The Russian Hydrant Slug Recipe For Success

My order for 500 more wads will be filled as soon as the next shipment of wads comes in from Russia.
Here's the requirements to get these slugs to shoot to our liking...

[@taofledermaus]

I have a handful of these I will be testing soon, using your powder recipe. We've gotten "factory" (Azot combi for example) slugs from Russia that use those wads and I did notice that they trimmed the tips of the wad, depending on the design. Of course, if you can fully-seat them as is, don't trim them.

[@wilsoncalhoun]

I have never seen a man that hates giant gummy bears the way Taofledermaus does.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Joshua Noble - Jeff is one of the good guys of our shooting communities. Whenever I want to see weird shotgun slugs, like spark plugs or cabinet handles, he has shot practically anything or everything that can go into a 12 gauge shell. I'm glad he does all that, because there aren't many that will.... Best to ya, Joshua... FC Steve

[@nancybarnes29]

speaking for dedicated farmer based whitetail hunters who have been happlily using berreneke 1 1/8 ox 12ga. with pinned barrels and good scopes to harvest oodles of meatloaf makers for fifty years the question stands : are these projectiles more accurate within velocity parameters {1250- 1350} . to 100 yds. i really like the look and preliminary stats, but the proof is in the 100yd pudding .

[@mendiptramp1]

Cookie I have tried this method and it does work to seat the slug, but in doing so it crushes the compression zone of the wad. This means on firing the pre-crushed wad will compress faster and may change the chamber pressure and ultimately affect accuracy. What do you think?

[@escott3829]

Did You See The Anti Compression Rings That Are Sold Where The Special Wads Are Sold?

[@escott3829]

Hey Andy.. I Finally Got My Molds And Wads In From Russia.. You Probably Already Solved Crush Problem.. I Use 3 Cut QTip Sticks To Prevent Crushing.. Fit Perfect Around Little Rise In Crush tube.

[@alpye4513]

Hey Fortunecookie45lc, thanks for all the great videos. I hunt with these slugs now and love the 1oz. fire plug design without the center pin. It has a hollow point that lets expansion really whallop your target. If you haven't tried it yet, I'm getting great results with IMR Blue. 28grns gets me where I want to be about 1250 fps with 1 hole groups at 25yrds. My 50 yrd groups are amazing using the IMR Blue with crazy small groups under 2". The groups didn't change from 24grn up to 34 grn but don't shoot the 34grn in an auto loader. I didn't have any primer signs of overload but it did show 2000fps in my cronograph from my pump gun. Check out that IMR Blue, I'm impressed for sure myself.

[@tonygonzales5792]

I Purchase one of these moles last week. I'm having a hard time casting them.

[@ditchdigger93]

I've loaded deep based wads like that before and I've found that if you insert the load into a hull with the powder already in it then turn it upside down to allow the base of the wad to completely fill with powder and hold a little pressure on it, then turn it upright again in the wad seater and put a lot of pressure on it you'll get a lot more consistency. I've not loaded the exact ones you showed here but I'd think with enough pressure on the wad seater you could completely seat the wad into the base of the slug also? Nothing wrong with the way you did it either though. I'm glad we are finally getting some of these things imported, it has been a life long pet peeve of mine how many things exist that are either not made in the States or can't be imported.

[@vajake1]

I went over to The Reloaders Network. They are sold out of the tail wads. I looked for the mold group buy but did not see it. I checked on EBay. The molds are still for sale as are the wads. I forget the number of tailwads (really low number, maybe it was a hundred) for about $17.00 per bag with about $20.00 shipping from Russia. I have the Lyman "pellet" style slug mold. I have not had any luck getting very good accuracy out of those loadings. I went over to Taofledermaus channel and watched the video showing shooting 6X6 pine boards and ballistic media. Very impressed. I could not judge the distance. Looked like 15-20 yards. Still impressed.

[@rayzurbano3724]

Hello Steve! I know this is an old video/thread and hopefully this message will still manage to reach you. My question is: What is the weight of the Special Russian slug in oz? And will your recipe of Longshot 34.5 grains work with Federal Gold Medal 2 3/4 hulls with Federal 209A primers? Was looking at Hodgdon’s load data and planning to load Longshot with Federal hulls and 209A primers, and was wondering if 34.5 grains might be too hot with the Russian Special wad/slug setup. Thanks in advance!

[@escott3829]

Im Running A Smooth Bore.. Trying To Get Good Accuracy.. You Guys Get Any Good Results W Rifled Chokes? But My Goal Is To Gat A Good Home Cooked Slug That Will Give Adequate Accuracy In All My Shotguns... Ithaca 37 Featherweight, mossy535... Etc.. Thanks For Any Feed Back. Another Problem.. I Can't Get Special Pins To Drop.Slugs.. Graphited Pin.. Smoked.. Just Stays Locked On Pin.. I Have The Special Wads.... The Pointy Pin Drops Slug.. Lee 7/8ths KeyWay Slug Drop Off.

[@escott3829]

I've Been Using My Lee Load All To Push Slugs On To Special Wad/Gas Check/Base. The Center "Station" On Loader.. Powder/Shot Station Hollow Fits Over Point.. Trashy But I Use 3 Cut QTips Sticks To Fill Center Hole Of Special Wad To Prevent Crushing.. I Might Try An Allen Wrench Today.. But the 3 Sticks Form Around The Oddly Shaped Compression Tube Well. Still Cant Get Special Wads Pins To Drop Free.. About To Fill Pin Hollow W Plaster.. And Send It.

[@GdaySport]

From Russia with love!

[@juank1026]

which of the Russian molds do you prefer out of the two you have?

[@mhatter6332]

Have you ever tried sitting these slugs on a bpi brush wad, without screwing it down? Or for that matter have you ever tried cutting the shot cup off a locally available wad, to use it with these slugs? Also would tumble lubing these produce as much smoke as tumble lubed bullets? It seems like the wad would separate the slug from the burning powder, and possibly cause less smoke. I am personally just starting to powder coat, because alox makes so much smoke it sets off the fire alarm at the indoor range... I do however like how easy it is to clean the barrel after shooting aloxed boolets... and I did not like the 45 45 10 mix much, it still smokes, but the barrel is not as easily cleaned...

[@Ruteger100]

most valuable video I have ever seen on the subject. Thanks FC45LC

[@mikedavis2566]

I think you crush the set up. I installed a drill bit it to the hole and use my press and it seat without crushing the hole. when you try to seat it without something in hole it crushes the hole when trying to compress it. I sure that would affect the shot. cause when you shoot it, it needs that hole for support of the gas like a spring. And if you crush that hole, it's not going to spring back like it should. Try it out and see. But I put the end of a drill bit in the hole. and press on. It works and will shoot better.

[@14goldmedals]

The Italian Gulandi made "Dangerous Game" and "Wild Boar" slugs with integral wad that are identical to what you are loading. I've used these for over 25 years here in Canada🇨🇦 The Canadian ammo company Challenger, loads those components commercially and sells them everywhere across Canada.

[@urik7721]

Yes, those are good ones.

[@AUCTIONCAT2011]

Yes but not sure the lead hardness. If they are using 8-12 hardness that is fine for deer but soft for bear

[@dontblink2782]

Will these fit the DGS wad from BPI?

[@davidjaye710]

where do you buy the components for this set up.. the mold and wads?

[@AUCTIONCAT2011]

Would it be safe to harden the lead to 15 or 18 in a cylinder bore. Want to use it for bear protection.

[@bosweeney7195]

Do those wads separate after firing or stay on all the way through ??

[@rifleshooterchannel208]

I’m going to have to buy one of these molds now, aren’t I?

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Rifle Shooter Channel - I'm going to get another of the Russian molds also - called the Paradox - also takes the same tail wads - should be fun. Best to ya, Steve

[@mannys9130]

Yep, you are. 😄 Save your pocket change!

[@andrewmacphee6676]

hey cookie......hello from Canada!!! Awesome review........I see that they are out of stock on the reloaders network. Have you heard if the tailwads are going to be available on an ongoing basis? Also, I have been shooting the Lyman 525 for years and want to know what your best 50 yd load has been over the years. I shoot a Mossberg 500 with a rifled barrel.......awesome my friend!!

[@Thorsaxe777]

Steve, I just cast up some of the paradox slugs. You will need the pins assortment to attach them to a wad. the base pin that comes with the mold is for a gas seal type wad like the SF12 from ballistic products and just sits on the Collom without being attached. You will see what I mean when you get the paradox mold. the cavity of the paradox with the pin that allows you to attach them and fits the special wad, however, you still need to screw it on to make it permanent. these are really cool buddy, you will like them. Dave.

[@taofledermaus]

Do you know how I can get in contact with FC?

[@HeavyDrop_]

I've never been a big shotgunner, but I have to say this mold has got my wheels turning!

[@dowdawg]

That is one fine set up!!! But i will have to say the old 7/8 lee slug in a aa case and aa12 wad with 38 gr of hs-6 was hittin my 18"x 15" steel target at 150 yds with good consistency using my 1100 slug barrel. But these obviously show a lot better chances of loading a quality slug...

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

dowdawg -Congrats to you as you have a barrel that likes those Lee slugs - with those wads that were never designed for slugs - thing is worth weight in gold. What you are getting is repeated and reliable wad performance with those AA12s. None of my current shotgun barrels will get that - wads strip one or more petals and accuracy suffers accordingly. These Russians are bore riding slugs with petaless and tail stabilizing wads mated for each other and totally different than what we've been using. How does your barrel shoot the 1 oz jobs we might like for hunting? Best to ya, FC Steve

[@dowdawg]

@@FortuneCookie45LC I dont have the 1oz slug mold just the 7/8 oz. But i wouldn't hesitate using the 7/8 oz slug for hunting one bit...

[@kittredgejohn]

How can I get in touch with this reloading Network?

[@1973Saved]

So how & where do we get the wads, & what about a .73 cal. Pellet shaped slug like the Lyman, which would fit the bore snugly & have the lighter tail for the shuttlecock effect?

[@mattlord2906]

My wife is in Slovakia maybe she can get me some. Where in Russia do they sale them, ebay?

[@stephanematis]

Look for svaroghunt.ru on eBay

[@l.a.3887]

Grate information thanks man

[@escott3829]

Can I Get a Length Measurement?

[@happyhome41]

Are these still available ?

[@eugeneaskin1119]

We are looking for Sabot slugs and Wads for 20 gauge we were looking all over and it's hard to find any 20 gauge wads that are good for a 20 gauge sabot slug whether it's Lyman or even one of these Russian slugs do you have any help for us to find some 20 gauge wads and good sabot slugs so we can make are own. We are New to reloading so the more help is very appreciate it thank you so much

[@mckwilly]

try Ballistic Products, they have DGS slugs for 20ga very similar to the russian set up, i get great results with them in my break action 22" barrel

[@chevy6299]

Thanks for the great video Steve.

[@jacktorana8628]

Love your work FC45LC and cant wait for your next video. Can you do a 50 then 100 yard group comparison, regards from down under in OZ.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

JACK TORANA - Have already shot these slugs at 50 yards 5 shot groups...groups are 2 1/2" or slightly less, from smoothbore and rifled barrel. Have a great day, FC Steve Before I shoot at 100, I either need a new scope on my Mossberg or I can get a slug barrel for my Encore. Best to ya, FC Steve

[@adsdentiste]

ΠΟΛΥ ΚΑΛΗ ΔΟΥΛΕΙΑ Σ ΕΥΧΑΡΙΣΤΩ

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

adsdentiste - Sorry, my Universal Translator is out of action....But thanks for your comment... FC Steve

[@ZERO_42069]

Those slugs are cool, i think im going to get into shotgun reloading

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Josue Guzman - You didn't see the video on the shooting of these slugs as it is posted on my Patreon site, but multiple 2 1/2" 5 shot groups at 50 yards from smooth and rifled barrels were eye openers. Have a great day, Steve

[@Piecemakerfirearms]

Cool! Similar to some of the Italian ones Jeff has shown on his channel. Hope they make em in 20

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Adrian Brown - Just checked eBay. There are some 20 gauge Russian molds, but they are the Lyman pellet style slug only and do not have the mated wads of the hydrant or frangible type. I'm almost sure they make everything in 20 gauge, but you are going to have to contact James or Dave at The Reloaders Network - they have been in negotiation contacts with the Russian dealers, or you could call Russia yourself. Best to ya, FC Steve

[@Piecemakerfirearms]

FortuneCookie45LC looking forward to checking g them out! Thanks for the Scoop!

[@biggerbehindthetrigger2814]

Looks like I'm going to have to get another 870 or a A5. The A5 fits me better but the cost may push me to a 870 again.

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Bbtt - Hello to you..!! Though those two guns are somewhat contemporaries of each other, as you know, they are vastly different. If you like JMB, you've got to go with that A5 autoloader out of print for decades. The 870 and the Mossberg 500 are utilitarian, go everywhere, knock around, hell for leather pumpguns where millions of those are around, and they are still cranking those out. Hard to compare the A5 with those. But whatever you get, Good shootin' to ya... FC Steve

[@dororo3118]

I wish there was more out there for 20 gauge. I'd love to get into reloading.

[@mckwilly]

im using DGS slugs from ballistic products they are really similar to the russian style and i get great results, hopfully soon 20ga molds and wads will be available on TheReloadersNetwork 👍

[@roosterfish3248]

Hey, I don't know if you have hunted with these yet, so I thought you may be interested. I shot a 200 pound boar last night with the "dgs" 12 guage slug. I loaded with longshot to 1500 fps. Hit the hog under the chin as he was facing me. Broke the neck, and the shoulder, destroyed the insides, and came to rest in the pelvis bone. The slug looked like it could be loaded again. Very impressive performance. The range was 60 yards.

[@celebmrk9]

Very interested

[@nikovlahou2553]

Steve, have you ever loaded any 850-900+ grain solid slugs? Any load data? I juyst realized I have a 900 grain mold for .730 solids

[@boomerrangerron]

Steve I love your channel and have learned so much from you about slug reloading! That said I’ve actually been reloading them for years but you’ve helped me perfect my roll crimps. And you and Thor both have taught me about using primed FIOCCHI hulls and BPI slugs to greatly simplify slug reloading. I just returned from the range and both my DGS slugs and my Thug Slugs were phenomenally accurate with 2 inch 50 yard 3 shot groups! In fact the Thug Slugs had all three holes touching. I’m going to use the Thugs for deer this year during the Connecticut shotgun season. And I expect to publish a video on my KZbin channel called Slug Fest, I am forever grateful for your influence!

[@mikedavis2566]

Hello, Thanks for all the advise I did buy it and Like it. I used a small drill bit into the hole of the wad then used my MEC 600 Jr. to seat the lead for a perfect fit . I did have to add some washer under the wad when pressing it. WHY the drill bit, so it would not crush the wad and it was a great little handle to hold the wad with the lead and then compress the MEC 600 Jr. and knock out over 50 real quick. Give it a try. I tried the other way and it crushes the wad when you compress it so I put the drill bit in the hole of the wad and no crush.

[@dariusweezer2]

Really impressed been using the lineman pellet slug had to make lots of modifications to get it accurate this looks like a better hunting round

[@AUCTIONCAT2011]

Hi Fortune cookie, have tou ever tried Aloxing the slugs?

[@AUCTIONCAT2011]

What do you think of lee aloxing the slugs? Thx

[@tires2burn]

Would Vaseline work on the wad to seat it easier?

[@christophercarter259]

Do you have any load data that you can share with us? What powder did you use for the initial testing with 2-1/2" groups at 50 yards?

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Christopher Carter - There's always problems with anyone taking data that is not lab created published reloading data. I can put some data on the screen for you, but might violate YT guidelines. So give me a couple of days and I can post a video on my Patreon channel - you can do a search on Fortunecookie45lc and there will be the link to The 3 Circles Hot Lead Zone Express to the Patreon site - the video will be posted along with 24 other open house all viewers videos. Have a great day, FC Steve

[@kenhelmers2603]

Nice seating tip!

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

Ken Helmers - Thanks to Thors Axe for that..!! Best to ya, Steve

[@williebulletman5217]

👍👍👍

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

WB - Hello to ya, Willie - You have a great day, Steve

[@FortuneCookie45LC]

WB - BTW, I'm still holding your card to Dave as I don't know his address, and even though we've met on several occasions, he should have his privacy. I will be seeing him again soon, though and I will hand deliver the card... Best to ya, Steve

[@saltcreekammo]

Unfollowed. Sorry, your channel has become boring with endless chatter and no material. I understand KZbin's policy, and don't necessarily blame you, but I don't have money to spend on videos on Patreon. I've learned enough about reloading thanks to you and other channels that I'll be ok on my own from here. God speed.

[@mannys9130]

I hate when people feel the need to announce themselves leaving. Just go; we don't need a story. Steve has always made long winded videos, and you bringing it up now is just so silly... This is just an attention seeking post. Steve's too nice to say all if this ^ so I've done it myself. Well, bye.

[@ClericalConsequences]

Bye Felicia

[@AirborneMOC031]

Some people think that they're actually an airport - they feel an obligation to announce their departure to everybody present. These are usually the same people who have decided that, they know so much, that somebody providing them with a lot of detail is totally unnecessary. Pity they don't do videos to share their genius with everybody else.