Shotgun Slug Accuracy, First Experience

[bilalarabaci]

Hello everyone,
This is my first slug shooting experience.
Gun: 12 gauge smooth-bore semi-auto shotgun, 26-inch barrel with Improved Cylinder (4 notches) choke.
Ammo: RC cartridges: 1 1/8 oz regular 12ga shotgun slug.
Distance: 40 yards.
Target: NSSF paper target, printed international A4 paper.

This is my first slug shooting experience video link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOVQImHzTUM

4-shot group picture link:
http://oi42.tinypic.com/r7m83o.jpg

As you can see, the second shot went too far, I think.
And other spreads are:
1 to 2= 5,3 inches
1 to 2= 3,5 inches
1 to 4= 2,7 inches

What are the criterias on smooth-bore shotgun slug accuracy and spread tolerances?
Is there any SAAMI or CIP "at least" norms for shotgun slug accuracy? I believe, bird-shot patterns are tested on 40-yards, that's why I shot at that distance.

And what are your other suggestions?
Thanks already.

 

[Jason_W]

The groups you are getting look fine for a smooth bore.

A SB shooter simply has to accept the fact that such a gun is never going to be a long range or precision instrument.

My goal when shooting smooth bores and slugs is to be consistently on a deer vitals sized target out 65 or so yards.

 

[Jason_W]

Here's a pic of a couple of my best ever smoothbore slug groups. The left target was Brenekke KOs at 60 yards and the right were handloaded DGS slugs at 50 yards. The gun was a Benelli Nova tactical sporting ghost ring sights.

 

[jmr40]

I don't hunt with slugs, but have experimented some. With a 21" rifle sighted smoothbore I can usually keep standard slugs inside of 4-5" At 100 yards, 2-3" at 50 yards.

 

[Al Thompson]

Welcome to THR!

Didn't look like you have a rear sight on your shotgun, so IMHO, that's pretty good shooting. Someone makes clamp on sights for shotguns with vent ribs and IME, they work pretty well. I think a set would help you tighten that group up.

What are you planning to do with the shotgun?

 

[chuckpro]

+1 on sights, even just a good fiber optic on the front can make all the difference. At 40 yards you should be able to shoot a 3 inch group with no problem with a smooth bore. You may also want to invest in a cylinder choke tube.

 

[DanTheFarmer]

I'm new to shotguns as well. I picked up a Mossberg 20 gauge in August to be ready for the fall deer season.

I tried using just the beads on the barrel and found I wasn't accurate enough to get a valid test. The previously mentioned clamp on rifle type sights are a good idea or put on a red dot.

I tested with a red dot sight and fired from a bench at 50 yards with several brands of Foster type slugs. With Winchester I got a sub 3" three shot group, just a bit low but well centered. With Remington slugs I got a 4" three shot group high and right. With Federal slugs I didn't hit the target! Your results may be the exact opposite and you won't know until you try. Your shotgun will let you know which it works well with and which to avoid.

Good Luck.

Dan