The Hornady SST 12 Gauge 2.75-inch 300-grain Flex Tip eXpanding (FTX) Sabot Slug 5-round box is a specialized high-velocity shotshell engineered specifically for extended-range big game hunting, trophy whitetail management, and black bear pursuit in shotgun-restricted zones. Conventional Foster-style lead slugs or traditional low-velocity slug loads frequently suffer from steep trajectory drop, erratic wind drift, and severe accuracy loss beyond 75 to 100 yards, severely limiting ethical field distances. Hornady overcomes these ballistics constraints by pairing an aerodynamic polymer-tipped 300-grain FTX projectile with a high-speed sabot system, delivering laser-flat flight paths, rifle-like accuracy, and lethal terminal expansion through fully rifled shotgun barrels.
The primary technical advantage centers on Hornady's 300-grain FTX projectile architecture. Featuring a patented red Flex Tip polymer insert seated over an aerodynamic secant ogive, the bullet maintains a 0.200 G1 ballistic coefficient to reduce atmospheric drag and flatten trajectories out to 200 yards. Upon impact, the Flex Tip polymer insert acts as an internal wedge, forcing open the heavy copper jacket along engineered skiving cuts to drive rapid, controlled mushrooming without fragmenting. Enclosed within a high-speed polymer sabot sleeve, the assembly engages barrel rifling to impart precise spin stabilization before separating cleanly at the muzzle to release the projectile.
Launching its 300-grain FTX sabot slug at a blistering 2,000 FPS muzzle velocity (generating over 2,600 ft-lbs of muzzle energy), this Super Shock Tip (SST) loading delivers sub-2" groupings at 100 yards out of modern rifled barrels. Assembled using high-strength 2.75-inch hulls, clean-burning progressive propellants, and non-corrosive shotshell primers, the cartridge guarantees smooth feeding, uniform chamber sealing, and positive extraction in pump-action and semi-automatic rifled shotguns. It stands as a top-tier choice for deer hunters seeking extended range and reliable stopping power.
Key Benefits
- Blistering 2,000 FPS Velocity: High-speed propellant blend flattens trajectory drop to extend effective shotgun hunting range out to 200 yards.
- Flex Tip Polymer Technology: Preserves meplat aerodynamics in flight and initiates rapid, controlled terminal expansion upon target contact.
- Sub-2" 100-Yard Accuracy: Precision sabot sleeve engages rifling cleanly to deliver rifle-like grouping performance from fully rifled barrels.
- Controlled Weight Retention: Heavy copper jacket and core lock together under expansion to ensure deep penetration through hide and shoulder bone.
Technical Specification
- Gauge / Shell Length: 12 Gauge | 2-3/4 Inch (2.75")
- Ballistics: 2,000 FPS Muzzle Velocity | 2,664 Ft-Lbs Muzzle Energy | 0.200 G1 Ballistic Coefficient
- Projectile: 300 Grain | Flex Tip eXpanding (FTX) Sabot Slug | Red Polymer Tip | Serrated Copper Jacket | Lead Core
- Hull/Primer: High-Density Plastic Hull | Metal Head | Non-Corrosive Shotshell Primer
- Logistics: 5 Rounds Per Box | Hornady SST Shotgun Series
- Dimensions: 2.75" 12Ga Geometry | Fully Rifled Shotgun Barrels Only | SKU: 8623
- Application: Long-Range Big Game Hunting, Whitetail Deer, Bear, Wild Boar, and Slug-Zone Pursuit
- Standards: SAAMI Compliant | Hornady Factory Quality Control Benchmarks
If you're running a rifled 12-gauge platform and need consistent accuracy and terminal performance past traditional slug distances, this load solves trajectory instability and expansion inconsistency. Get proven sabot slug performance backed by controlled manufacturing standards—available now from SMKW, a trusted source for field-tested ammunition.
