tops at the moment. (distance I can consistently hit .5 of an inch at this point in time). Because I lack any practical experience with slugs in airrifles I’d love to hear you guys chime in with experience!

thanks and happy pesting,

 

[JaceSpace1369]

hey everyone

I’m in the beginning stages of my higher power pesting quest and playing around with slugs. I‘m partial to a lighter slug as, according to my logic, they would expand more violently, lose power faster (less chance of harmfull ricochet),… I’m not too worried about range right now as I’m only comfortable taking shots up to 55 yards tops at the moment. (distance I can consistently hit .5 of an inch at this point in time). Because I lack any practical experience with slugs in airrifles I’d love to hear you guys chime in with experience!

thanks and happy pesting,

It mostly has to do with the type of lead. The slug is made with and the type of hollow point cavity, as well as how large it is.

I know most numbers shoot slugs, because they want that higher ballistic coefficient, aiding in less windrift and speed retention.

I used them partially for that reason, but mostly because of the expansion part of it, and I in particular like to use very soft lead slugs, with very large hollow point cavities.


Your assessment is correct in saying that a lighter projectile slug will expand and dissipate its energy faster than a larger slug. That comes to having less mass overall.

 

[Ranchibi]

What he ^^^said .

 

[MJMDP]

I use slugs and understand you wanting to use slugs, but up to just 55yds I would just use a good expansive pellets, like the JSB Hades. They drop a lot of energy really fast.

Otherwise, just use light/médium soft lead hollow slugs.

 

[Achilles_13]

Thank you all for your answers! I might have to try some hades ! I’d love to try some lighter slugs to see if they make for an even more humane kill. if the shot is good it’ll meet thin bone on impact so should expand quick and hopefully ensure what I’m looking for, quick and humane pest control even if the shot is off a couple of mm. Any tips on the softer lead slugs? Currently have nielsen and hn on order, hybrids tend to throw the occasional flyer in my rifle every few shots so I discounted those…

 

[JaceSpace1369]

Thank you all for your answers! I might have to try some hades ! I’d love to try some lighter slugs to see if they make for an even more humane kill. if the shot is good it’ll meet thin bone on impact so should expand quick and hopefully ensure what I’m looking for, quick and humane pest control even if the shot is off a couple of mm. Any tips on the softer lead slugs? Currently have nielsen and hn on order, hybrids tend to throw the occasional flyer in my rifle every few shots so I discounted those…

Varmint Knocker is on ebay, try his XLHP.

Jsb 20.83gr slugs they are very similar to the VK.

Griffin has some LDC slugs very light weight, kinda pricey.

 

[Achilles_13]

Varmint Knocker is on ebay, try his XLHP.

Jsb 20.83gr slugs they are very similar to the VK.

Griffin has some LDC slugs very light weight, kinda pricey.

Thanks! I’m working with .25, that would be 34 grainers, sadly defeating the purpose… I’ll keep my eyes on them though, thanks! honestly, price is a non- issue as I’m not using them for plinking, I might shoot about 50/60in a good year, a 100 for testing and getting in the groove. plinking is for king heavies in this rifle or even more preffered, my .20 with a low power tune.

 

[JaceSpace1369]

Thanks! I’m working with .25, that would be 34 grainers, sadly defeating the purpose… I’ll keep my eyes on them though, thanks! honestly, price is a non- issue as I’m not using them for plinking, I might shoot about 50/60in a good year, a 100 for testing and getting in the groove. plinking is for king heavies in this rifle or even more preffered, my .20 with a low power tune.

He doesn't have them listed but the makes 32.8gr and 30gr in .25

 

[357cal]

It mostly has to do with the type of lead. The slug is made with and the type of hollow point cavity, as well as how large it is.

I know most numbers shoot slugs, because they want that higher ballistic coefficient, aiding in less windrift and speed retention.

I used them partially for that reason, but mostly because of the expansion part of it, and I in particular like to use very soft lead slugs, with very large hollow point cavities.


Your assessment is correct in saying that a lighter projectile slug will expand and dissipate its energy faster than a larger slug. That comes to having less mass overall.

Pic 1, target at 230 yards, 4 hits but could only find 3 what was left, and the one standing is the way it looked before chambering. 204gr flat nose 357 cal pure lead.