<P> Law enforcement officers are frequently equipped with shotguns . In contrast to traditional buckshot, slugs offer the benefits of accuracy, range, and knock - down power while avoiding stray pellets . Further, the shotgun allows the operator to select the desired shell a variety of situations such as a less - lethal cartridge such as a bean bag round or other Less lethal slugs . A traditional rifle would offer greater range and accuracy than slugs, but without the ammunition choices and versatility . </P> <P> The mass of a shotgun slug is kept within SAAMI pressure limits for shot loads in any given shotgun shell load design . Slugs are designed to pass safely through any choke, though accuracy may suffer . The internal pressure of the shotshell load will actually be slightly higher than the equivalent mass slug projectile load, due to an increased resistance that occurs from a phenomenon known as shot setback . Common 12 gauge slug masses are ​ ⁄ oz, 1 oz, and 1 ​ ⁄ oz, the same as common birdshot payloads . </P> <P> Shotgun slugs (12 gauge) achieve typical velocities of approximately 1800 fps for 1 - oz . (437.5 grain) slugs, for an energy of over 3,100 ft - lbs (4200 J). In contrast, a . 30 - 06 bullet weighing 150 grains at a velocity of 2600 fps achieves an energy of 2,250 ft - lbs (3051 J). However, a shotgun slug has greater air resistance and slows more quickly than a spitzer bullet fired from a rifle . Shotgun slugs thus are best suited for uses over shorter ranges than rifle bullets . However, for hunting in built - up populated areas, shotgun slugs (with regard to range) are considerably safer than rifles, with maximum ranges typically under 400 yards, in comparison to maximum ranges of several miles for errant projectiles from rifles . </P> <P> Full - bore slugs, such as the Brenneke and Foster types use a shuttlecock method of stabilization by placing the mass at the front of the projectile . The lightweight rear automatically corrects through aerodynamic forces to keep the nose pointed forward . Saboted slugs are designed for rifled shotgun barrels and are stabilized through gyroscopic forces from their spin . </P>

Maximum effective range of a 12 gauge slug