SlapShot LEM230 vs The Other Guys
We at SlapShot USA have been working on a law enforcement ammunition project. The agency involved has asked that we complete some specific tests. We have been posting ongoing updates related to this project at slapshotammunition.com. The tests include penetration when fired from a 10 inch smooth bore shotgun at 20 meters, and accuracy at 20 meters (22yards). The tests were done on two different days one day below 40 degrees and the other just above 50 degrees. The temperature is relevant because temperature can impact ammunition and firearm performance.
The first test was simple enough, they asked us to shoot an engine block to see if the slug had adequate power to effectively penetrate an engine block. With the help of some friends we were able to get a cast iron engine block and a fully assembled BMW engine. We fired the LEM230 at both targets and we shot a popular lead, rifled slug round to compare performance.
Ammunition Specifications Below:
LEM 230 Slug
12g 2.75 inch, .73 caliber 1/2oz lead free slug, 2300 FPS
The SlapShot LEM230 penetrated the aluminum engine block. The round hole shows the slug is stable out of the10 inch smooth bore. The shooter advises the slug hit exactly where the red dot was aimed. We did not disassemble the engine to examine the internals but we were able to determine conclusively the slug penetrated into the case where the piston, rod, and crank shaft would have been severely damaged.
Lead Rifled Slug
12g 2.75 inch, Rifled 1 oz lead slug, 1600 FPS
Shooting from the same10 inch smooth bore shotgun the lead slug pushed in some of the material at the point of impact but bounced off the engine. It appears the slug was unstable at 25 yards, apparently hitting the engine side first. It looks like the slug impact did penetrate the water jacket adjacent to the cylinder. The shooter said the impact was several inches to the left of the point of aim.
LEM 230 Slug
Using the 10 inch smooth bore shotgun at 20 meters the LEM230 round penetrated the cast iron engine block through the cylinder wall. We chose not to attempt to use the 1 oz lead rifled slug due to the amount of spalling when we shot the aluminum engine block. Also, we did not think it would penetrate the cast iron engine block if it could not penetrate the aluminum block.
Accuracy
We were asked to shoot an 8 round pattern less than 3 inches in diameter at 20 meters with a Genesis 12 AR shotgun with a 10" inch smooth bore barrel. After reviewing methods used for measuring groups by several major manufacturers we found that the most common method measures the group from the centers.
We measured the widest points of the group at the outer edge of the holes and subtracted the dimeter of one slug. At 20 meters we shot the pictured 8 round, 2.5 inch group from the Genesis 10 inch smooth bore. For a control group we shot a 5 round 1.77 inch group from a fully rifled 22” Savage 212 shotgun. (See the Winchester site for measuring groups)
The size of the slug adds some difficulty to achieving a sub three inch group. Also, using a semiautomatic shotgun with a 10 inch smooth bore barrel adds more potential factors that can impact accuracy. The lead rifled slug performed poorly. Shot to shot accuracy was erratic and eight rounds was producing large groups with the slug hitting side first.
NOTE: We used the Winchester site to gather information. This does not imply we used Winchester ammunition. We trusted they know what they are doing, and we verified other major manufacturers use the same method.
Genesis 12 10” AR
Our test shooter used the pictured Genesis shotgun for the testing discussed in this article. It is equipped with a Holoson optic allowing for a red or green dot and reticle. With the newest Genesis follower in a five round magazine the shells fed reliable and ejected consistently, landing about 15 feet to the right of the shooter. This Genesis was fitted with an upgraded trigger that was crisp and made shooting much easier.
We also broke out a couple other quality shotguns for testing our LEM230. The Benelli M4, Mossberg 940 Pro, and Savage 212 bolt action with fully rifled barrel. We had a little trouble with the optic on the Mossberg so we stopped after firing a half dozen rounds. I can say that the Mossberg trigger was good, and the recoil was a little rougher than the Genesis shotgun.
The Benelli, and the Savage 212 both shot sub 3” groups at 20 meters. Recoil was a little rough with the Benelli. I am guessing the increased perceived recoil is due to the gun being lighter, the butt pad being harder, and the barrel being 8 inches longer than the Genesis.
The Benelli was new and I thought the trigger was a little narrow and heavy which made it uncomfortable compared to the trigger on the Genesis and the Savage. The trigger on the Benelli was crisp. I am told by SWAT operators in our testing circle the trigger improves with time. The Savage 212 is designed for hunting has an adjustable trigger that is crisp and this Savage’s trigger was set up to break at 2.5 pounds. We have the Savage in the testing arsenal for developing extended range breaching, and shooting control groups with our various ammo configurations because it is reliable and accurate.