I finally got a chance to take out my new Buck and Slug 20ga loads. I posted the info the other day--a 1/2 ounce "socket slug" in an unslit wad, in front of 4 pellets of #1 and 4 pellets of #F. I loaded 8 rounds, with 19gr of WSF. I chose 19gr because 21 was tested at about 13000 PSI. I figured 20gr would be the absolute highest I'd want to go.
I fired them through both my 20" Mav 88 with an improved choke, and my SxS Boito import which is chopped down to 18.5". They should be doing about 1240fps, so a pretty snappy 1ounce payload.
I patterned them at 10yards (measured), and they seem to work as planned. One big, round hole from the slug (the unslit wad seems to be keeping it stable and flying straight), with 8 holes roughly 6" in diameter around it.
What shocked me was hitting these old propane cylinders. I thought I'd get through the first layer with the big slug, and leave heavy dents with the smaller .30 and .22 buck pellets. Instead, I got through and through penetration with both of them. I realize this doesn't translate to real world terminal performance--but you have to admit, slamming all the way through 2 layers of steel is impressive. Based on some ballistics reports I've read, #1 and #4 buck at that velocity exceeds FBI penetration in gel. The slug is .50, and has an energy right around a .44 magnum.
I used 3" hulls for these, because they were the only hulls I could find during the pandemic, however I had to add cork to bring the level up, and even then, trim a bit off to get them to roll crimp right. I'm sure I could fit them in a 2.75" hull, but I'm not sure how much that would bring up the pressure.
In any case, they are snappy. People often praise the 20ga for it's low recoil. But a full speed, 1ounce load pops you enough to let you know. I only loaded up a handful, just to make sure they patterned ok. Once I get a moment I'd like to do a better pattern vs. distance study and some back yard wetpack testing.
Also check out the leaf spring bush knife I forged and worked up last winter. It's a hell of a chopper.
Between all the shooting, and muscling a rototiller around for 4 hours, I suspect I'm going to be a little beat up tomorrow!
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