Current State Of The Union On The Russian Shotgun Slug Reloads Part 1

[@sindrome303]

Fortune cookie you are a dead set legend Mate. People around the world look up to you as a reloading guru. And i am one. Thank you for everything you do for the reloading community.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Ram2 - Hello to all you great Aussies..!! And thanks for the gracious words of encouragement...much appreciated during these tough times. Best to ya, Steve

[@sandych33ks1]

Supplies won't be coming back anytime soon. Even plastic will be in a shortage.. Powders, primers etc are a given. Great video.. Thank u

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

sandych33ks1 - The companies are cranking out product. So it's being gobbled up by hoarders. But if we don't buy on the inflated third and fourth markets, things will calm down...like you say, it might take a while this time. Best to ya, Steve

[@jstsmegy]

Appreciate you ! happy to contribute- exciting video !!

[@michal.abramowicz]

Kind regards from Poland!

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

MA - And thanks for dropping us a line from Poland...Hello to Teresa K. who moved back to Poland after her husband John K. passed away. Best to ya, Steve

[@HobbiesHobo]

I looked at the Svarog Molds but I'm super low volume shooter and ended up with the Lee 7/8 Mold for 30% the price (Yesterday), maybe in the future it will happen, must get a bigger, heavier shotgun first to replace my single shot, 14" SBS, Ultralight, looking forward to part 2. Mike

[@Portuguese-linguica]

Glad to see you're still doing good steve . Still loving the content coming from you .

[@dowdawg]

Thank you once again Mr. Cookie for all you have done for the shooting world!! Your videos are superb and so professionally done. I can’t believe the state of our country where they try to silence such a fine gentleman as yourself. I love it, all kids have the greenlight to watch your videos!! You never break that trust of good honest clean content, thank you!!!

[@samsamk9750]

Very good videos. Thanks for sharing them. Please also add whether these slugs are only for smooth bore or good for rifled barrel as well? It would be very useful that you share your experience about sabot slugs too. Another informative video specifically about sabot slugs would be very useful.

[@notthatguy4515]

Great Video as usual Sir.

[@tatdexter2334]

Instead of shaving out coating to alleviate the air-lock, would it be acceptable to score a couple of vertical grooves on the interior of the slug or poke a small hole in the wad flanges to allow air to pass through? I've never worked with slugs before but I'm nearly ready to get a mold - thanks for the thorough info you've provided.

[@michaelbarrett2346]

Thank you for all the hard work you have done, testing the slugs and components. What is your current favourite of the Slugs?

[@shannonpine2067]

I really enjoy your videos, particularly the Russian slug topics. After watching I have a couple questions: 1) In some of your first Russian slug videos you mentioned you wanted to run pure lead. In a follow up video it seemed you were fighting some filling and shrink issues and mentioned running 3%tin and an extra hot pot. Is the latter still best practice? 2) I am still evaluating the AS and Svarog molds. From what I can decipher, the thin 2 ring slugs (hydrant, zveroboy, etc.) are “designed” for smooth bore barrels and the thick 3 ring slugs (paradox, kontareva, etc.) are “designed” for rifled barrels, some even specifically mention a lube groove. However, both designs are “acceptable” in either rifled or smooth bore barrels, which is confusing. Have you noticed any accuracy or lead fouling difference between the two thin/thick band styles in rifled/smooth barrels? I am going to try a rifled choke on my SBE2 and plan to upgrade to a rifled barrel only if results are not acceptable. 3) Most of the slugs are listed as 18.5mm (0.728”) diameter at the bands while a few are listed as 18.4mm. For instance the Svarog Paradox is listed as 18.4mm and 0.708” which makes no sense. I am attributing this to rounding errors or typos vs purposeful differences in the diameter. Have you seen any variation of belt diameter in your molds?

[@wdtaut5650]

For those of us who don't cast our own, and don't shoot many slugs, is there a place to buy these ready made...the slug and wad, I mean. I can do the reload if I have the slug/wad. A hundred would last a long time with me.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

WDTA UT - Ballistic Products sells wad slug combos ready to load - they have a variety of good slugs all on the same theme as our Russian home cast slugs - I've tried them and I like them - however, our home cast slugs sure offer economical shooting. Good reloadin' to ya, Steve

[@6.5mm_is_the_best_mm]

I have a sveroboy slug mold, plenty of bp-brushwads, primed fiocci hulls and a bunch of Longshot. I don't shoot too many of them to conserve lead.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

JP - Yes, and during these shortage times where resupply will be a problem, we've all pulled our heads back into the shell just a bit. Have a great day, Steve

[@ericstein8687]

Hello Jared I have a similar situation and was thinking I'd try the brushwads myself due to making a mistake buying the paradox mold with the standard pin and not the "special". At the time I purchased the special wads and found out the hard way that they do not fit the standard pin and was thinking I'd try the brush wad(brp12) in combination with the paradox standard pin. I'm new to reloading and was hoping you might have some feedback with this. I have high hopes of finding the special pin in stock soon so I can use these wads but in the meantime I thought I'd give this a try. Thoughts?

[@6.5mm_is_the_best_mm]

@@ericstein8687 Attach the brush was to the slug with a small deck screw just large enough to pierce the first layer of plastic and I use a 20ga cork spacer to raise the slug off of the wad a little because the slug pushes the plastic skirt around the top of the wad without it and makes the the wad slightly wider and makes it harder to seat in the hull. This may raise chamber pressure. Your slug is different and may not require this adaptation. Do a test fit of the slug to the wad. Attaching the slug to the wad greatly increases accuracy in a smooth bore shotgun. If you have a rifled slug barrel try unattached first and test accuracy.

[@ericstein8687]

Thank you for the info it's greatly appreciated. Just picked up some longshot to test these out in a mossburg 500 with the 24 inch slug barrel (rifled). Now I need to find some good recipes for these slugs that seem to weigh 626 grains. Really wish cookie did some videos using longshot as well. If u have found any good sources please let me know. I can't seem to find any bluedot anywhere near me but I'm not giving up yet as I'd like to have both powders on hand. The wads should be here any day so in the meantime I'll be doing a bunch of research using the longshot. Thanks again!

[@6.5mm_is_the_best_mm]

@@ericstein8687 youtube.com/@Thorsaxe777 Thorsaxe does several videos on longshot and Russian slugs. He may do a paradox and longshot load. Can't remember. Also, check out the manuals from Ballistic Products.

[@hernandovillamarinbuenaven7476]

Hi Steve!; Many thanks for sharing such a wealth of knowledge & experience in our favorite hobby!!. *Since there is a plethora of shotshell hull brands / styles / capacities around the world, and, 100% sure you've earned followers from most everywhere, I'd very respectfully sugest you to try measuring the different powder capacities between different hulls. Actually, I myself have found significant capacity differences, say, between Fiocchi hulls vs Federal, Winchester, Remington hulls, specially in those produced with an inner base plastic insert vs the 'unibody' ones. I have tried this, cutting all the hulls to 1" inch, and then compare how much space different powders need. Just an idea, though!.

[@guysview]

Seems like Hazmat would be in effect with "primed" shotgun hulls.

[@11C1P]

No, neither is fully loaded ammunition. Powder & primers are Hazmat.

[@guysview]

@@11C1P Thank you. I didn't know that.

[@wdavid57]

Always like to go back and look at how far we have come. You have taught me so much. A question . I pc my paradox slugs ( range scrap) and shoot them out of a cylinder choke . I get great accuracy. Got a IWI ts 12 and it uses Benelli / Beretta mobil chokes. I got a Carleson rifled slug choke . Tried test fitting the slug and it got stuck half way down. So glad I tested it first. Had to use a hammer and punch with oil to get it out. Will not be using that for my ts 12 . Your thoughts?

[@lukefenech]

Hullo and thank you! Do you still rate the Svarog Italian slug highly? Which is your favourite particularly out of a smoothbore? Regards, Luke

[@GibbSaw63]

Cool slugs!

[@llkj7944]

Unfortunately these proprietary wads are very limmited and have been for many months, none to be found in Canada and "The shooters network" is out of stock now and has been since last year! Great moulds, great slug design but the special wads are rare.

[@huckstirred7112]

How much would it way if it was solid ? and what about pan lubing ? That would be one hell of a semi wad cutter ! Hardened with silver solder pushing 1300 . Load the slug that wat with a case full of 2 f black powder wow what a 12 bore rifle

[@fredmeebley]

Is there any accuracy difference in those two slug designs with both using the same wad and barrel?

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

fredmeebley - I've found the Paradox slug to be my favorite as it shoots all powder charges from 33 - 40 grains of Blue Dot into 2" at 50 yards. You gotta love that... Best to ya, Steve

[@jamesheath9385]

Can you use short brass hulls.

[@elktrip2000]

Fortune Cookie any idea when the reloaded network might get the molds for these in again?

[@paulchandler9646]

Is it possible to use Unique for these slugs .

[@anthonyspadafora1384]

It looks like we will not be able to get Russian molds and wads for some time. Has anyone looked into having the special wads made in the US?

[@frankbarbagallo9399]

What can you tell me about the dangers of shooting frangible copper bullets because of the hardness of the composition?? I just exploded my compact pistol barrel made of cast stainless. 9mm 100grain frangible over 4.8 gr of titegroup I’m afraid to use them in any barrel now

[@williamcrawford7982]

Put os card in slug before powder coating?

[@williamcrawford7982]

Cover bottom with overshot card to keep dust out then bake.

[@hhds4716]

Was wondering how that utg 2-7 pistol scope is holding up on you 44mag after a year now

[@peteralexben]

if you hunt it will hold a long time they shoot not much ,if you shoot 800 shots per month not

[@horn410]

In Russia, any device is available for equipping 12-caliber cartridges (16,20,28,32,410) It will be very good if you say a few words in Russian on the channel,to your Russian-speaking viewers.!!!

[@RicochetRichard]

Do you have to have a gun that's made for slugs? Will a gun with a modified choke work for shooting slugs?

[@eugene7890]

How come you never mention what size Hull you use ? ( meaning do you use 2 3/4" or 3 " hulls with these Russian slugs?) And if you use one over the other why ?

[@ericstein8687]

Fortune cookie or anyone please help. I am new to reloading and purchased the paradox mold with the standard pin not knowing at the time I needed the special pin to accept the "special " wads that I also purchased. Now I'm stuck and cannot find the special pin in stock and have 500 wads I cannot use so I was thinking I'd try the brp12 brush wad from ballistic products with the standard paradox pin. Has anyone tried this or have any feedback for me? Would greatly appreciate it.

[@kingdaddy4200]

What about imr blue powder Steve?

[@pugamusmaximus]

It's the same as blue dot but IMR blue is now Discontinued

[@kingdaddy4200]

@@pugamusmaximus they just came out with it.. maybe not on the shelf but I doubt discontinued

[@pugamusmaximus]

@@kingdaddy4200 that's what I read on the internet so it must be true lol.

[@kingdaddy4200]

@@pugamusmaximus I don’t believe shit I here on the internet !!! Unless it comes out of Steve’s mouth 😆 then is gospel !!

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Hello to King Daddy - Yes, IMR Blue was created by Hodgdon under the IMR division to compete with Alliant Blue Dot as a great powder for off-beat trap games (not for sanctioned Trap competition), also sporting clays long range shots using plated shot, also for pass shooting on ducks and turkey loads using 3" and 3 1/2" shells. It's also a great powder for +P+ and +P++ handgun loads as well as shotgun slugs. I wouldn't hesitate to start slug loads with it at 33 grains (start at 31 for extra safety) with any reasonable slug and work up from there. If we get a chance to get any of this should it pop up anywhere at any reasonable price, it would be a great powder to acquire. If 33 grains works well for you, you can standardize that load for you right there as it is a very capable load say with a 1 1/8 to 1 1/4 oz slug ( I like the Russian Paradox) - also easier on powder supplies. Good shootin' to ya, Steve

[@tjfm59]

after watching the con - cleanup on powder coating. come too 1 conclusion do not powder coat.

[@BB_46]

Should of said 40 grains is a porky load instead of beefy with Loads of Bacon in the Hot Lead Zone table.

[@davidbartch8917]

What if you don't like 40 grains 36 is enough for me!

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

David Bartch - Actually, anywhere from 31 - 36 grains makes for a very competent slug load while being easier on the shoulder and on our powder supplies. I'd save the 40 grainers when something big is afoot or when something is lurking in the shadows or when we have to go through graveyards at 3am. Have a great day, Steve

[@davidbartch8917]

Why powder coat?

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

David Bartch - Reduce the lead scrape fouling in our smoothbores, plus protect from any leading issues in rifled shotgun barrels. Great question, and thanks for asking it... Steve

[@davidbartch8917]

@@FortuneCookie45LC Wouldn't it work better to make a mixture of paraffin wax and graphite or mica/(slickwad) all three are lubricants. Part of my business is powder coating and if not cured correctly powder coat will be gummy. Also different powders build at different thicknesses.

[@peteralexben]

@@davidbartch8917 a powder coated bullet shoots as clean as factory ammo .less smoke ,you have also a less leadpollution in the air ,if you use leadfree primers in the case almost nothing. a powdercoated bullet keeps the barrel cleaner. you have to bake them at the right temperatur. you can shoot them at higher speeds then a wax lubricated.

[@davidbartch8917]

@@peteralexben If you say so butt my experience with powdercoating would make me cautious about barrel fouling especially rifled barrels. Powder coat once applied is difficult to even sandblast off and chemical strippers are very harsh/caustic. I really doubt any of the bore cleaners on the market are up to it. Powder cures at temps 375-400 degrees all that means is that it has baked off enough that reaching melting point it stops flowing and makes it a little harder. Under enough heat/friction it still softens and gets gummy. Maybe that is what happening, it's getting hot enough it melts where it counts, if it is fully curing powdercoat on bullits is unnecessary just go for flow out. It would also make sense to add mica ( bpi , wadslick) It's what pearls are, we add them to powder for visual effects. Pearl /mica would aid in preventing fouling.I'm not against powder coating just cautious.

[@peteralexben]

@@davidbartch8917 use a powder that works.there are different . Dont worry about the fouling.its almost nothing if any If you shoot gilding brass or bronce bullets .they depend on the metal for lube.and that deposid is only with ammonia or something like that. to remove and with. bronce brushes .lead deposit is also a problem.you need the heavy cleaners like the lewis lead remover. And the shooting and burning of gunpowder wil harm your barrel to . Hard ball. Full metal jackets ammo in high powered rifle rounds can shoot out barrels between 1500 and 10.000 shots