I gabbed a few boxes of some slugs from a company called "Rio". The slug is described as an "Armored",500 grain (1 1/8 oz )slug,the velocity was given at 1550 fps.I tore one of the shells apart.The slug has a series of individual fins,the center has a conical silver colored core (about a .40 cal or so),forming a pointed slug.The company informed me that the whole thing is pretty much just lead.That the velocity was the result of a 28" rifled barrel.
I wonder what the results would be out of my 21" smoothbore.I'm thinking 1300-1350fps as a result of the difference. Would this still be advisable against big brown hungry bears?
Is the 3" Brennke black magic, a similar case? Are these reductions in velocity an issue? It would seem,if nothing else,that a slower velocity might result in deeper penetration. And who the heck is "Rio" anyway? Does anybody have any info on these "armored" slugs? They look like they will shred their fins right away, and end up being a .40 cal lead slug that probably ends up at about 350-400 grains (following the fins ripping off). What are they armored from anyway?
