Three types of shotgun slugs are on the market: the European Brenneke; the American Foster and the Sabot (Figure 8.12). As the slug penetrates tissue, the nose sections open, increasing the diameter of the projectile and the loss of energy. figure 8.18 Scene close-up revealing powder on the shirt and abundant blood. in 12 gauge and 5/8 oz (275 gr.) The advertised muzzle velocity ranges from 1593 ft/sec in 12 gauge to 1513 ft/sec in 20 gauge. A contact wound will consist of a circular wound of entrance whose diameter is approximately the same as that of the bore of the shotgun. If they impact sideways, the rectangular pattern produced is fairly characteristic (Figure 8.13). Solid slugs also feature wadding, which will probably hit an attacker at home defense distances. It had an hourglass configuration with a hollow base in which there was a white plastic insert. The Federal slugs have a "hollow point" and may be copper plated. In the case of the Sabot round, at close range the two halves of the sabot may either enter the body or impact the skin. Maximum effective range is limited as much by the slug's rapid decay of … Last Updated on Wed, 22 Apr 2020 | Gunshot Wounds Shotgun slugs are used for deer and bear hunting in heavily populated areas where the slug's rapid loss of velocity allegedly affords greater protection from shooting mishaps. sabot slug for its 3 in. As previously mentioned (see Most lethal methods of suicide), whilst using a firearm to commit suicide is one of the most reliable methods, it is not failsafe. At close range, the wads from a Foster shell either enter through the entrance hole or strike adjacent skin producing circular to oval imprints. The police slug was loaded into a blue, ribbed plastic case on whose side "Police" was lettered in white. The deceased was shot twice in the head with a 12-gauge shotgun firing birdshot shells. These rounds are intended for use in rifled shotgun barrels. At autopsy, one recovers from the body, the tube, the wadding and the pellets — sometimes still in one piece. In repeated attempts by the author to cause separation by cutting the hull just in front of the steel head, he found that he almost had to cut the shell in two to cause consistent separation. Slug functions terminally at low velocities High velocity with flat trajectory This slow rotation, combined with the balance created by a heavy nose, results in greater accuracy. The advertised muzzle velocity of the police round was 1450 ft/sec. The slug is encased in an eight-fingered plastic sabot. This patient was shot by an unknown assailant with a single shotgun shot to the torso. See next photo. Incidence of gunshot injuries to the head is increasing in some countries, due to the ease of accessibility to firearms. X-rays often show a central disk of lead with 2 to 4 comma-like pieces. GI#: 101498083. A shotgun slug is a good choice for a self-defense round. Out Of … Slugs differ from round-ball lead projectiles in that they are stabilized i… By contrast, nobody disputes the pump shotguns durability an… $27.84. So what is a slug? There would also likely be trauma throughout the upper torso from the catastrophic impact. You'd be lucky to keep your arm at all. Small sized birdshot such as this #8 heavy dove load is a poor choice for deployment with a tactical shotgun. Figure 8.15 illustrates such a case. The hollow-point cavity serves no purpose in the author's opinion in increasing the effectiveness of the slug. each, separate from the main mass of the slug producing four additional wound tracks. They no longer manufacture ammunition. The "NRA Firearms Fact Book" says: "Shotgun slugs should not be used at ranges greater than about 75 yards. The appearance of a wound resulting from buckshot depends principally on the range between the victim and the muzzle of the weapon. Remington manufactures a 1 3/16 oz (520 gr.) High weight retention sustains bullet momentum to create a long wound channel for maximum destruction of tissue, bone and vital organs to effectively and humanely take down game. CSM RBL 20g 2 ¾” Slug Professional model. in 12 gauge, 427 gr. With a pro-gun president at the helm and no risk of confiscation (minus that whole bump stock fiasco) or the passage of laws that restrict 2A rights, demand had waned and inventory was plentiful across the board. A big male leopard weighs 150 pounds. A slug, however, is basically a bullet for a shotgun. Because of this, the shot and wads exited the barrel but the severed portion of the hull remained in the. Lands-and-grooves cause specific identifying features (rifling) on projectiles as they pass along the barrel. The weight of the slug will vary somewhat depending on. In 1993, Remington introduced Sabot slugs of solid copper rather than lead. Unlike handguns and rifles which have lands-and-grooves cut on the inside of their barrels, shotguns have a smooth bore. This slug was made only in 12 gauge. Includes sprue plate, handles and instruction with suggested loads Lee 12 Gauge 7/8 Oz. (Frankly, I wouldn’t even trust many big name AR manufacturers.) Determination of the gauge from the diameter of the entrance wound is not possible. Both slugs had a nominal weight of 440 gr. ), from groove to groove. figure 8.16 This is another defect in a chest wall. ya dont need 3 inchers, a 2-3/4 slug does the same thing, the recoil aint worth the extra 100 fps, How ever a shotgun slug in a 12ga is a .5 diameter bullet, wieghing 1 ounce traveling at about 1800 fps, I personally have had my 7mm rem mag do more damage then my 870 has, Slugs dont always like to expand alot. Shotgun slugs produce massive internal injuries comparable in severity to those produced by a centerfire rifle hunting bullet. Variations on these construction designs will be encountered as the type of wadding always seems to be in flux. Upon complete deployment, the nose sections, which each weigh 20 gr. Adjacent to the corner of the mouth is an abrasion from the wad. Little to no temporary stretch cavity effects were observed. The earliest shotgun slugs were simple, round lead balls, slightly smaller than the barrel diameter, so as to pass freely down the bore. figure 8.19 The woman was shot first in the right knee. While separation at the point the hull is cut may have occurred consistently in the age of paper shotgun shells, with plastic tubes separation usually does not occur. Slugs differ by manufacturer, but are generally either a solid lead slug or a sabot; a solid lead or jacketed bullet surrounded by a plastic jacket. figure 8.24 This man and his best friend were arguing over his daughter. The weight and nominal velocity of the slugs is given in Table 8.4. These markings allow examiners to test-fire weapons and compare test-fired bullets to those discovered in bodies. #Exclusive for You #1 Shop for Low Price 1 Bore Shotgun And 12 Gauge Shotgun Slug Wound . However, it is still important to test-fire the same gun and ammunition that was used in the shooting to determine an accurate comparison with the distance in question. Shotgun slugs are used for deer and bear hunting in heavily populated areas where the slug's rapid loss of velocity allegedly affords greater protection from shooting mishaps. See next photo. Scattered fragments of lead were deposited if bone was struck but there was no true lead snowstorm. Most African Professional hunters agree that A 12 gauge slug is near ideal to put down a charging leopard. Brenneke USA provides a range of slug shotgun ammo to suit any application. However, and due to the design of the Foster-style lead slug, the shotgun slug is more prone to breaking up rather than expanding. Shop for cheap price 12 Gauge Shotgun Slug Wound And 20 Gauge Shotgun Shells Target Load . in 20 gauge. On firing, the slugs expand and fill the bore. The Remington slug may have a plastic insert in its tip. The sabot in the civilian slug was made of black plastic. In a second case involving a birdshot shell, separation did occur, but the pie crimp at the end of the shell was forced open by the pellets and wadding as the separated hull moved down the barrel. Some ammunition have plastic shot containers that hold the pellets and also act as the wad. he was in bed. and 16.13 mm (0.635 in. The civilian slug, of softer lead, could be fired in weapons of any choke. The size of actual wound channel created by the slug was difficult to gauge since bone used in the test fragmented into numerous secondary projectiles that shredded a large amount of gel. Although firearm related injury and mortality actually may be declining, gunshot trauma remains a significant cause of morbidity and socioeconomic cost with 115,000 missile injuries annually and as many as 40,000 deaths. In both shells, the sabot rested on a cardboard wad, which in turn rested on a white plastic wad. Nominal slug weights, including felt and cardboard wads, are 491 gr. A huge one will go 180. The police version of the sabot slug was intended to be fired in weapons having only a cylinder or modified choke. In diameter, the slugs are equal to or smaller than the tightest choke. The high velocity of centerfire cartridges, especially in 5.56 NATO are the reason for this. The recovery of the wad or plastic shot container is important because they may be specific for certain types of ammunition. Three types of shotgun slugs are on the market: the European Brenneke; the American Foster and the Sabot (Figure 8.12). See next photo. The first effective modern shotgun slug was introduced by Wilhelm Brenneke in 1898, and his design remains in use today. In the case of a Brenneke shotgun shell, no matter the range, the wadding enters with the slug because it is literally screwed into the base. Today, I’m going to stoke your appreciation by delving into the history of mini shells, exploring the pros and cons surrounding this type of ammo, and evaluating the performance and best uses of slugs, buckshot, and birdshot. of lead adjacent to or surrounding the disk. Determination of the gauge from the diameter of the entrance wound is not possible. The buckshot and wads swept the deposited hull out the barrel into the body. Both the Brenneke and Foster slugs employ the same principle to stabilize their flight. Slugs manufactured by Federal have a one-piece plastic wad; Winchester's having a cup wad and cardboard (paper) filler wads — the one next to the slug being thinner and harder. figure 8.9 The spread of pellets indicates a considerable distance; however, the distance is affected by the choke of the weapon. The tip of the slug and the end of the sabot were visible at the mouth of the shotgun shell. See next photo. Brenneke slugs, originally rare in the United States, are now being imported in quantity. The goal was to kill game without causing unnecessary wounds or suffering. (76 mm) 12 gauge loading. The longer profile provided by the wad allegedly decreases tumbling and improves accuracy. Remington uses a combination of plastic and cardboard wads. Slugs are designed for hunting large game, self-defense, and other uses. The edge of the wound is abraded. Approximately 12 angled ribs are present on the surface of the slug. The Sabot slug was introduced to the United States by Smith & Wesson. The sabot was of white plastic. Since shotguns have no lands-and-grooves, their projectiles cannot be positively matched to those found at the scene or inside a body. figure 8.5 This loose contact suicide wound to the neck is larger than expected because the neck was bent over the barrel. The Foster slug, introduced by Winchester in 1936, is considered the traditional American shotgun slug. The wound of entrance from a shotgun slug, whether it be a Foster, Brenneke or Sabot, is circular in shape, with a diameter approximately that of the slug. Most of the decedent's face was blown out. Have fun! Sabot slugs were made by Smith & Wesson in police and civilian versions. The Beauty of Food Turning Back The Clock, New Home Remedies to Cure Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Natural Solution for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, How to Lose Weight From Your Stomach in 2 Weeks. There may be through-and-through penetration or a massive energy dump in the body, depending on what the slug strikes. First three inches of permanent wound cavity were completely destroyed. I’d go so far to say that anyone shot by a 12g shotgun shell having a load of buckshot or a slug will most likely die if hit anywhere near the center of their body mass from close range. It is a solid lead projectile having a pointed nose with felt and cardboard wads attached to the base by a screw. The central upper pin guarantees stability and precison, both in trajectory motion … Nominal velocity for the Sabot slugs ranges from 1200 to 1550 f/s. Green Beret Master Sergeant Home Security Checklist. Shotgun slugs came out of the dark ages with the advent of the sabot slug and rifled shotgun barrels. Wound Channels: 4.5/5. The shotgun/slug combination provides a legal, if shorter range alternative. Check out Google Images for shotgun slug entry and exit wounds for more details. On firing, the sabot with the enclosed slug, moved down the barrel as one unit. Defensive Shotgun Loads — Slugs. See next photo. barrel. The slug may come to rest as a flattened lead disk or may break into a few large pieces. in 16 gauge, and 364 gr. Slugs are solid, single-projectile bullets that, while not having the “spread” of shot, strike the target with a much greater force, delivering deeper wound channels. The tube, containing its load of shot and wadding, then travels down the barrel, exits, and continues as one missile to the target, producing a single wound of entrance. The Brenneke slug was developed in Germany in 1898. They were known as “pumpkin balls” or “pu… Thus at autopsy, buckshot and wads from the second shell and the distal two-thirds of the tube from the birdshot shell were recovered from the body. Shotgun slugs can be rifled-- this is supposed to make them spin in the air and thus improve their flight length and accuracy. The GUALBO STEEL 12ga slug is an expanding 32 gram steel slug with petals that peel back upon impact to maximize the slug's energy transfer and create a devastating wound channel. A 7-pound 20 gauge loaded with that ¾-ounce slug produces 12.2 ft.-lbs. Its 20-gauge sabot slug weighs 3/4 oz (328 gr.). There is a slight amount of gunpowder on the inferior aspect of the wound. This is a huge piece of lead or copper cast downrange at the target. Recovered from the body was the plastic hull with the plastic wad inside. Some prefer buckshot, some abhor it. (B) Fine stippling due to fine plastic filler. Well, just like the bullet on a centerfire or rimfire rifle cartridge, a slug is a solid projectile, but instead of being loaded in a brass case, it’s loaded in the same general type of plastic shotshell case as the shells you use for shooting skeet or trap. Subsequently, Federal introduced a solid copper hollow point slug in a plastic sabot. Advertisement. FIGURE 8.29 There were wounds to his shoulder, top of head, and side of the head (arrows). This slug is produced in a hollow-point version. In these instances, a deep groove is cut around the circumference of a birdshot shell just in front of the metal head. In the civilian population, suicide and criminal activity account for the majority of cases and young male adults remain the most at risk 8. The Myth: Shotgun slugs for big game should be limited to 100 yards. Separation at the point of notching was the exception not the rule. in 20 gauge. Foster slugs are made in 10, 12, 16, 20, and .410 gauges. I’m a grizzled vet and a long-time gun enthusiast, and I certainly have fun shooting mini shells. The shell has a cup wad and a cardboard filler wad. The edge of the wound is abraded. The diameter of a 12-gauge slug, measuring from the top of one rib to the other, is 18.47 mm (0.727 in.) Most shotgun slugs are designed to be fired through a cylinder bore or an improved cylinder choke, rifled choke tubes, or fully rifled bores. This one is approximately the same size as the external wound. Slugs are generally used for medium-sized game, especially whitetail deer … Advertisement. Figure 8.11 (A) Large, irregular stipple marks of face caused by coarse, white polyethylene filler loaded in early Winchester buckshot loads. the country of manufacture. They hunt the cat with a rifle, of course, but they switch to a shotgun (invariably a 12 ga.) with slugs to follow up a wound cat. The edges of the wound will be seared and abraded. There are four machined slots in its nose to produce expansion. Shotguns usually fire pellets; however, slugs can also be used as ammunition. Foster slugs do not produce the x-ray picture of the "lead snowstorm" seen with high-velocity hunting rifle bullets. A modern shotgun slug is a heavy projectile made of lead, copper, or other material and fired from a shotgun. The diameter at the front and rear was 0.50 in. Substandard guns and manufacturers cloud the consumer experience and dictate buying practices so that, when officer’s lives depend on their guns working well which is to say all the time, departments cannot take a chance on buying even run of the mill guns. On firing the weapon a second time, an unaltered buckshot shell was used. The civilian slug was in a similar shotgun tube, except that there was no white lettering. What we have now with sabots is, in effect, rifle bullets the size of shotgun slugs (.72 caliber for 12 gauge and .61 for 20 gauge). Reasons for non-fatal suicide attempts by firearms include attempting to shoot the gun in the chest or abdomen (presumably aiming at the heart) but not hitting the heart, bullets passing through the temples and missing the brain, aiming up through the chin, flinching, thus missing important parts of the brain, not using powerful enough guns or poor ammunitio… Wound channels, especially temporary wound channels, are also much more devastating compared to the handgun, or even some shotgun defensive loads. Shotshell Slug Mould Permanent Link to Product Page. For example, a typical 12 gauge shotgun slug is a blunt piece of metal that could be described as an 18 mm (.729 inch) caliber that weighs 28 … The Winchester Sabot has a pentagonal hole in the tip of the slug and a hole in the base closed with a plastic plug. Lee 1oz Slug Mould features the exclusive drive key which positively rotates the slug in rifled shotgun barrels. The wound edges are abraded and there is a thin linear abrasion on the upper right from the muzzle. As a Foster slug moves through the body, it tends to "pancake", usually remaining in the body. There are so many ARs on the market today that all shooters, including police officers, need to be aware and beware of shoddy parts. In a study of 89 contact shotgun wounds of the head, Harruff found the most common site of entrance was the mouth (62%), followed by the temple (15%) and the submental region (13%).6 In the case of wounds of the temple, most right-handed individuals shoot themselves in the right temple using the left hand to steady the gun against the head. figure 8.37 The slug went through the heart (arrow). This Classic Magnum round, in 12 gauge, has a 2-3/4" shell loaded with a 1-1/8 oz lead slug which it fires at 1510 fps. At any reasonable range, shotgun slugs make effective lethal wounds due to their tremendous mass, reducing the length of time that an animal might suffer. The wound of entrance from a shotgun slug, whether it be a Foster, Brenneke or Sabot, is circular in shape, with a diameter approximately that of the slug. The lead grooves or ribs cause the slug to slowly rotate on its long axis as it flies through the air increasing stability.