Is the Maximum Range of Shotgun Slugs 100 yards?

by
posted on July 25, 2011
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
bs_2015_fs.jpg (6)

The Myth: Shotgun slugs for big game should be limited to 100 yards.

The "NRA Firearms Fact Book" says: "Shotgun slugs should not be used at ranges greater than about 75 yards. Maximum effective range is limited as much by the slug's rapid decay of energy and velocity as by its poor accuracy." Published in 1964, the "Fact Book" states that a typical 12-gauge, 1-ounce slug traveling at 1560 fps loses 60 percent of its energy at 100 yards. Although its ME is 2,365 ft.-lbs., it drops to less than 1,000 ft.-lbs. at 100 yards, which is below the minimum recommended energy threshold for big game. And, because slugs are made of soft lead so they will expand to fit the bore upon firing, they flatten out and become horribly inaccurate at ranges greater than 50 yards.

The Data: I chronographed four modern slug loads to verify manufacturer claimed velocities, then I ran my data through ballistics software. (Due to variances in barrel constrictions and lengths, load velocities can vary greatly among different guns.)

The Reality: Sabot, jacketed bullets that take advantage of rifled barrels greatly enhance accuracy at ranges unobtainable by traditional slugs. Some new high-velocity sabot rounds can produce 1,000 ft.-lbs. of energy at 200 yards.

What it means to hunters: If you and your slug gun can deliver it accurately, many new slug loads have the energy necessary for an ethical shot at 200 yards.

Latest

44 Mag HST LEDE
44 Mag HST LEDE

New for 2025: Federal’s Personal Defense HST .44 Rem. Mag.

Federal Ammunition has recently added a new HST .44 Remington Magnum “Light Magnum” load featuring a specially designed hollow-point bullet, ideal for those seeking HST performance for self-defense with magnum revolvers.

Utah Wildlife Board Updates

The Utah Wildlife Board approved a few new and updated rules, some of which are necessary after recent legislative changes—including the wildlife management area license requirement for certain counties and the new process for regulating hunting guides and outfitters—along with a few other proposals during a public meeting Thursday.

Member's Hunt: A Tale of Two Moose

This month's Member's Hunt comes from John R. Bean of Tucson, Ariz.

Breeding Duck Numbers Decline Again in ND

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s 78th-annual spring breeding duck survey conducted in May showed an index of about 2.66-million birds, down from 2.9 million in 2024 and 3.4 million in 2023.

2025-26 Pennsylvania Migratory Game Bird Seasons Set

Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 migratory game bird seasons have been set. There are two significant changes to waterfowl seasons. The regular season daily bag limit for Canada geese in the Atlantic Population Zone has decreased from three to one, and for northern pintail, there will be a flat daily bag limit of three.

New for 2025: Christensen Arms Evoke in 450 Bushmaster

Christensen Arms has announced the release of the Evoke rifle chambered in powerful 450 Bushmaster.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.