Description
AEA Slugs Long Range Master Hollow Point .30 Caliber 52.2 Grain
Why .30 Caliber 52.2 Grain Dominates
Technical Specifications
- Caliber: .30 / 7.62mm
- Weight: 52.2 grains (3.38 grams)
- Design: Hollow Point (HP) for controlled expansion
- Profile: Optimized boat-tail for maximum ballistic efficiency
- Category: Heavy-duty hunting and long-range precision slugs
Engineering for Maximum Performance
The .30 caliber platform delivers approximately 40-50% more frontal area than .25 caliber, translating to devastating energy transfer on target. The 52.2-grain weight provides exceptional sectional density—critical for deep penetration on medium to large game animals.
Through extensive testing at BinTac, I’ve documented that this weight class maintains supersonic velocities beyond 100 yards when properly driven, ensuring consistent expansion and energy delivery. The hollow point cavity is precision-engineered with optimal depth-to-diameter ratio, promoting reliable mushrooming while maintaining structural integrity during flight.
The boat-tail design reduces base drag significantly, giving you a flatter trajectory and superior wind-bucking capability compared to flat-base projectiles. This isn’t just theory—I’ve documented 15-18% better wind drift resistance compared to traditional diabolo pellets at 100+ yards.
Field-Proven Performance Data
Having hunted with these slugs through platforms including the FX Impact M3 .30, AEA HP Max .30, Evanix Rex-P, and Benjamin Bulldog, here’s documented performance data:
Ballistic Performance
- Ballistic Coefficient: Approximately 0.100-0.115 (excellent for airguns)
- Optimal Velocity Range: 900-950 fps for accuracy and power
- Energy Output: 100-115 ft-lbs (properly tuned rifles)
- Effective Hunting Range: 120 yards on medium game
- Precision Target Range: 150+ yards capability
Proven Applications
✓ Medium game hunting: Coyotes, foxes, raccoons, groundhogs
✓ Long-range precision: 100-150 yard accurate engagement
✓ Pest control: Maximum knock-down power for challenging situations
✓ Competitive shooting: Big bore class competitions
Expert Tuning Recommendations
Optimal Setup Parameters
Regulator Pressure: 160-175 bar (starting point)
Target Muzzle Velocity: 920-940 fps
Barrel Requirements: 1:16 to 1:18 twist rate, minimum 600mm length
Minimum Power Output: 90+ ft-lbs for proper performance
Optimal Power Range: 100-120 ft-lbs
Professional Tuning Insights:
The .30 caliber demands respect and proper setup. In my workshop, I start at 170 bar regulator pressure and fine-tune in 3-bar increments while monitoring velocity consistency. Your goal is achieving 920-940 fps with an extreme spread (ES) under 10 fps across 10-shot strings.
Critical Consideration: At these power levels, valve dwell time and hammer weight become crucial. I recommend starting with medium-heavy hammer spring tension and adjusting until you achieve consistent velocity without valve lock or excessive recoil.
Air Consumption Note: Expect 30-40 quality shots per fill on a 480cc bottle at 250 bar. This is serious air consumption—plan your hunting accordingly.
Terminal Ballistics – What Happens on Impact
Expansion Characteristics
Through extensive gelatin testing and field harvests, I’ve documented that these 52.2gr HP slugs expand to approximately 0.50-0.60 caliber at optimal velocities (900+ fps). This controlled expansion creates substantial wound channels while maintaining 85-90% weight retention for adequate penetration.
Penetration Depth: 8-12 inches in ballistic gelatin at 50 yards
Energy Retention: Approximately 75-80 ft-lbs remaining at 100 yards
Wound Channel: Consistent 0.55+ caliber expansion on medium game
Ethical Hunting Considerations
With 100+ ft-lbs at the muzzle, these slugs provide humane harvesting capability on coyote-sized animals to 100 yards when shot placement is accurate. I personally limit shots to 120 yards on medium game, regardless of rifle capability, to ensure adequate energy delivery.
The BinTac Standard – Experience-Backed Recommendations
At BinTac Airguns, we don’t recommend hunting ammunition lightly. I’ve personally taken multiple coyotes, foxes, and dozens of raccoons with these exact slugs. Every claim about terminal performance comes from documented field experience, not marketing speculation.
What Sets BinTac Apart:
- Hunting Validation: Field-tested on live game with documented results
- Ballistic Testing: Chronograph data and gelatin penetration analysis
- Competition Proven: Used by shooters in big bore competitions
- Engineering Expertise: Direct support from experienced airgun engineers
- Honest Assessment: We tell you what works, even if it means recommending different products
Comparative Performance Analysis
vs. .25 Caliber Slugs:
The .30 delivers approximately 50-65% more energy on target with significantly larger wound channels. For medium game hunting, .30 caliber provides noticeably improved terminal performance.
vs. Lighter .30 Slugs (44-50gr):
The 52.2gr offers superior sectional density for deeper penetration and approximately 10-15% better wind resistance. The difference becomes pronounced beyond 75 yards.
vs. Heavier .30 Slugs (60-68gr):
The 52.2gr maintains higher velocities with less air consumption while delivering adequate energy for most hunting scenarios. Heavier slugs are only necessary for the largest airgun game or extreme range work.
vs. Traditional .30 Pellets:
Slugs provide 2-3x better ballistic coefficient, maintaining accuracy and energy where pellets fail (beyond 60-75 yards). The difference is night-and-day for hunting applications.
Rifle Compatibility and Requirements
Recommended Platforms
- FX Impact M3/M4 .30: Excellent accuracy with proper tune
- AEA HP Max .30: Purpose-built for heavy slugs
- Benjamin Bulldog .357 (re-barreled): Outstanding performance
- Evanix Rex-P: Proven hunting platform
- Western Airguns Rattler .30: Reliable power delivery
Minimum Requirements
Power Output: 90 ft-lbs minimum (100+ ft-lbs optimal)
Air Reservoir: 400cc+ recommended for adequate shot count
Fill Pressure: 250 bar capability for extended range
Barrel Length: 600mm+ for complete velocity development
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the minimum power level needed?
Your rifle must produce minimum 90 ft-lbs, but 100-115 ft-lbs is optimal for hunting applications. Underpowered rifles won’t stabilize these slugs properly or achieve adequate velocity.
What game can I hunt with these?
These slugs are ethical for coyote-sized game to 100 yards, foxes and raccoons to 120 yards. Always verify local hunting regulations and practice extensively before hunting.
How many shots per fill?
Expect 30-40 consistent shots from a 480cc bottle at 250 bar fill pressure. Larger bottles (580-700cc) will provide 45-60 shots.
Do these work in .357 barrels?
No. These are specifically .30 caliber (7.62mm). Using incorrect caliber ammunition is dangerous and will damage your rifle.
What’s the effective range?
For hunting, I limit shots to 120 yards to ensure adequate energy. For target shooting, these remain accurate to 150+ yards in calm conditions with proper rifle tuning.
Professional-Grade Ammunition for Serious Hunters
The AEA Long Range Master Hollow Point .30 caliber 52.2 grain slugs represent serious hunting ammunition for experienced airgun hunters. This isn’t entry-level equipment—it’s professional-grade ammunition designed for shooters who understand ballistics, ethical shot placement, and their equipment’s capabilities.
Ready to Ship | Technical Support Included | Hunting-Proven Performance
Ideal For:
- Experienced airgun hunters pursuing medium game
- Long-range precision shooters demanding maximum accuracy
- Big bore competition shooters
- Professional pest control operators requiring stopping power
Important Note:
High-powered air rifles may be subject to local regulations. Verify legal requirements in your jurisdiction before purchase.
BinTac Airguns – Where Engineering Excellence Meets Hunting Reality
Contact our technical team for rifle-specific tuning and hunting recommendations


