Shotgun slug comparison using the Benelli Supernova Tactical

Summary

In this engaging video, Dr. Drake 63 explores the performance of three distinct non-sabot shotgun slugs: the Federal, Remington Slugger, and Winchester, all 12-gauge and designed for smooth barrel shotguns. Using a new Benelli Supernova shotgun, he tests these slugs for their muzzle velocity and ballistics. The Federal slug, weighing 1.25 ounces and traveling at 1600 feet per second, is compared with the 1-ounce Remington and Winchester slugs, both at 1760 feet per second. Despite similar specifications, the Winchester slug surprisingly produced the most recoil, while the Remington Slugger was the most manageable. The video also discusses the impact of recoil on shooting experience, particularly with semi-automatic versus pump-action shotguns. Dr. Drake 63 emphasizes the importance of practice and the use of recoil pads to mitigate the force of heavy slugs. He concludes by encouraging viewers to support the National Shooting Sports Foundation and to exercise their right to vote.

Takeaways

• 📚 Dr. Drake's 63 discusses testing three different non-sabot shotgun slugs: Federal, Remington Slugger, and Winchester.
• 🎯 All three slugs are 12-gauge, 3-inch shells with a 1-ounce rifled projectile, designed for smooth barreled shotguns.
• 🚀 The Federal slug has a muzzle velocity of 1600 feet per second, while the Remington and Winchester slugs both have a velocity of 1760 feet per second.
• 🔍 Dr. Drake uses a Benelli Supernova, a 12-gauge shotgun capable of handling 3.5-inch shells, for testing the slugs.
• ⚙️ The Benelli Supernova is a semi-automatic shotgun with a recoil-absorbing mechanism, which reduces felt recoil compared to pump-action or bolt-action firearms.
• 📊 Despite similar ballistics on paper, the Winchester slug felt the hardest to shoot, while the Remington Slugger was the easiest to control.
• 🔩 Recoil management is crucial when shooting shotgun slugs, especially with non-automatic shotguns, as there's no recoil-absorbing mechanism to reduce the impact.
• 🤔 Dr. Drake admits not being an expert in slug shooting with shotguns and found the experience instructive.
• 🏹 The range for testing was limited to 50 yards, which is suitable for the intended use of shotgun slugs for hunting or self-defense at close to medium ranges.
• 🧍‍♂️ Applying back pressure on the grip can help mitigate felt recoil, which Dr. Drake learned to do better over the course of shooting.
• 🌟 Dr. Drake expresses interest in semi-automatic shotguns like the Benelli M3 and M4 for easier shooting with heavier loads, but notes their higher cost.
• ✅ The video concludes with a reminder to support the National Shooting Sports Foundation and to vote to protect the rights of gun owners.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the rifled grooves on the shotgun slugs discussed in the script?

The rifled grooves on the shotgun slugs are designed to stabilize the slug as it travels down the smooth barrel of the shotgun. These grooves are supposed to have a similar stabilizing effect as those found in a rifle barrel.

What are the three shotgun slugs tested in the script?

The three shotgun slugs tested are the Federal three-inch, the Remington Slugger three-inch Magnum, and the Winchester 12-gauge three-inch shell. All are 1 ounce rifled slugs.

What is the muzzle velocity of the Federal shotgun slug?

The muzzle velocity of the Federal shotgun slug is 1600 feet per second.

How does the recoil of a semi-automatic shotgun differ from that of a pump-action or bolt-action shotgun?

A semi-automatic shotgun has a recoil-absorbing mechanism, typically a large spring, which reduces the felt recoil when firing. In contrast, pump-action and bolt-action shotguns do not have such mechanisms, so the recoil is felt more directly by the shooter.

What is the weight in grains of the 12-gauge shotgun slugs discussed in the script?

The Federal slug weighs 551 grains, while the Remington Slugger and Winchester slugs, which have identical statistics, weigh 441 grains each.

What is the significance of Newton's third law in relation to the recoil experienced when shooting a shotgun?

Newton's third law states that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. When firing a shotgun, the force from the shell drives the gun back, and this recoil is felt by the shooter. Semi-automatic shotguns have mechanisms to absorb some of this recoil, reducing the force felt by the shooter.

Why did the Winchester slug kick the hardest out of the three tested, according to the script?

The exact reason is not clear from the script, as the Winchester slug and the Remington Slugger had identical statistics on paper. However, the Winchester slug did kick the hardest, which was unexpected for the shooter.

What is the recommended maximum effective range for the shotgun slugs tested in the script?

The shotgun slugs tested are most effective under 100 yards, and for smoothbore rifled slugs, the realistic effective range is more like 50 yards or less.

What is the advantage of shooting two and three-quarter inch slugs over three-inch slugs?

Two and three-quarter inch slugs are not as powerful as three-inch slugs, which makes them easier on the shooter's shoulder and suitable for situations where the recoil is a concern, especially during extended shooting sessions.

What type of shotgun was used in the script for testing the slugs?

A Benelli Supernova, a 12-gauge shotgun capable of accommodating up to a three and a half inch shell, was used. This is a tactical version with a short barrel compared to a standard shotgun.

What is the shooter's primary purpose for using the Benelli Supernova shotgun?

The primary purpose for using the Benelli Supernova shotgun, as mentioned in the script, is for self-defense and home defense, as well as for the 'cool factor' associated with the firearm.

Why does the shooter recommend shooting with a padded grip to help mitigate recoil?

The shooter recommends using a padded grip because it can help to absorb some of the recoil, reducing the impact on the shooter's shoulder and making the shooting experience more comfortable.