Stupid question of the day. Is it safe to shoot slugs threw a full choke? Is it unsafe to shoot slugs threw any type of choke? I’m just trying to clear up somethings I’ve heard people say on the subject
Actually it's a very intelligent question that isn't asked enough. The old, cheap Foster type slugs, yes. Other more specialized slugs meant for rifled shotgun barrels should be checked BEFORE shooting them. Several reasons for this. First, is the fact shotgun slugs, like most ammunition, are more advanced today than ever before. Second, is the fact shotgun chokes made today are made with all but unlimited degrees of constriction.
Years back before screw in chokes you basically had FULL, MODIFIED, and IMPROVED CYLINDER. Today most all shotguns are coming from the factory equipped with a set of screw in chokes, and constrictions can vary greatly. Especially with some of the, "Super Full" Turkey chokes that extend well beyond the muzzle. Many handicap Trap chokes are also of these much tighter constrictions. They can potentially cause issues with some of these more specialized slug loads.
Add to that the types of slugs available to shotgun shooters today is all but limitless. Today I would advise anyone before shooting ANY slug through ANY screw in type, or bored in FULL choke, to cut open a slug load of the same type you wish to shoot, remove the slug itself, and see if it drops through the choke, and out on to the ground. Also, check the wad base by trying to push it through the barrel with a cleaning rod. If you meet with ANY resistance from the slug, STOP. And do not shoot them. If the wad base can be pushed through with no more resistance than a plastic shot cup used for bird shot or Trap loads, you'll be OK.
There are simply far too many slug loads, along with varying degrees of chokes available today, to avoid this procedure. And still be able to shoot them with any degree of certainty of safety.