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Q&A · Hunting

How do different brands of slugs compare in performance?

April 5, 2026

Quick Answer

Various brands of slugs, such as Barnes, Remington, and Winchester, differ in their performance, with Barnes and Winchester slugs generally offering deeper penetration and larger expansion diameters, while Remington slugs prioritize consistent weight retention.

Slug Design and Performance

When choosing a slug for hunting, it’s essential to consider the design and performance characteristics. Barnes slugs, for example, feature a copper jacket and a lead core that provides deep penetration and large expansion diameters, making them ideal for larger game like deer. In fact, Barnes 300-grain Tipped Triple-Shock X (TTX) slugs have been known to achieve penetration depths of up to 24 inches in gelatin tests, while also expanding to a diameter of over 1.5 inches.

Ballistic Performance and Weight Retention

On the other hand, Remington slugs prioritize consistent weight retention and flat trajectories. Their 250-grain Power-Lokt slugs, for instance, have been tested to maintain over 90% of their original weight after passing through a block of gelatin, while also delivering a flat trajectory out to 100 yards. This makes Remington slugs a great choice for hunters who prioritize accuracy and consistency.

Real-World Testing and Results

To put these differences to the test, hunters and ballistic experts have conducted numerous field tests and gelatin block tests. In one such test, a Winchester Power Point 250-grain slug achieved a penetration depth of 20 inches in gelatin, while also expanding to a diameter of over 1.2 inches. These results demonstrate the importance of choosing the right slug for your specific hunting needs, taking into account factors like penetration depth, expansion diameter, and weight retention.

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