Product Overview
The Federal TruBall Deep Penetrator Rifled Slug delivers match-grade accuracy and devastating terminal performance from your smoothbore slug gun, making it one of the most trusted big game loads on the market.
- TruBall system centers the slug perfectly for groups as tight as 1.4" at 50 yards
- High antimony lead slug penetrates deep through heavy bone and dense tissue
- Optimized for smoothbore barrels — no rifled choke or barrel required
- Muzzle velocity of 1,350 fps delivers flat trajectory and hard-hitting energy
- 1-ounce slug weight balances recoil management with maximum downrange power
- Packed in 5-round boxes, ideal for range testing or topping off your field supply
Who This Is For
This load is purpose-built for whitetail deer hunters, hog hunters, and big game pursuits in shotgun-only zones. Whether you're hunting thick Midwestern timber or open farm fields, the Federal TruBall Deep Penetrator transforms a standard smoothbore into a reliable, accurate slug platform. It's also a smart choice for hunters who want to verify zero before the season opens without burning through a full box.
Specifications
| Brand | Federal |
|---|---|
| Gauge | 12 Gauge |
| Shell Length | 2-3/4 Inch (2.75") |
| Slug Weight | 1 Ounce |
| Slug Type | TruBall Deep Penetrator Rifled Slug |
| Muzzle Velocity | 1,350 fps |
| Accuracy | Groups as tight as 1.4" at 50 yards |
| Rounds Per Box | 5 |
| Barrel Compatibility | Smoothbore |
| Intended Use | Big Game Hunting |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I shoot the Federal TruBall slug through a rifled barrel or rifled choke?
The TruBall Deep Penetrator is specifically engineered for smoothbore shotgun barrels. While it can be fired through a rifled barrel, it is optimized to deliver its best accuracy — groups as tight as 1.4 inches at 50 yards — through a standard smooth bore. Using a rifled choke is generally not recommended with rifled slugs, as it can negatively affect accuracy and increase leading.
What makes the TruBall system more accurate than a standard rifled slug?
The TruBall system uses a plastic ball seated behind the lead slug that locks the components together during firing. This centers the slug precisely within the bore and ensures consistent, straight-line delivery down the barrel — eliminating the tumbling or off-center flight that can plague basic Foster-style slugs. The result is significantly tighter groups from smoothbore guns at typical hunting distances.
Is a 5-round box enough, and how does the Deep Penetrator perform on big game?
The 5-round box is well-suited for pre-season zeroing sessions or carrying a compact supply in the field. For range practice or load testing, purchasing multiple boxes is recommended. In the field, the high-antimony lead construction ensures the slug retains its mass and drives deep through bone and heavy muscle, delivering the reliable knockdown performance hunters need on whitetail deer, feral hogs, and similar-sized game at ranges up to 100 yards.
