The Savage 220 is a popular and versatile shotgun, equally at home with bird hunting or home defense. Choosing the right slug is crucial for accuracy and effectiveness. This guide explores the best slugs for your Savage 220, considering various factors such as range, accuracy, and intended use.
Understanding Slug Types and Their Suitability for the Savage 220
Before diving into specific recommendations, let's clarify the different types of shotgun slugs:
1. Rifled Slugs:
- Description: These slugs feature grooves that spin as they travel down the barrel, improving accuracy and range significantly. They are ideal for longer-range shots.
- Suitability for Savage 220: The Savage 220, with its rifled barrel (depending on the model; some have smoothbore barrels), is well-suited for rifled slugs. Check your barrel's specifications to confirm whether it's rifled or smoothbore.
- Example Brands: Federal Premium Trophy Copper, Hornady SST, Remington Premier AccuTip
2. Foster Slugs:
- Description: These are simpler, less expensive slugs with a round nose. They're less accurate than rifled slugs, especially at longer ranges.
- Suitability for Savage 220: Generally less effective in a rifled barrel but can still be used at close range. If your Savage 220 has a smoothbore barrel, this is your primary option.
- Example Brands: Winchester, Remington
3. Sabot Slugs:
- Description: These slugs are a plastic sabot (or wad) surrounding a smaller diameter slug. This allows for better accuracy in smoothbore barrels and increased velocity in rifled barrels.
- Suitability for Savage 220: Effective in both rifled and smoothbore barrels, providing a balance between accuracy and versatility.
- Example Brands: Remington AccuTip, Federal Premium Barnes
Factors to Consider When Choosing Slugs
Beyond slug type, several other factors influence your choice:
- Barrel Length: Longer barrels generally offer increased accuracy and velocity.
- Choke: While shotguns aren't typically choked like rifles, a tighter choke can improve accuracy with slugs, especially at longer ranges. (Again, check your barrel markings)
- Intended Use: Hunting slugs prioritize accuracy and stopping power, whereas home defense slugs focus on stopping power at close range.
Top Slug Recommendations for Savage 220 (Rifled Barrel Assumed)
This section assumes your Savage 220 has a rifled barrel. If yours is a smoothbore, consult a firearms expert or refer to the manufacturer's recommendations.
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Federal Premium Trophy Copper Rifled Slug: Known for its consistent accuracy and high stopping power, making it a versatile choice for hunting and self-defense.
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Hornady SST Rifled Slug: This slug offers excellent accuracy and penetration, making it a solid choice for hunting larger game.
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Remington Premier AccuTip: This sabot slug is designed for both rifled and smoothbore barrels, offering a good balance of accuracy and versatility.
Choosing Slugs for a Smoothbore Savage 220
If you have a smoothbore Savage 220 model, your options are more limited and accuracy will be less than a rifled barrel.
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Remington Sluggers: A reliable, affordable option for close-range use.
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Winchester Super-X Rifled Slugs: These slugs offer slightly improved accuracy compared to other foster-type slugs in a smoothbore barrel. (Note: the rifling is in the slug itself, not the barrel.)
Disclaimer: Always consult your Savage 220's owner's manual and follow all safety precautions when handling firearms. This information is for guidance only and doesn't constitute professional advice. Accuracy and performance can vary depending on various factors. Always test different slugs to determine which performs best with your specific firearm.
