Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
The Brenneke K.O. 20 gauge rifled slug delivers 1606 foot-pounds of muzzle energy through a 3/4-ounce projectile launched at 1476 feet per second. Designed for whitetail, hog, and similar medium game at woods ranges, this 2-3/4″ shell groups under 2-1/2 inches at 55 yards when fired from a test fixture. The rifled slug design stabilizes through rotation imparted by the barrel, whether rifled or smoothbore, and the roll crimp secures the projectile during feeding and chambering. Brenneke sources high-quality hulls and boxer primers, subjects each lot to quality control, and ships this load in 5-round boxes suitable for sighting-in or a single hunt.
Load Profile
Brenneke has manufactured shotgun slugs in Germany since 1895, refining lead alloy composition, wad column design, and crimp geometry to balance expansion with penetration. The K.O. slug uses a soft lead nose over a harder base, allowing controlled mushrooming on impact while the rear section maintains structural integrity for deep wound channels. The 3/4-ounce weight keeps recoil manageable in light 20-gauge platforms — a 6.5-pound youth-model shotgun generates approximately 17 foot-pounds of free recoil with this load, compared to 28 foot-pounds for a comparable 12-gauge slug. Muzzle velocity of 1476 fps drops to roughly 1280 fps at 50 yards and 1140 fps at 100 yards, with energy falling to 1210 ft-lbs and 960 ft-lbs respectively. The boxer primer is non-corrosive and the hull is reloadable, though most hunters treat slug hulls as single-use given the specialized wad and crimp requirements.
The Numbers
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 20 Gauge |
| Shell Length | 2-3/4″ |
| Shot or Slug Type | Rifled Slug |
| Slug Weight | 3/4 Ounce |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1476 Feet Per Second |
| Muzzle Energy | 1606 Foot Pounds |
| Barrel Type | Rifled or Smooth Bore |
| Crimp | Roll |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Rounds/Box | 5 Round |
| Intended Use | Big Game |
| Manufacturer | Brenneke |
This load fits any 20-gauge shotgun chambered for 2-3/4″ or longer shells. Brenneke recommends cylinder bore or improved cylinder chokes when firing through screw-in choke tubes — verify the choke is tightened securely before range use. Rifled slugs stabilize adequately in smoothbore barrels due to the fins molded into the projectile body; you will not damage a rifled barrel by firing this load, though sabot slugs typically deliver tighter groups in rifled tubes. Maximum effective range for humane game harvest is 75 yards; slugs remain lethal to 2000 yards, so confirm a safe backstop before firing. For more 20 gauge slug ammo options, browse our selection of foster-style and sabot loads.
Safe Handling & Compliance
Federal law requires purchasers to be at least 18 years old for rifle and shotgun ammunition, and at least 21 for handgun ammunition. Ammunition cannot be shipped to certain states, counties, and cities — review our ammunition shipping restrictions before ordering. Store ammunition in a cool, dry location away from heat sources and out of reach of unauthorized users.
- Always treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target and you have made the decision to fire. Be certain of your target and what lies beyond it. Never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy.
- Verify current state and local laws governing slug ammunition, choke restrictions, and hunting caliber minimums before ordering. Some jurisdictions prohibit lead projectiles in certain hunting zones.
- This product contains lead, a chemical known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands thoroughly after handling ammunition and avoid ingestion of residue.
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