chuckp

It's always been obvious to me the difference in sound between a rifle and a shotgun. I am curious if anyone can tell me if shooting a slug out of a shotgun (rifled barrel or otherwise) sounds the same as shooting 8's or 9's. Also, would buckshot sound the same? Not only in decibals, but also does it make a different kind of sound? Thanks in advance.

harter66

I know that in the duck blind I can hear a difference between the 12ga 3.5s and the 2.75s and the 20 Ga sounds different too. I expect a 9 pellet "lite" at 1200 fps would sound different than a 1600fps 12 pellet 3.5 .

chuckp

Thank you for the response. I'm wondering if it would still sound like a shotgun withsmall shot and not more like a rifle due to using slugs or buckshot? Would there be a tremendous difference in sound level? Would I be able to recognize the difference between a deer rifle and a shotgun shooting slugs?

harter66

Going out on a bit of a limb the bang is a result of the projectile exceeding the speed of sound and the amount and speed of vented gas at the muzzel. A slug will be more rifle like especially in smaller Ga guns.

liquidorange

its funny you brought this up. in the old days slugs were not legal in my state. my grandfathers hunting buddies use to hide the slug shells in there socks while hunting.they felt they were a better option than buckshot. my gradfather swore you can hear the difference and because of that he was afraid to use them.today they are not only legal but prefered mosly but you need to have an adjustable sight on the shotgun barrel to be legal.

VAhuntr

I still think you would be able to tell a difference since a centerfire rifle operates at considerably higher pressures.