Has anybody experimented with loading a slug in a 28 gauge? The nominal diameter is .550 so I was wondering if a .50 cal. saboted slug would work, something like a TC Minie Ball. Could I just seat a Minie in the shot cup in place of shot? Will it still crimp? How about just a .50 cal round ball?

I like using a 28 gauge but also like the idea of having a couple of slug loads to discourage anything fanged and clawed that may take exception to my presence. Been carrying a shoulder slung 44 magnum, but it gets heavy as I get older.

A slug for the .54 would normally be about a .550", but not certain on this. Inorder for you to use a .50 caliber sabot loading; your shotgun must be rifled. By using a mini or maxi-ball I am uncertain what your accuracy would be. To be safe, you should trade for a 20 guage with rifled barrel. Then try some Remington Buckhammers. there are many good slug shotgun on the market from single shot to semi-auto, chambered for the 20 gauge.

Thanks for the advice Davers, but not really interested in a 20 gauge. This would be a extreme close range situation so accuracy is moot, so not necessary to have a rifled barrel. I think a 50 caliber round ball may be the answer. That big 50 ball should have enough energy at close range to take anything in Maine that might want to dispute my claim to a particular piece of ground, so we're not talking charging grizzlies here. However; thanks for taking the time to answer.

I understand your plight with the 28 gauge and availability of slug loads--non existance in my experience. Haven't found anything produced domestically or imported. Doesn't mean its not manufactured, just not readily available. You're idea to make your own has merit. Since 28 gauge uses 3/4 oz shot loads that would be in the 330 grain range which is heavier than a round ball in that size. Believe a 50 caliber round ball weights around 180 grain range. Can't see why it wouldn't work with pie plate accuracy or better at 25 yards. My 50 caliber muzzleloaders measure around .516" bores with available lead balls being .480, .490 or .495. Don't have any wads for 28 laying around as I just reloaded everything this past winter for falls hunting season so can't measure wall thickness of wad pedals. Should be a doable project if caution is excerised in working up a load.

At one time, many years ago, they did make slug loads for the 28 gauge.

Hailstone - Thanks for the great info there. I'll pick up some 50 cal balls and try them just for fit in a case. If it's light then maybe a buck and ball combo with a few small buckshot to bring the weight up and fill the case. Should be OK as long as it crimps well and stays withing the 330 gr. limit. I have seen what those 50 caliber balls can do. That;'s a mighty big hole and a big ball of lead. The 28 gauge at close range should make a decent mean critter discourager.

Davers - I wish they still did. Heck the 28 is popular enough and they make them for .410 for goodness sakes. My son got a deer two years ago with a Springfield Armory M-6 Scout with a .410 Brenneke slug at 30 yards. One slug and it went down. Small buck, but it still did the job. He was at camp and had the Scout, wasn't hunting. He was just going for water and happened upon the deer. One slug and meat on the table. I'm not out for a hunting load for the 28, just an "In Case" load to carry and have on hand while bird hunting.

I found the answer.

BPI makes a special cup for the 28 gauge that uses a 50 caliber ball.

Scroll down the page to Light Game Slugs for 28ga and .410.

http://www.ballisticproducts.com/bpi/articleindex/articles/slugs_dgs_about/slugs1.htm

and


http://shop2.mailordercentral.com/bpicart/prodinfo.asp?number=0721628
Most excellent. Now I'm in business.

Thanks everybody for responding.

That sounds like the answer to your problems. Now your going to have to do some experimentation to see how it works.

Thanks Logger. Another "honey do project". My 28 gauge "honey" and I will have ton of fun experimenting with that before fall deer season. Hopefully will get something worked up that is accurate and functions the shotgun reliablily.