Sabot round for shotgun.

[Runs]

Having a discussion with a friend. Can sabots shot shells be used in other than rifled barrels? Thanks in advance.
Runs

 

[mike7mm08]

They can be used in any barrel provided the choke is no tighter than modified. But don't expect any kind of accuracy. Some people claim they will shoot fine out of just a rifled choke tube.

 

[wwb]

The conventional Foster slug is stabilized in flight much like a badminton shuttlecock. If you section one of them, you'll find a heavy nose with a large hollow "skirt" at the rear. They do not need to spin to remain stable.

A sabot, on the other hand, has a regular rifle bullet (usually a .44) inside the sabot. Once the plastic sabot has been shed (almost immediately out of the muzzle), the bullet will need to be spinning in order to remain stable. As stated, you can shoot sabots out of a smoothbore, but the accuracy will be miserable.

 

[Runs]

Again, thanks for the info.
Runs

 

[4MUL8R]

More important than "can they" is the question "should they?" The sabot projectiles can go upwards of 1700 fps and are quite light in comparison to the traditional slug. Without the spin-accuracy, the hollowpoint construction could be pointed the wrong way and essentially be non-functional upon impact with the animal. It would seem more effective to use the heavier and slower drag-stabilized projectile in the smoothbore.

 

[luvs2hunt62]

Some low intel type tried this out at my local range--he was shooting 20" groups at 50 yds, with large irreg shaped holes.

 

[ohiosam]

I would not shoot a sabot slug through any choke, period. They are not designed to swage through a choke the way a Foster slug is.