Wax Slugs: How deadly are they REALLY?

Published on August 24, 2025
Duration: 9:18

This guide details the DIY process for creating wax slugs, as demonstrated by Civilian Tactical. It covers the shell modification, mixing lead shot with wax, and forming the projectile. The video also includes testing against cinder blocks, standard slugs, and a ballistic gel, highlighting the unique damage potential of wax slugs compared to birdshot and conventional slugs. The host, an experienced individual in ballistics testing and firearm safety, provides practical insights into this ammunition modification.

Quick Summary

DIY wax slugs are created by modifying 12 Gauge birdshot shells, mixing lead shot with wax, and reforming the projectile. Testing reveals they cause significant damage, obliterating cinder blocks and creating large wounds in ballistic gel, but exhibit lower accuracy and potential cycling issues compared to standard slugs.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Wax Slug Overview & Manufacturing
  2. 00:29How to Make Wax Slugs
  3. 01:04Cinder Block Damage Test
  4. 01:56Accuracy Testing vs Standard Slugs
  5. 03:47Wax Slugs vs Cut Shells Cycling
  6. 05:40Chinese PLA Helmet Test
  7. 07:15Ballistic Gel Lethality Test

Frequently Asked Questions

How are wax slugs made?

Wax slugs are typically made by cutting the top off a standard birdshot shell, removing the shot, mixing the lead shot with melted wax, and then pouring this mixture back into the hull to form a single projectile. This process is demonstrated using a Tekto knife.

Are wax slugs accurate?

Accuracy testing shows wax slugs have a wider spread and exhibit instability compared to standard 1oz slugs. While they concentrate energy effectively, their precision is significantly lower, making them less suitable for precise targeting.

What kind of damage do wax slugs cause?

Wax slugs cause significant damage, demonstrated by obliterating cinder blocks, deforming steel helmets, and creating large cavitation and fragmentation in ballistic gel, indicating substantial energy transfer.

Are wax slugs reliable in semi-automatic shotguns?

Wax slugs generally cycle better than cut shells in semi-automatic shotguns, but there remains a risk of the projectile sliding out of the hull, which can lead to malfunctions. Careful construction is necessary.

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