Wax Slugs?

Published on February 6, 2026
Duration: 0:58

This video from Civilian Tactical demonstrates the process of creating custom wax slugs for a 12-gauge shotgun. The host, exhibiting experienced authority, details how to modify a birdshot shell by mixing lead shot with melted wax and reloading it. Live-fire testing against cinder blocks reveals the significant difference in terminal ballistics compared to standard birdshot, with the wax slug causing catastrophic damage due to concentrated energy transfer.

Quick Summary

DIY wax slugs for a 12 gauge shotgun are made by mixing lead birdshot with melted wax and reloading it into a modified shell casing. This process concentrates the projectile's energy upon impact, resulting in significantly greater destructive potential compared to standard birdshot, which disperses on impact.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Wax Slugs
  2. 00:08Manufacturing Process: DIY Wax Slug
  3. 00:23Damage Test Setup: Cinder Blocks
  4. 00:30Live Fire Testing: Birdshot vs. Wax Slug
  5. 00:39Slow Motion Analysis of Impact

Frequently Asked Questions

How are wax slugs made for a 12 gauge shotgun?

To make a DIY wax slug, you cut the crimped top off a 12-gauge birdshot shell. Then, you pour the lead shot into melted wax, mix it, and scoop the mixture back into the shell casing. This binds the shot together for concentrated impact.

What is the damage potential of a homemade wax slug compared to birdshot?

Homemade wax slugs exhibit significantly higher damage potential. While birdshot disperses and only peppers surfaces, a wax slug keeps its mass together, concentrating energy to shatter dense materials like cinder blocks.

What tools are needed to create DIY wax slugs?

The primary tools shown for creating DIY wax slugs include a folding knife to modify the shell casing, melted wax, and lead birdshot. A 12-gauge birdshot shell is also required.

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