Hasting slugs in H&R's and in shotguns in general

[MSP Ret]

Are factory loaded Hasting slugs any good in H&R's? I ask because I stopped at a shop and they had a bunch of 3" 12 gauge Hasting slugs for $8.50 a box and 2 3/4" Hasting slugs for $7.50 a box. More than I usually pay for my smoothbore slug guns but I have a couple of rifled H&R slugs guns I don't shoot much because of the exhorbitantly expensive cost of Sabot slugs. I take it Hasting slugs are for rifled guns, are they any good? Are they worth what they are asking for them (what did they retail for?) and do you suggest I buy a few boxes? Thanks for your insight, expierence, and knowledge....<><....  

[PHATINJUN]

Andy I have used them alot in both my H&R's and in my rifled Model 11 remington w/Hastings bbl. I did not know they made the 3 1/2" 12ga they do make a 3 1/2" 20ga though. They are very similar to the BuckHammer slugs and the Lightfields they are a Hybred with the shuttle cock plastic under the slug. I think the last batch of 10 boxes I bought mail order were like $9.50 with the shipping for the 2 3/4" 20ga and they seem to do a little better than the 3" 20ga. One thing I do not know nor have I heard is if Hastings or whoever is going to continue to produce the ammo now that the bbl manufacturing has closed thier doors. Kurt

[MSP Ret]

Thank's Kurt, they must have been 3" then (I have corrected my post), I was only really interested in the 2 3/4" so that is what I really concentrated on. So you think the Hasting slugs are pretty good and that $7.50 a box might be a good deal. Do you think they are as good as the Buckhammers as far as accuracy goes? I am really interested in thier potential accuracy, I feel just about any decent 12 gauge slug if put i the right place is good deer medicine....<><....   

[bikerbeans]

MSP,

My kid has a Rossi Single Shot 12 gage slug gun that loves the 3" Hastings.  The regular ones, not the managed recoil variety.  2" groups at 100 yards is pretty typical.

I've shot the 2 3/4" Hastings slugs, standard velocity, in my Beretta 303 12 Gage that is fitted with a Hastings Slug Barrel.  The Hastings slugs where almost as accurate as the Buckhammers I decided to use.  I got about 3" groups @ 100 yds with the Hastings slugs in the beretta. 

I dug some of the Hastings slugs out of the clay berm and found that the lead separates from the plastic wad.  Per Hastings, the plastic wad is supposed to fly with the lead until the moment of impact and then detach.  Also, the lead slug is less than bore diameter so there shouldn't be a leading issue.


BB

[MSP Ret]

Thanks BB, do you think $7.50 per box for 2 3/4" 12 gauge is an OK price or is that about what they retailed for? I don't buy many sabot slugs because of the cost and these looked good for that price. I have heard of Buckhammers going on sale in both 12 and 20 but I have never found any on sale and cannot see paying $3.00 to $3.75 per sabot slug....<><....

[PHATINJUN]

$7.50 a box with no shipping is about as good of a deal as I have seen ,thats what makes me wonder if they are going to continue to manufacture them or if that may be getting to a closeout price.Kurt

[MSP Ret]

IIRC the company has been sold and the assets sold off. I think these may be part of the company assests and are on a closeout....,><....

[bikerbeans]

$7.50 a box for slugs that shoot out of a rifled barrel is a good price.  Gander Mt. sometimes has Buckhammers for this price. 

[bikerbeans]

MSP,

If you want to try Buckhammers, Sportsmans Guide has the 2 3/4" 12 Ga. for about $6.50 for 5 rounds.  Their website is www.sportsmansguide.com.  I have never bought ammo from them but a friend of mine buys all his slugs from them.

BB