12-gauge slug

The 12-gauge slug is a shotgun cartridge that fires a single large projectile instead of a shot charge. Remington and Federal both market 12-gauge slug loads for big-game or duty use, while Army range-safety guidance and an OSHA accident report document slug ammunition being fired from shotguns.

12-gauge slug, Single-projectile 12-gauge shotgun cartridge, Munitions

Image source: Brenneke.jpg

Profile

Origin: United States and other countries
Built by: Remington, Federal Premium, Winchester, and other manufacturers
Type: Single-projectile 12-gauge shotgun cartridge

munitions 12-gauge shotgunslug

Specifications

Gauge: 12-gauge
Projectile type: Single slug or sabot slug
Example Remington load: 438-grain slug, 3 in shell, 1760 fps
Example Federal load: 438-grain slug, 2-3/4 in shell, 1610 fps

Firing Weapons

Army range-safety guidance lists 12-gauge slug ammunition in 12-gauge direct-fire tables, and OSHA describes slug ammunition loaded into shotguns.

Firing weapon

Weapon type

Firing evidence

12-gauge shotgun

Shotgun

Army range-safety tables include 12-gauge slug ammunition for 12-gauge direct-fire weapons, and OSHA describes a shotgun loaded with 12 gauge slug ammunition, confirming the slug's firing platform.

Sources: Range Safety, Accident Report Detail

12-gauge slug Images

12-gauge slug, Single-projectile 12-gauge shotgun cartridge, Munitions - view 1 — Source: Brenneke.jpg

12-gauge slug, Single-projectile 12-gauge shotgun cartridge, Munitions - view 2 — Source: Plumbata shotgun slugs.JPG

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Sources

Slugger Rifled Slug DutyPublisher: Remington | Note: Supports the 12-gauge slug designation, 438-grain projectile weight, 3-inch shell length, 1760 fps muzzle velocity, lead rifled slug bullet style, and big-game duty use. | Accessed: 2026-06-23 Power-Shok Rifled SlugPublisher: Federal Premium | Note: Supports the 12-gauge slug designation, 438-grain projectile weight, 2-3/4-inch shell length, 1610 fps muzzle velocity, rifled hollow point slug bullet style, and big-game use. | Accessed: 2026-06-23 Brenneke.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Image provenance for a public-domain image of a 12-bore Brenneke shotgun slug. | Accessed: 2026-06-23 Plumbata shotgun slugs.JPGPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Image provenance for a public-domain image showing several 12-gauge shotgun slugs. | Accessed: 2026-06-23 Range SafetyPublisher: U.S. Army | Note: Supports the relationship claim by listing 12-gauge slug ammunition in 12-gauge direct-fire range-safety guidance. | Accessed: 2026-06-23 Accident Report DetailPublisher: U.S. Department of Labor / OSHA | Note: Supports the relationship claim by describing a shotgun loaded with 12 gauge slug ammunition in an OSHA accident report. | Accessed: 2026-06-23