.357 Magnum In A Shotgun?

Published on January 31, 2026
Duration: 1:42

This video explores the terminal ballistics of firing a .357 Magnum round from a 12-gauge shotgun using a sabot. The experiment demonstrates significant energy transfer and projectile expansion, with the sabot itself fragmenting and contributing to the wound cavity. The results indicate a surprisingly effective, albeit unconventional, application of this ammunition type in a shotgun platform.

Quick Summary

Firing a .357 Magnum round from a 12-gauge shotgun using a sabot results in a 'cone of devastation' with significant energy transfer. The sabot fragments upon impact, and the hollow point .357 bullet expands, creating a wound cavity approximately 1.5 inches wide through ballistic gel. This unconventional setup is described as 'certified ridiculously deadly.'

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: .357 Magnum in a Shotgun
  2. 00:06Ammunition Setup: .357 Sig in Sabot
  3. 00:30Water Test: Energy and Ejection
  4. 00:41Accuracy Test: Paper Target Stability
  5. 00:50Ballistics Gel Test Setup
  6. 00:54Impact on Ballistics Barry (Gel Block 1)
  7. 01:04Detailed Analysis: Sabot Fragmentation & Wound Cavity
  8. 01:23Second Gel Block Impact Analysis
  9. 01:30Third Gel Block Impact and Sabot Ejection
  10. 01:39Conclusion: Terminal Ballistics Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when a .357 Magnum round is fired from a 12-gauge shotgun using a sabot?

When a .357 Magnum round is fired from a 12-gauge shotgun using a sabot, the sabot acts as a carrier for the smaller bullet, allowing it to fit the larger shotgun bore. Upon impact, the sabot typically fragments, and the .357 bullet, often a hollow point, expands, creating a significant wound cavity and demonstrating high energy transfer.

How does the sabot affect the terminal ballistics of a .357 Magnum round fired from a shotgun?

The sabot significantly affects terminal ballistics by enabling the .357 Magnum bullet to be fired from a 12-gauge shotgun. Upon impact, the sabot itself can fragment, contributing to the overall damage and creating a 'cone of devastation.' The bullet's hollow point then expands, creating a substantial wound cavity.

What was the observed energy transfer and wound cavity size when testing .357 Magnum in a 12-gauge shotgun?

The test observed a 'perfect transfer of energy' with a 'cone of devastation.' The hollow point .357 bullet expanded significantly, creating a wound cavity approximately an inch and a half wide through the middle of the second ballistic gel block, with sabot fragments also contributing to the damage.

Is firing a .357 Magnum from a 12-gauge shotgun effective?

Based on this ballistic test, firing a .357 Magnum round from a 12-gauge shotgun using a sabot is 'certified ridiculously deadly.' The combination demonstrated exceptional energy transfer, significant projectile expansion, and impressive accuracy in flight, making it a potent, albeit unconventional, setup.

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