45-70 vs 12 Gauge Slug: Insane Difference

Published on May 2, 2025
Duration: 14:09

This video compares the .45-70 Government and 12 Gauge slugs for bear defense, testing them against various barriers including pressure-treated pine, sand, concrete, and steel. The .45-70 consistently demonstrated superior penetration and structural integrity, especially against steel, while the 12 Gauge slug showed significant deformation and energy loss. Both rounds performed well in ballistic gel, creating substantial wound channels.

Quick Summary

The .45-70 Government round proved superior against steel barriers, punching a clean hole through a 3/16-inch mild steel plate where the 12 Gauge slug only dented it. In ballistic gel, the .45-70 also showed slightly deeper penetration, exceeding 25 inches.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Bear Island Scenario & Ammo Choice
  2. 00:36Test 1: Pressure-Treated Pine Penetration
  3. 01:29Brenneke 12ga Specs & Recoil
  4. 03:13Test 2: Sand Penetration Comparison
  5. 05:12Test 3: Concrete Block Shattering
  6. 07:01Test 4: Mild Steel Plate Penetration
  7. 09:09Ballistic Analysis: Momentum vs. Energy
  8. 10:15AR550 Steel Impact Test
  9. 11:13Final Test: Ballistic Gel Wound Channels

Frequently Asked Questions

Which ammunition performed better against steel barriers in the .45-70 vs 12 Gauge slug test?

The .45-70 Government round demonstrated superior performance against a 3/16-inch mild steel plate, punching a clean hole. The 12 Gauge slug, however, only managed to create a significant dent and bulge, failing to penetrate the steel plate.

How did the .45-70 and 12 Gauge slugs compare in ballistic gel testing?

Both rounds created substantial wound channels in ballistic gel. The .45-70 achieved slightly deeper penetration, exceeding 25 inches and passing through two gel blocks, indicating effective terminal performance.

What are the key differences in ballistics between the .45-70 and 12 Gauge slugs tested?

While the 12 Gauge slug has higher muzzle momentum, the .45-70 retains its velocity and energy more effectively over distance. Chronograph data showed the .45-70 traveling at approximately 1780 FPS compared to the 12 Gauge's 1371 FPS.

Which ammunition is recommended for bear defense based on this test?

Based on the barrier penetration tests, especially against steel and concrete, the .45-70 Government round, specifically the Underwood +P Hard Cast, appears to offer more reliable penetration and structural integrity for bear defense scenarios.

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