Federal Vital-Shok TruBall 12 Gauge 3" 1 oz Rifled Slug is a high-performance ammunition designed for smoothbore shotguns. The TruBall system uses a plastic ball between the wad and slug to ensure consistent accuracy, delivering 2-inch groups at 50 yards. With a muzzle velocity of 1700 fps, this 1 oz slug provides devastating terminal performance on medium to large game. The hollow point design enhances expansion upon impact, maximizing stopping power. Ideal for deer hunting in shotgun-only areas, these slugs offer the perfect balance of accuracy, power, and reliability for your smoothbore shotgun.
Product Highlights:
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Federal |
| Product Line | Vital-Shok |
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Shell Length | 3" |
| Slug Type | TruBall Rifled Slug |
| Slug Weight | 1 oz (438 grains) |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1700 fps |
| Muzzle Energy | 2810 ft-lbs |
| Ballistic Coefficient | .063 |
| Intended Use | Medium to large game hunting |
| Rounds Per Box |
5 |
| Slug Design | Hollow Point |
Key Features:
The Federal Vital-Shok TruBall 12 Gauge 3" 1 oz Rifled Slug offers impressive performance characteristics that make it an excellent choice for self-defense and hunting applications. Here's a breakdown of its key features:
| TruBall Technology | Improved accuracy in smoothbore shotguns Uses a plastic ball between the wad and slug to center the projectile in the barrel |
| Slug Weight | 1 oz (438 grains) Heavy slug for maximum impact and energy transfer |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1700 fps High velocity for flat trajectory and increased stopping power |
| Shell Length | 3 inches Magnum-length shell for increased payload and performance |
| Packaging | 5 rounds per box Convenient packaging for both individual purchase and bulk buying |
Applications & Use Cases:
- Big Game Hunting: Ideal for medium to large game animals at moderate ranges, particularly in areas where rifle hunting is restricted.
- Home Defense: Provides significant stopping power for close-range self-defense situations.
- Smoothbore Shotgun Accuracy: Offers improved accuracy for hunters using traditional smoothbore shotguns without the need for a rifled barrel.
- Law Enforcement: Suitable for law enforcement agencies as a duty load for situations requiring maximum stopping power.
- Deer Hunting: Particularly effective for deer hunting, offering excellent terminal performance at typical shotgun hunting ranges.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- ✔ TruBall Technology: Uses a plastic ball between the wad and slug to improve accuracy in smoothbore shotguns.
- ✔ High Velocity: 1700 fps muzzle velocity provides excellent range and hitting power for medium game hunting.
- ✔ Versatile: Designed for effective use in smoothbore shotguns, effectively eliminating the need for a rifled barrel.
- ✔ Consistent Performance: Capable of 2-inch groups at 50 yards, offering reliable accuracy for hunting situations.
- ✔ Hollow Point Design: Promotes expansion on impact for increased terminal performance on medium game.
Cons
- ✘ Recoil: The 3-inch shell length and high velocity may result in noticeably significant felt recoil for shooters.
- ✘ Limited Range: While accurate for a smoothbore slug, still has shorter effective range compared to rifled slugs in rifled barrels.
- ✘ Ammunition Capacity: Only 5 rounds per box, which may be limiting for extended hunting trips or practice sessions.
- ✘ Overpenetration Risk: The high velocity and weight of the slug may pose overpenetration risks in some hunting scenarios.
About Federal:
Federal Ammunition, founded in 1922, has been a leading innovator in the ammunition industry for over a century. Headquartered in Anoka, Minnesota, Federal has built a reputation for producing high-quality ammunition for hunters, shooters, and law enforcement professionals. The company's commitment to innovation is evident in products like their Vital-Shok line with TruBall technology, which improves accuracy in smoothbore shotguns. Federal manufacturing facilities in Minnesota employ stringent quality control measures, ensuring consistent performance across their product lines. As part of the Vista Outdoor group since 2015, Federal continues to push the boundaries of ammunition technology, maintaining its position as one of the most respected names in the industry.
