Last reviewed: 2026-04-18 by Jake Terry, FFL07/SOT3, lifelong hunter.
The Hornady SST 12 Gauge slug transforms a rifled barrel shotgun into a 100+ yard whitetail rig. This 2-3/4″ shell loads a 300 grain polymer tip sabot slug ahead of a charge that launches at 2000 fps and delivers 2664 ft-lbs at the muzzle — energy figures that compete with mid-range centerfire rifle cartridges. Hornady engineers the SST with patented Flex Tip technology: a polymer insert initiates expansion on impact while the InterLock ring locks core to jacket, retaining 95%+ weight through hide, bone, and vitals. Hunters shooting rifled barrels in slug-only zones get sub-2″ groups at 100 yards, the flattest trajectory available in 12 gauge slugs, and humane one-shot stops on game to 200 pounds.
Built for the Box
Hornady builds the SST slug around a sabot-sleeved projectile that engages rifling and sheds the plastic cup downrange, leaving a streamlined bullet in flight. The 300 grain slug runs a boat-tail base and secant ogive nose for reduced drag — ballistic coefficient exceeds most rifled slugs by 15-20%. At the tip, the polymer insert compresses on impact, driving expansion from the nose back through the InterLock ring. Core and jacket stay bonded through shoulder blade and rib, punching deep wound channels without fragmentation. Boxer-primed hulls with roll crimps reload cleanly; non-corrosive propellant meters consistently across temperature swings from September dove opener to January late-season deer.
The Numbers
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Shell length | 2-3/4″ |
| Slug type | Polymer Tip Sabot Slug |
| Slug weight | 300 Grains |
| Muzzle velocity | 2000 fps |
| Muzzle energy | 2664 ft-lbs |
| Barrel type | Rifled Bore |
| Crimp | Roll |
| Primer | Boxer |
| Corrosive | No |
| Reloadable | Yes |
| Rounds per box | 5 |
| Intended use | Big Game |
| Manufacturer | Hornady |
This load meters for rifled barrels only — smoothbore cylinders will keyhole past 25 yards. Hornady rates the SST for whitetail, mule deer, hog, and black bear inside 150 yards. Find this and other big game slug loads in our 12 Gauge Slugs category.
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.
- Treat every firearm as if it is loaded; keep muzzle pointed in a safe direction; finger off trigger until ready to fire; be certain of your target and what is beyond it.
- Verify your shotgun barrel is marked “rifled” or “rifled bore” before loading sabot slugs — smoothbore barrels will not stabilize saboted projectiles and accuracy degrades rapidly past 25 yards.
- This product can expose you to lead, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Wash hands after handling; do not eat, drink, or smoke while shooting. See www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
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