One of the most popular questions we get is if you can shoot buckshot through a rifled choke tube? Rifled choke tubes differ slightly from smooth walled chokes, so knowing the differences is key.
Rifled choke tubes do not work well with buckshot for two main reasons. The first is the rifled grooves can cause erratic patterns due to the spinning of the wad. The second issue is that rifled chokes are designed using technology specific to achieving greater performance with slugs, not buckshot.
As you can see, using a rifled choke for buckshot should be avoided as there’s no performance gain. In this guide, we’ll discuss in more detail why smooth bore shotguns and chokes are the better choice for buckshot.
How a rifled choke tube works
Rifled choke tubes are chokes with internal grooves in a twisting pattern designed to spin a slug for greater stability and accuracy during flight. These chokes are designed for smooth bored shotguns that lack rifled barrels, but still aim to achieve improved accuracy and range.
Most rifled shotgun barrels do not have choke systems installed, mainly due to the rifled threading which tapers to the end of the barrel. Rifled choke tubes can be installed in any shotgun with removable chokes and immediately provide stability for slugs.
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Can you shoot buckshot through a rifled choke tube?
Testing shows that buckshot fired through a rifled choke tube can result in a “donut” or erratic pattern. This is due in part to the wad of the shot column being twisted as it exits the rifled choke. The buckshot pellets are slung, rather than allowed to separate from the wad naturally in flight.
This “donut” effect isn’t evident on close shots within 10 yards, but often materializes as range increases. It’s important to note that the effects of rifled choke tubes on buckshot is heavily dependent on a host of factors, including the shotgun, barrel type/length, ammo, and choke. The best practice is always to use a buckshot choke for buckshot and a rifled choke for slugs.
SUMMARY
Shooting buckshot through a rifled choke results in the wad being spun. This flings the bukshot pellets eratically and causes them to miss the target. If you’re shooting buckshot, use a non-rifled choke tube.
When should you use a rifled choke?
Rifled choke tubes are designed to provide a small increase in slug performance when used in a smooth barrel shotgun. While they won’t provide the same performance as a rifled barrel, the 3-4 inch rifled portion of a choke tube is adequate to get the slug spinning to increase it’s effectiveness.
Rifled Choke Tube Uses
- For shotguns without rifled barrels
- When shooting slugs
- For removable choke systems
- Long distance shots on deer and other large game
- Increased accuracy with slugs
Buckshot Chokes vs Rifled Chokes
There are several choke tubes available just for buckshot that make for a better option over a rifled choke tube. Carlson’s offers their Buckshot choke and Dead Coyote choke that are specifically designed to be used with small and large lead buckshot.
Additionally, MOJO Outdoors Fatal Shot Predator is a non-ported choke that works well with buckshot out to 50 yards. Each of these chokes will allow the shot column to separate naturally in flight and not be twisted through a rifled choke, which could cause the “donut” effect.
Bottom Line: Use a buckshot choke for buckshot
If you’re wondering if you can shoot buckshot through a rifled choke tube, the answer is why would you? Rifled choke tubes aren’t designed for buckshot and the pattern could result in a “donut” effect as the pellets are slung when they exit the barrel.
Rifled choke tubes are designed for slugs. They create twist which spins the slug to achieve greater accuracy, stability, and range. The best option for buckshot is to use a choke tube engineered specifically for it. This includes non-rifled chokes like the Carlson’s Buckshot choke or the Mojo Fatal Shot Predator.
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