These Are Dime - Cut Shells!

Published on March 15, 2026
Duration: 2:00

This video demonstrates the creation and ballistic performance of a 'dime cut shell,' a modified 12 gauge shotgun shell. The expert instructor from Civilian Tactical shows how cutting the shell's base causes the pellets to fly as a single unit, creating a slug-like effect. Testing includes impacts on a water jug and a Clear Ballistics Joe Fit head, revealing significant damage and projectile dispersion patterns.

Quick Summary

A 12 gauge dime cut shell is a modified shotgun shell where the casing is cut near the base, causing the shot (often including dimes) to exit as a single slug-like projectile. Testing shows it delivers concentrated energy, significantly damaging targets like water jugs and ballistic gel heads, unlike standard birdshot.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Dime Cut Shell Concept
  2. 00:08Cut Shell Mechanism Explained
  3. 00:22Regular Cut Shell Test
  4. 00:32Dime Cut Shell Introduction
  5. 00:44Dime Slug Water Jug Test
  6. 00:55Water Jug Damage Analysis
  7. 01:08Paper Target Test Setup
  8. 01:17Paper Target Impact Results
  9. 01:23Ballistic Gel Head Test Prep
  10. 01:31Dime Slug Ballistic Gel Test
  11. 01:37Ballistic Gel Damage Analysis
  12. 01:55Conclusion: Dime Slug Effectiveness

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 12 gauge dime cut shell?

A 12 gauge dime cut shell is a shotgun shell modified by cutting the casing near the base. This modification causes the shot, often including dimes, to be expelled as a single unit, acting like a slug rather than spreading out.

How does a dime cut shell perform in ballistic testing?

In ballistic tests, a dime cut shell demonstrated significant damage, eviscerating a water jug and creating a substantial cavity in a ballistic gel head. The projectile delivered concentrated energy similar to a slug.

What are the advantages of using a dime cut shell?

The primary advantage of a dime cut shell is its ability to deliver all projectiles as a single, unified mass, increasing penetration and impact energy at range, similar to a slug, which is useful for specific tactical applications.

Where can I buy Clear Ballistics ballistic gel?

Clear Ballistics ballistic gel products, such as the Joe Fit head used in this video, can be purchased directly from their website. A discount code 'CIVTAC' may offer savings.

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