Most often asked questions about Brenneke USA Slugs

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Why does Brenneke offer so many different slugs?

We recognize that in the high-stress worlds of law enforcement and the military, there is no such thing as "one size fits all." We have spent years of research and testing to enable the professional to combat a dangerous situation with a projectile designed for any environment he or she is likely to encounter.

 

What is the purpose of the ribs on a Brenneke slug?

The distinctive Brenneke ribs are not, as is often thought, designed to create spin.  Rather, they allow all Brenneke slugs (with the exception of the three-inch Gold Magnum and the all-brass Super Sabot, designed for rifled barrels only) to be used with any shotgun choke.  As the slug passes through the three constricted areas inside a shotgun barrel (forcing cone, bore and choke), the ribs compress, allowing the slug to pass through these areas with no damage to the barrel.  Somewhat better accuracy can be obtained, however, using a more open choke such as Improved Cylinder.

 

Can Brenneke slugs be used in rifled barrels and smoothbore barrels both?

Yes (with the exception of the three-inch Gold Magnum and the all-brass Super Sabot, designed for rifled barrels only). All other Brenneke slugs will give excellent performance and accuracy from either rifled or smoothbore barrels.

 

Why does the length of the 2 3/4 and 3 inch loaded slug measure less than the exact length?

The existence of a crimp on the hull of an unfired slug is essential, and regulates the cartridge's initial overall length.  While a crimped slug is someone shorter than a shotgun's chamber length, once it is fired, the crimped area straightens out to its original length, matching the designated chamber length.  This is standard within the industry.

 

How important is proper cartridge storage?

In a word, very.  A plastic shotshell is not 100% water or moisture proof.  Extreme changes in temperature and very humid storage conditions can adversely affect the performance and integrity of shotgun ammunition.  Condensation can form on the inside of the cartridge if it is not stored in a dry environment.  Inclement weather in the field (snow, rain) can also generate moisture which can contaminate the powder.

In such instances, when fired, the slug may not clear the barrel, causing an obstruction.  Firing a second slug with any obstruction in the barrel will result in damage to the shotgun and possible injury to the shooter.  If a different sound or light recoil is noticed, you need to immediate check inside the barrel and make sure it is clear before any further shooting.

 

The Brenneke Special Forces Short Magnum and Green LIghtning slugs seem to have similar ballistics. Is this true?

Yes.  The primary difference is the color of the coating; red for the SFSM created for the law enforcement and military market, and bright green for the Green Lightning, created for hunters.

Both markets—LE and military professionals and serious hunters—appreciate the performance this slug provides when the application demands exceptional penetration.  Recent independent ballistic testing proved that the Special Forces/Green Lightning slug provided superior penetration to all competitive slugs tested by a wide margin.  The Brenneke slug penetrated two FBI-spec gelatin blocks to a depth of 34.9 inches. 

The closest competitor's penetration was only 29 inches, while all the rest were between 11 and 18 inches.  Only the Brenneke slug maintained its basic shape and integrity, while all competitive slugs over-expanded or fragmented, sacrificing penetration.  The Brenneke slug expanded to 0.779 inches, while competitive slugs expanded from 0.654 to 2.275 inches (basically a large, fragmented "horseshoe")/  Retained weight varied from as little as 72.03% to the Brenneke's superior 99.46%.

The Green Lightning resulted in such superb performance in the field, that more and more law enforcement professionals requested it.  It was repackaged as the Special Forces Short Magnum so LE and military shooters know that they are purchasing a very special slug that has been extensively tested for their specific applications.

 

How does BrennekeUSA differ from the original Brenneke company?

BrennekeUSA was established in 1995 specifically to service the United States market.  We are the exclusive supplier for all Brenneke slugs sold in America.  While all Brenneke slugs themselves are still manufactured in Germany, to the same exacting standards and by the same family that invented the modern shotgun slug in 1898, increasing numbers of Brenneke cartridges are being loaded in the U.S.  All slugs loaded in the U.S. are loaded in accordance with SAAMI Industry Specifications.