12 Gauge Shotgun Slug vs. 7.62x54r Rifle Round?

Question

Between a 12 gauge shotgun slug and a 7.62x54r round, which one would do the most damage? The slug has more mass but less speed when fired than the 7.62 round. Yet, the 7.62 has much more speed but less mass than the slug. Which one of these two bullets would cause the more signifigant damage? Why? Also, which factor matters most when it comes to causing the most damage, mass or speed?

Answer 1

Well you did not specify on damage but I will assume you are talking about flesh. A rifle round is very fast moving and will penetrate deep or to deep and overpenetrate strait through. That shotgun slug is a lumbering one ounce shot (can be a 3inch slug, 3.5 etc.) and will plunge in and sink deep which will cause a larger temporary wound cavity. I will surmise that the slug is a more dangerous round for its sheer size, weight, and force. The ballistics of the rifle round would allow it to penetrate in a shallower wound channel than the slug.

Answer 2

The distance and target need to be considered.

Closer up, the slug has more punch. Farther away, the rifle's accuracy will more than compensate for its smaller mass.

If you are shooting at a small animal, the slug will destroy it (which is often not the goal of hunting). However, a big animal might need the blunt force of a slug (assuming it is close enough to hit with a shotgun) to take it down.

Finally, if you want are simply interested in mass x speed, you need to consider something else. A rifle round will often exit the target it hits. That means the full energy will not get transferred into the target (therefore, less damage).

Answer 3

I am going to assume you are useing this for deer hunting assuming this i will base my answer on this.

Basicly these are strong enough to to effictly kill your target.. Be man or animal it just realy depends on your enviorment.

12 gauge Slugs are normaly accurate to 80-100yds after that they start to drop due to the high grain of the slug... Plus max shotguns hold nowdays are 5-9 rounds. Mossburg 590s, Rem 870 and so on.

Now 7.62x54r has a very long range and an effiive amount of hitting power. This is a round that can realy reach out and touch someone. The mosin nagant 91/30 was a great plateform to build a deer hunting/sniper rifle on. I have dropped silohets at 450 yds with a scoped dragnov and for kicks a 91/30 with iron sights.

Spanky

Answer 4

I'd say a shotgun would cause more damage even up against some big bore guns like the 45-70 and the .444 Marlin at close range. vs. any rifle? I'd say the .375 H&H magnum and Ruger would be fair competition with soft lead bullets, since they fly at much faster velocities, so the potential damage is about equal with a 12 gauge due to the slug's weigh and more diameter, but with solid ammo, the .375s have more penetration then the 12, idk if they still make 12 gauge solids anymore, if so, I think the .375s would still win because of the higher velocity = more impact force.

Answer 5

There are more factors then just speed. For example, is the bullet a hollow point vs. full metal jacket? Did the bullet hit bone vs. soft tissue? Also, you did not mention what size of 12 guage. At close range, up to 100 meters, the slug will deliver a punch that can knock down humans and animals. Most slugs will expand and tear the body up. After 100 meters, the slug is loosing energy.

I'm not sure about the x54, but the 7.62x39 has metal bullets. If you are buying ammo from China or Russia, the bullets are metal, hence they do not expand very well. Penetration is great, but it only punches holes.

Mass and speed can be in changeable. This is a law of physics. What we are talking about is the material of the projectile. For example, tennis balls are hit at over 100 MPH. Baseballs are thrown at about the same speed. Which one would hurt the most at the same speed? The distance would matter also.

Answer 6

At close range of under 100 meters the shotgun slug will do more damage over 100 meters the 7.62 X 54 will do more damage.

Answer 7

It really depends on what type of shooter you are.....

My brother is an unaccomplished sniper of the Marines and he is trying to train me with all the guns available.....

My personal choice is the 7.62 Rifle Round because it is more lethal with me hitting the "Right Spot".....

I have never tried a 12 gauge shotgun slug but I can't really stand the kick of any shotguns that my hand touches, I'm more of a short touch person.....

What kind of shooter you are though????

Answer 8

High-velocity rounds do cause a greater temporary wound channel than low-velocity rounds, but in this case, you're talking about a HUGE permanent cavity with all that lead. It isn't even close. Try making a habit of an "autopsy" when you gut your game. It'll teach you something.

Answer 9

try looking at Horndary's new SST 12 gauge sabot slugs..... your looking at zero drop and 1500 ftlbs and 1500+FPS at 150 yards, and the sabot slug is designed for hunting and to expand....
the biggest factor in bullet expansion is bullet design........all military surplus will be jacketed.......hence a pass thru shot

Answer 10

Close range, the slug. Longer ranges, the 7.62 round.