Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, NRA-certified firearms instructor.
The Federal Premium Vital-Shok 20 gauge slug brings 3/4-ounce of hollow point rifled slug performance to smoothbore platforms, launching at 1700 feet per second with 2104 foot-pounds of muzzle energy. This 20 gauge slug ammo uses Federal’s TruBall design — a plastic ball seated between wad and slug base that self-centers the projectile in the barrel during firing, delivering improved accuracy without requiring a barrel swap. Chambered in 3-inch shells with a roll crimp and boxer primer, each 5-round box is reloadable and built for big game hunters running traditional smoothbore shotguns or rifled choke tubes.
Load Profile
Federal Premium engineered the Vital-Shok line around the observation that most slug hunters rely on smoothbore barrels with traditional rifled slugs — and that accuracy suffered as a result. The TruBall mechanism addresses this: on ignition, the plastic ball forces the slug to center itself in the bore, reducing wobble and tightening groups at typical deer-range distances. The hollow point nose expands on impact, transferring energy into soft tissue while the 3/4-ounce weight maintains downrange momentum through brush and bone.
Specs at a Glance
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 20 Gauge |
| Shell length | 3″ |
| Slug type | Hollow Point Rifled Slug |
| Slug weight | 3/4 Ounce |
| Muzzle velocity | 1700 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 2104 ft-lbs |
| Barrel type | Rifled or Smooth Bore |
| Crimp | Roll |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Rounds/box | 5 |
| Intended use | Big Game |
| Manufacturer | Federal Premium |
Federal Premium built the Vital-Shok series for hunters who demand consistent terminal performance from traditional platforms. For more options in this chambering, browse our full 20 Gauge Slug Ammo inventory.
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.
- Observe the four rules of firearms safety at all times — treat every firearm as loaded, keep muzzle pointed in a safe direction, finger off trigger until ready to fire, know your target and what is beyond it.
- Verify current state and local laws governing ammunition purchase, possession, and transport in your jurisdiction before ordering.
- 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 and dispose of packaging properly.
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