At what point does a pellet become a slug?

[ChrisS]

I've been shooting these JSB "Beast" pellets in both 177 (16.2 grain) and 22 (34 grain) cal. They are really, really good, hit hard and fly repeatably. I have also used what are called slugs with less success. Some weigh more, some less. What is the determining factor? Is it a shape? Does the use of a skirt automatically preclude the name "slug"? Some "slugs" have a hollowed base that I think does the same thing as a skirt. Or is it a weight thing? If so, what is the threshold?
In the powder burning world, the term slug is used as a kind of catch bucket referring to all projectiles. But I'd bet the term was originally coined to describe "lead" bullets. Not to say there aren't lots of different sub-categories... FMJ, HP, HPBT etc etc etc.
So, what is the determining factor that separates pellets from slugs?
Chris

 

[delooper]

I don't think you'll find a mathematical rule that gives you a precise answer for every theoretical projectile.

Pellets have the diablo shape with the skirt. Slugs are a more traditional bullet shape.

Presumably the best definition would be functional. Pellets stabilize like a shuttlecock -- i.e. more drag than spin based. Slugs stabilize primarily through spin.

 

[woogie_man]

Would be more of the shape.

Pellets have the diabolo shape, which causes drag when shot. This is what aids in the stability of the pellets.

 

[ChrisS]

So, here is a particularly old design originally used for "light plinking and small gaming" in 45-70. Only 150 grains...quite light for a 45-70.

Pellet or slug? To me, it's a slug, just a very short one with a single grease groove. BUT, it is shaped somewhat like a shuttle cock. And it flies nice out of my 457 air rifle and 45-70 cartridge gun.
Chris

 

[mtndragon]

A pellet becomes a slug when it identifies as such. Pay attention to the pellet's preferred pronouns, whether it flies straight or spirals off to the left, and other identifiable and vague characteristics. Then, forget it all and just accept everything for what it is.
In reality, classifications like this are pretty outdated as is the idea of even needing classifications. They're all projectiles really. It's best to let pellets be whatever they what to be, and in fact, slugs can and should be allowed to be pellets if they so choose.

 

[coffeepan]

So, here is a particularly old design originally used for "light plinking and small gaming" in 45-70. Only 150 grains...quite light for a 45-70.

View attachment 274401

Pellet or slug? To me, it's a slug, just a very short one with a single grease groove. BUT, it is shaped somewhat like a shuttle cock. And it flies nice out of my 457 air rifle and 45-70 cartridge gun.
Chris

I think that's called Collar button. The mold has been sold under that name. I have one of those mold but is new production. From NOE if I recall correct..

 

[ChrisS]

That is what it's called, my mould came from RCBS.

 

[douger]

mold its a slug i would think love pellets way more,

 

[Rygar]

I think a pellet becomes a slug in the same way you can tell a woman is comfortable with you…the skirt is removed.

 

[sballen]

So, here is a particularly old design originally used for "light plinking and small gaming" in 45-70. Only 150 grains...quite light for a 45-70.

View attachment 274401

Pellet or slug? To me, it's a slug, just a very short one with a single grease groove. BUT, it is shaped somewhat like a shuttle cock. And it flies nice out of my 457 air rifle and 45-70 cartridge gun.
Chris

I use this Collar Buttons in my Air Force Texan, with excelent results!

 

[MartyMcFly]

If it has a “skirt” that stabilizes flight or that expands to make a better seal then it’s a pellet. If it doesn’t then it’s a slug.

-Marty

 

[HubenK1Sniper92]

I've been shooting these JSB "Beast" pellets in both 177 (16.2 grain) and 22 (34 grain) cal. They are really, really good, hit hard and fly repeatably. I have also used what are called slugs with less success. Some weigh more, some less. What is the determining factor? Is it a shape? Does the use of a skirt automatically preclude the name "slug"? Some "slugs" have a hollowed base that I think does the same thing as a skirt. Or is it a weight thing? If so, what is the threshold?
In the powder burning world, the term slug is used as a kind of catch bucket referring to all projectiles. But I'd bet the term was originally coined to describe "lead" bullets. Not to say there aren't lots of different sub-categories... FMJ, HP, HPBT etc etc etc.
So, what is the determining factor that separates pellets from slugs?
Chris

I have recently started using the 34g beast and are impressed by them, I don’t shoot over 100yds so I sold all my impact slug shooters, and went back to just shooting pellets, the slug craze is getting stupid crazy, my current setup is shooting the beast @ 965fps, that’s like 70fpe from a .22 pellet, so all you slug crazed people out there please tell me why my pellet is not as good as your slug? Yes I know slugs do better past 100yds, change my mind why a slug would be superior for shooting under 100yds, and my current pellet setup is lights out accurate the pic is the difference in height from the monster re-design and the beast

 

[Raider03]

I think a pellet becomes a slug in the same way you can tell a woman is comfortable with you…the skirt is removed.

 

[Raider03]

If it has a “skirt” that stabilizes flight or that expands to make a better seal then it’s a pellet. If it doesn’t then it’s a slug.

-Marty

Just keeps getting more complicated, slug with a mini skirt,

JSB KnockOut MKII Slugs, .216 Cal, 25.39 gr - 200ct | Airgun Depot

Check out this great deal on the JSB KnockOut MKII Slugs, .216 Cal, 25.39 gr - 200ct. Need advice? Let our airgun specialists help you today!

www.airgundepot.com

 

[Raider03]

If the projectile has its' center of pressure behind its' center of mass then it has drag stabilization and IMHO is a pellet.

 

[rodjava]

Here in California, if a pellet identifies as a slug, you have to call it a slug. It's the law. And YES, slugs can get pregnant.

 

[MartyMcFly]

Here in California, if a pellet identifies as a slug, you have to call it a slug. It's the law. And YES, slugs can get pregnant.

Are you sure slugs aren’t classified as fish in California?

-Marty

 

[MartyMcFly]

Just keeps getting more complicated, slug with a mini skirt,

JSB KnockOut MKII Slugs, .216 Cal, 25.39 gr - 200ct | Airgun Depot

Check out this great deal on the JSB KnockOut MKII Slugs, .216 Cal, 25.39 gr - 200ct. Need advice? Let our airgun specialists help you today!

www.airgundepot.com

Sorry to say but that isn’t a mini skirt, it’s a moomoo. The waist does not slim toward the center

-Marty

 

[ChrisS]

"If it has a “skirt” that stabilizes flight or that expands to make a better seal then it’s a pellet. If it doesn’t then it’s a slug."

Ever seen a Mini ball? Old black powder design that was hollowed out from the rear, for that exact reason, to expand into the rifling and increase velocity and accuracy.

Slug or pellet?

Chris

 

[Squack]

Slug: A long metal cylinder punched from steel.