Quick Answer
Buckshot typically produces less recoil than slugs, especially when fired from a rifled barrel, as the buckshot's spread helps distribute the force of the recoil. This makes buckshot a more manageable choice for smaller and less experienced shooters. However, the difference in recoil can be minimal.
Rifled Barrel Effects on Slug Recoil
Firing slugs from a rifled barrel can reduce the perceived recoil compared to a smoothbore barrel. This is because the rifling imparting spin to the slug allows it to stabilize in flight sooner, which can reduce the felt recoil by up to 20-30%. To take advantage of this, use a rifled barrel with a choke that’s designed for slugs.
Buckshot Recoil Characteristics
Buckshot’s recoil pattern is more dispersed due to the shot’s spread, which helps to distribute the force of the recoil. As a result, buckshot typically produces less felt recoil than slugs, even when fired from a rifled barrel. However, the actual difference in recoil energy can be relatively small, often measured in fractions of an inch. For instance, a 12-gauge shotgun firing 00 buckshot might produce approximately 5-6 pounds of recoil, while a slug might produce around 6-7 pounds.
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