Most Accurate Smooth Bore Slugs

Smooth bore slugs, single projectiles fired from shotguns, have a reputation for inaccuracy. Many hunters prefer using rifled shotgun barrels and specially-designed, sabot-style slugs for going after deer in areas where rifles are banned. But that doesn't mean that a hunter who owns only a smooth bore shotgun (double-barrel) can't find an accurate load for his gun.

  1. The One that Shoots Best in Your Gun

    • According to "Game & Fish" magazine, perhaps the most important factor in accuracy, when it comes to shooting smooth bore slugs, is finding a slug that your smooth bore shotgun shoots well. Some rifles shoot different brands or grain sizes of bullets better than others -- the same is true of shotguns and smooth bore slugs. Do some research in shooting forums for advice on your particular gun. See what others are shooting and try out a few different types of slugs at the shooting range until you find one that works for you.

    Go Euro

    • American hunters, according to Guns.com, prefer rifles or shotguns with rifled barrels. European hunters, however, don't always have a choice -- many regions allow hunting only with smooth bore shotguns. Because of this, European slug manufacturers have fine-tuned the art of making accurate, powerful slugs for smooth bore guns. Latvian brands, in particular, come recommended by Guns.com. Try Dupo or Monolit brands in slugs that will fit your gun.

    More Euro Slugs

    • Shooting author Chuck Hawks doesn't approve of hunting with slugs of the smooth or rifled bore varieties, in general. For hunters that have no other choice, though, he recommends choosing from either the Italian-made Aeroslug Trophy Slug by Fiocchi or the German Brenneke by Rottweil. These slugs feature a plastic, stabilizing cone attached to the slug to improve ballistics.

    Foster Slugs

    • Foster slugs are one of the original slug designs. These slugs have a weighted, solid nose and a hollow back-end. According to Chuck Hawks, these features allow them to fly through the air in a manner similar to a shuttlecock -- the extra weight out front guides the projectile. Compared to other, more modern slug designs, these rounds are somewhat primitive. Try some out, though, in your slug gun because, again, every gun shoots differently and there's no way to reckon what your gun will like without trying out multiple types and brands of slugs.