FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

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With some slugs the wad separates from the slug during flight - does this happen with Brenneke USA slugs?

No, Brenneke USA Slugs, using our new Better Energy Transmission Wad (BET) plastic wad column and the Felt Wad in our Original Classic slugs, are secured to the slug and remain fastened throughout penetration. This is also true in our KO with a Foster Slug. Our new (BET) wad column allows for improved reliability and ballistic performance.

Can Brenneke USA slugs be used in either a rifle barrel or smooth bore barrel?

Yes, all slugs, with the exception of the Brenneke Gold Magnum/Magnum Crush and all brass Super Sabot can be used.  Both of these slugs are designed to be used only in full-rifled barrels and must not be fired from any type of choked barrel.

Why do Brenneke USA slugs have the ribs on the outside diameter of their slugs?

The purpose of the ribs on the outside diameter of the slug (with the exception of the 3- inch Gold Magnum/Magnum Crush and the all brass Super Sabot which are designed for rifle barrel shotguns only) allows them, unlike most competitors slugs, to be used with any choke.  As the slug passes through the three constricted areas, inside of the barrel, the Forcing Cone, Inside Bore, and then the Choke, the excess lead is squeezed into the gaps between the ribs with no damage to the barrel. Somewhat better accuracy may be noted when using the more open choke - Improved Cylinder.

Why do the ribs of the Magnum Crush/Gold Magnum turn to the left, while the twist in the barrel turn to the right?

Most all rifled shotgun barrels have a right-hand twist, and this is why we gave the Magnum Crush/Gold Magnum a left-hand-twist.  The Magnum Crush/Gold Magnum is designed for rifle barrels only. Using a left-hand twist allows superior guidance within the barrel rather than a slug without ribs is capable of doing. The left turning ribs also allows for a better grip on the rifling inside of the barrel, resulting in superior rotation of the slug as it leaves the barrel. This was proven during extensive testing when we developed the Gold Magnum.  Consider that the “ribs” (profile) of most automobile tires are oriented in a direction opposite of the driving direction, in order to provide maximum grip.

Why does the length of the 2 ¾ and 3 inch slug loaded round measure less then the exact length?

Due to the crimp used on the slug hull before firing it is necessary for the hull to be somewhat less in it’s length to compensate for the crimp when it opens after it is fired. Once fired, it will measure the exact length.

When the slug leaves the barrel does it have a different flight path other then a straight plane?

Yes, once the slugs leaves the muzzle of the shotgun it will rise - flying somewhat like an arrow.  Depending on the slug it may be as much as 1.3 inches high at 50 yards and then at 75 yards the law of gravity begins to take place and the slug will start to drop.  Please refer to the ballistics information for each slug found in the individual Product Sheets.

If I mount a scope on my shotgun will it make a difference in sighting in?

When a scope is mounted, because of the height of the mounting system (rings and bases), when the slug leaves the muzzle it could be as much as 2 ½ inches low.

I have read there have been some recent improvements in both your 12 and 16 GA. Original Classic Slugs?

Originally, two paper discs were used above and below the felt wad.  The paper discs have now been replaced with two plastic discs - one below and one above the felt wad.  As a result, along with a new  plastic over powder wad, there has been a significant improvement in both the 12 and 16 GA. Classic slugs. Using plastic discs rather then paper also reduces the hot gas from the burning powder to pass through the felt wad.

It is noted both the Heavy Field short Magnum and the Special Forces Short Magnum have similar ballistics?

This is correct.  From a marketing standpoint we feel it is necessary to offer this slug and be able to direct it to the two different markets, Hunting and Law Enforcement and Military.  The difference is in the color of the coating used on the slug and the package.

In a recent product evaluation test done for us by an outside company specializing in ammunition performance, it was proven this slug outperformed all of our competitors by a large margin in both penetration and accuracy.  This slug penetrated two10% FBI gelatin blocks 34.9 inches with a 1.6 inch 5 shot group at 50 yards and slightly over 2 inch 5 shot groups at 100 yards,  The closest competitor’s penetration using the same test was only 29 inches, and all of the rest were no more then 11 to 18 inches.  When the different slugs were recovered from the gelatin blocks, only the Brenneke USA 1 ¼ oz. Slug maintained its original shape.  All of the competitors slugs expanded, losing penetration.  The expansion of the olther slugs varied from 0.654 to the Brenneke’s expansion of 2.275 inches.  The recovered slugs retained weight loss varied from 72.03% to 99.46% in the Brenneke USA slug.

With these results, we decided this slug offered both the hunter and the law enforcement and military personnel an outstanding slug for the different purposes and intended use. This is the reason why we chose to market it somewhat differently and not change any of the ballistics. This slug may also be used in either a smooth or rifle barrel shotgun.

Does Brenneke USA offer a slug that will not leave lead fouling in the barrel?

Yes, Brenneke USA uses a patented “CleanSpeed” coating that reduces almost 100% of the lead fouling in the barrel in the Black Magic slug.  However, Brenneke USA also adds a component to the lead, allowing for additional hardness.  This also helps to reduce lead fouling in all of our slugs.

How important is storage?

Proper maintenance and storage is very important.  Even though shotgun hulls are now loaded using plastic, rather then paper, there could be a slight possibility of condensation forming inside of the hull.when not stored and/or maintained properly, or when being used in the field with inclement rain or snow weather conditions. A plastic shot shell is not 100% water or moisture proof.  Extreme changes in temperature and very humid conditions may possibly contaminate the powder. When fired, the slug may not clear the barrel, causing an obstruction.  A second fired slug with any obstruction inside the barrel will result in damaging the shotgun and possible injury. If a different sound, or light recoil is noticed, you need to check inside of the barrel and make sure it is clear. See the “Warning” information at the end of this file for more information as an industry guideline.

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