The World’s BIGGEST Shotgun Slugs (How BIG Is Too BIG ???)

Published on March 9, 2026
Duration: 20:09

This video explores the limits of 12 gauge shotgun slug weight, testing slugs ranging from a standard 1 ounce to a massive 6100 grain (nearly 14 oz) projectile. The presenter, Scott from Kentucky Ballistics, demonstrates the significant increase in recoil and potential firearm stress with heavier slugs. The experiment involves testing slug penetration through various mediums like water, ballistic gel, and even body armor, while also assessing the durability of different shotguns under extreme pressure.

Quick Summary

The standard weight for a 12 gauge shotgun slug is 1 ounce (approximately 437.5 grains). However, this video tests slugs up to 6100 grains (nearly 14 ounces), demonstrating significantly increased recoil, penetration, and potential firearm stress. Extreme loads can lead to bulged primers, broken components, and require specialized recovery methods like ballistic gel and body armor.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: How Big Is Too Big?
  2. 00:31Meet Scott & Kentucky Ballistics
  3. 01:20Sponsor: OnX Off-Road
  4. 02:19Setup and First Shot (1 oz Slug)
  5. 03:13Testing 1.5 oz Brinicki Magnum Crush Slug
  6. 04:11Testing 808 Grain (1.8 oz) Slug
  7. 05:43Attempting to Catch Heavier Slugs
  8. 06:31Testing 1500 Grain (3.4 oz) Slug
  9. 08:07Introducing the 3500 Grain (8 oz) Slug
  10. 09:18Firing the Half-Pound Lead Slug
  11. 10:11Examining the Pardner Shotgun After 3500 Gr Slug
  12. 12:47The Grand Finale: 6100 Grain (14 oz) Slug
  13. 14:14Loading the Ginormous 6100 Grain Slug
  14. 14:44Firing the 6100 Grain Slug
  15. 15:22Shotgun Performance After 6100 Gr Slug
  16. 16:17Slug Recovery and Analysis
  17. 18:30Conclusion & Viewer Engagement

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard weight for a 12 gauge shotgun slug?

The standard weight for a 12 gauge shotgun slug is typically 1 ounce, which is equivalent to approximately 437.5 grains. This serves as a baseline for comparison when testing heavier slugs.

What happens when you fire extremely heavy shotgun slugs?

Firing extremely heavy shotgun slugs, such as 3500 grains or 6100 grains, results in significantly increased recoil, potential damage to the firearm (like broken trigger guards or bulged primers), and extreme penetration through targets. It pushes the limits of firearm design and shooter tolerance.

How can you attempt to recover very heavy shotgun slugs after firing?

Recovering very heavy shotgun slugs often requires specialized setups. This can include using ballistic gel blocks, body armor to stop the slug, and potentially a lead sled or remote firing mechanism to manage the extreme recoil. Finding the slug can still be challenging due to its high velocity and penetration.

What are the risks associated with firing oversized or excessively heavy shotgun slugs?

The risks include severe recoil that can cause injury, damage to the firearm's barrel or action, and potential catastrophic failure of the weapon. Over-pressurization is a significant concern, which can manifest as bulged primers or even barrel rupture.

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