Brenneke Slugs

[Boomer]

I have not been a great enthusiast for the use of shotgun slugs on big game, but I came across the following in the 1994 Maytime Supplement of Jeff Coopers Commentaries. I find the feat even more remarkable because given the date of the report, it is most likely the 1-ounce loading with the fiber wad attached to the base rather than newer 600 gr version, that is referred to. I may have to reconsider my view - at least where the Brenneke is concerned - that a shotgun slug produces questionable penetration on big game.

Jeff Cooper - "We have an excellent field report on the results of the Brenneke 12-gauge slug on a buffalo at 9 yards. It achieved full penetration, destroyed the heart (rendering it inedible), and lodged under the skin at the far side. It did not drop the beast in its tracks, but it killed him in a few yards. We have always preached that the 12-gauge Brenneke slug is a very efficient defensive projectile for heavy animals - providing that you use it at short range. Its ballistic shape is poor, cutting its effectiveness down radically as range increases. If you get involved with a dangerous animal, remember he cannot hurt you if he cannot touch you. If you use your weaponry properly, at 20-yards and under, you should make out very well."

 

[Silverado]

IIRC, Gatehouse did some impressive penetration tests with the Brenneke and others...

 

[BIGREDD]

Brenneke slugs are very effective on most big game out to 100++ yards... from an accurate smoothbore barrel or sluggun. I have seen broadside pass-throughs on Big whitetails at 150 yards and end to end penetration on 300 pound blackbears at 30 yards.
So yeah, no surprise for me.

 

[Boomer]

I am still surprised by the penetration - a cape buffalo is not a deer! The one I shot was not particularly large, but the X bullet from the .500 Nitro still penetrated more than 4 feet, and was found under the skin on the off side. Even with a full broadside shot, the Brenneke would have to bust through that huge shoulder to get the heart. Once past the heart, it could of slipped behind the shoulder on the off side, but then it would have to deal with the overlapping ribs. Penetration would of been at least 3 feet, through some of the heaviest bone and muscle on the planet. I continue to be impressed.

 

[MiG25]

if you read some of ross seyfried's stuff, he calls the brenneke slug "magnificent" and IIRC says a gun loaded with one is ready for "anything".