The soft lead gave the added benefit of giving a bit of expansion, as on impact, they would flatten out a bit. On a side note, The brilliant marketing idea of a hollow point shotgun slug was an idiot's dream.
it is absolutely correct that the slugs used should be hard and penetrating, saboted slugs, not the fosters. I've got no problem using a soft lead lump against a human, or even a deer, because it will blow through ribs and tear a big hole through the vitals, but bears don't normally give you that sort of chance.
Yes, Sabots are the best penetrating of all--if you get the right ones. But the sabotted slugs are much smaller. Some, about .45 caliber. Brennekes are hard, penetrate very well, and are 72 caliber.
The caveat to Sabots is that: YOU NEED A RIFLED BORE.
Fosters and Brennekes are designed for smoothbores. They give about 3" accuracy at 50 yds. from my Scattergun Tech IC, or Cyl bore. Federals" Tru Ball will cut those groups in half.
The soft lead gives more than "a bit of expansion". A Federal LEO (who actually used slugs in his line of work) told our class that the Fostor slug "usually doesn't make it thru Bubba--but knocks him on his A@$" (OK, he was rather colorful
)
Don't know if the HP is a bad marketing idea for Fosters. I've been told that the little dimple actually works for expansion. I wasn't impressed by the looks of it, either.
And the "rifled slug" market truly is brilliant. Sells lots of slugs, but does nothing what so ever to improve accuracy, or make the slug spin.
Phone books aren't living tissue, but Brennekes punch right thru, while Federal LE Tac Fosters open up like silver dollars going thru dry phone books in my own experimentation (OK, I was fooling around and thought I'd try it)
The Brennekes I've dissected have two types of wads. One (the 1 1/8 oz) is felt and is attached to the back with a wood screw! (honest). The other (1 oz) has a plastic wad assembly attached similarly. These are Rottweil brand. Can't speak for others.
Well, Slats, hope we haven't confused you too much.