Aguila Mini Shells & Federal Shorty 12 Gauge Penetration Test - More Powerful Than You Realize!

My son and I were testing mini shell penetration when I almost stepped on a diamondback rattlesnake at our favorite shooting range. Fortunately the snake was in a good mood.

[@SwaybackJack]

Mr. 98 seems like the kinda guy where “oh fuck” only comes out on very special occasions, where nothing else will do.

[@ShawnShipstad]

If you read my post above his, you may have as well. Good luck, God bless. Not the Rattlesnake. They kill people.

[@thereallonerenger]

And this would be that special occasion lol. I'm glad he's safe.

[@tombrown1281]

Just saying I have worked with him before in a certain area of Nevada we have seen and ran into mountain lions Timber Rattlers Diamondbacks sidewinders and even sidewinders we have and he has seen the animals that people in Nevada have no idea about you move here you move into your cute little community that just happens to be in the migratory route of scorpions Henderson Black Mountain area there are also migratory routes of sidewinders and Diamondbacks Hugo 65 to 70 Mi north of Las Vegas and you may run into Timber Rattlers I'm sure Ray saw a lot of them in his life at the test site and when he moved North glad you're back Ray

[@tombrown1281]

There are also many areas where you see the largest Mueller you've ever seen in your life antelope and even Badgers mean little s**** fighting in the middle of the road stopping traffic Nevada is not Las Vegas it is not Reno it is the Wild West it will always be the Wild West because you people that buy houses here are afraid to travel 10 Mi away in the desert

[@tombrown1281]

Oh and let's not forget the annual tarantula migration that was fun they are so friendly you can pick them up and let them crawl on your shoulder

[@redlock4004]

"Are you two related?" "You tell me dad."

[@mixup98]

👍😁

[@billy56081]

I think this is the first time I heard you swear in a video, I think it was appropriate.

[@mixup98]

It was the first time and I also think it was appropriate 😜

[@derekbootle8316]

When you hear that rattle, it jolts you. Cause it knows where you are, but you dont know where it is. It feels life or death dangerous until you spot it. Utah/Colorado raised.

[@chrisoliver5302]

Utahn here. A buddy and I had the same thing happened, only he wasn't so lucky and sustained a strike. Luckily he was okay.

[@johnstandfell9458]

@@derekbootle8316 It's the same here in Texas

[@ronaldjohnson1474]

Contrary to popular belief, a rattlesnake bite normally won't kill you.

[@rickh8380]

My buddy and I would see them from time to time when we were shooting in Arizona desert. They are not to be taken lightly either.

[@tonkatank045]

Now we can officially say, "he's meaner than a rattlesnake"

[@Leonardokite]

I have an extreme hate for snakes. You're so kind to let him live. And yeah, as long as you have a firearm that will cycle those mini shells, they're totally awesome.

[@mixup98]

Most humans have an extreme hatred of snakes. My son has raised snakes (ball pythons & garter) for several decades and we almost never kill snakes that we find in the wild.

[@Ray-vq2jc]

@@mixup98 Very good comment but also they feed on harmful rodents and the young feed on harmful insects . They wont bother humans unless you bother them.

[@coyote520]

That is not a Diamondback; It's a Speckled Rattler, and a good-sized one! Beautiful!!!

[@drivesideways6550]

I'm a Land Surveyor, and we have to traipse through all kinds of brush very dense and above our heads at times. It ruins the whole day when you come across one. Every rustling leaf, twig and dry foxtail dragging across your clothes makes you freeze and carefully check your surroundings.

[@john_barnett]

why would it ruin your day? snakes are beautiful creatures only shame is they kinda taste like chicken

[@Gordon_River]

Thank you for field testing the different Mini Shells. Impressive penetration with all 3.

[@shanepitzer4126]

That'll wake you up faster than any cup of coffee.....(grin). Thankfully nobody got bit. Always enjoy your videos, thanks for sharing!

[@mixup98]

Thanks 👍

[@jessiemae6873]

I've been waiting a long time for a rattler to be at that truck. Reasonably good hiding place for him. Wonderful still photography also. You guys are really the best. You have the same philosophy that I have, leave them be when I'm in their house.

[@jeffraber9110]

I bet there's been one there all along... flip a car hood in the desert and there's always a snake under it, of some variety

[@williamtinlin9789]

Another great father-son video !

[@mixup98]

👍🤠 👍😎

[@MSgt_D]

Really nice to see someone with a real camera and big-ass lens; instead of all the camera phones nowadays.

[@2adave]

Love the reaction angle at the end.

[@akforge]

My latest Mossberg acquisition is a 590S Shockwave. The 590S line has a factory rubber insert that allows flawless function of 1.75″, 2.75″, and 3″ shells. The 590S loaded with Federal mini slugs make for one hell of a compact defensive small arm. 👍🏻🇺🇸

[@gil9898]

I'm not sure if this comment belongs here and my apologies if it does not. As I watched Paul Harrell's final video, I could not help but think what a loss this is for all who wish to learn from responsible individuals. At the same time I'm better for the experience of watching and learning from him just as I am grateful for Mix up 98 & Son who bring their own unique informative well produced videos. I'm grateful for the experience they provide.

[@mixup98]

No need to apologize my friend. I also watched Paul's final video and I was saddened by the loss of this fine man. I encourage my viewers to check out Paul Harrell's youtube videos. Unfortunately I never met Paul but he was obviously loved by his youtube family. My son and I are doing well and we hope to continue our channel for many more years. Thank you for the awesome comment.

[@WheelgunsOnWheels]

Nice encounter! I’m in NC and as a field biologist in early fall cotton fields I came across one only by sound. I was in waist deep cotton early morning and heard the rattle. The trouble was I couldn’t see down to my feet and had no idea if it was in front, behind, or on either side. I stood still and gambled it wasn’t behind me so I gingerly hopped backwards a few steps and exited that field for the day. Every leaf, twig and cricket rattled my nerves for the rest of the day in other fields. Great video as always.

[@jessevonjames3607]

Great video exactly as is! Authentic! Love the walking around and chats with your son. Very educational and entertaining in a short video!!

[@frankhinkle5772]

Wow, thanks for the warning of that 36" of slithering death! I think I'll be wearing high boots when I next come out shooting with you (via KZbin.) Glad that you were being situationally aware and didn't get too close to Mr. Snake. I am continually surprised by how devastating 12 gauge-anything is at close distances. That much lead, traveling at those speeds and that close together will destroy whatever is downrange.

[@DymondzTrucking1962]

Love the Maverick 88 with mini shells a great combination.

[@mixup98]

Yes indeed! 👍😎

[@cliffhouser9138]

I've had 4 close encounters with snakes during my lifetime and that is 4 too many. Great video!

[@hotrunny]

I've had four encounters in the past two weeks here in Kingman Arizona. 🌵🇺🇲 They all lived.... 👍🏻

[@KevinSmith-yh6tl]

In the hills where I live, amongst the hollers, there's one place Inpaticular known as "RATTLEVILLE" That is one nasty spot! 🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍

[@johnunderwood-hp8rj]

Oscar was a surprise in the truck. Good video guys.

[@oceandmike]

Thank you for your great videos! A fan in Orlando, Florida.

[@jtns2845]

i took a celphone call while out shooting in the desert as i walked back from arranging targets. i paused to get my phone, looked down and a rattler was not 12” from my foot. i flew away, looked back and couldn’t spot him. i just reloaded my ruger sr22 and spotted him again about 24” away heading my way. i was spooked but 3 doubletaps of cci minimags solved the problem. he blew his chance to roam elsewhere unbothered. i got photos. i packed up, moved and never returned to that exact spot. “holy f…” is about right. 12ga minishells only worked in a h&r single for me. great video as usual.

[@noahcount7132]

Enjoyed the mini-shell penetration demo and the cameo appearance by the rattler. Great video! 👍

[@mixup98]

Thanks. We had a blast making this video and as always we thank you for taking the time to watch and comment on it. Have a great weekend and I will have another video posted tomorrow.

[@oceandmike]

I really enjoy your videos! Thank you from central Florida!

[@gil9898]

Thank you for the examples of shell penetration, highly informative. Your son's photography is excellent.

[@midnight4540]

Yep, 12g is great but I always tell folks, even though it's a great home defence, it goes through the wall with no problem. Granted TV, pictures, dresser, mirror may be in pathway, but still go through it!!! Mini shell no joke they work well, use these in my single shotgun when fishing, hiking or just in woods. Thanks and take care, very good examples and warning of the capability of a mini shell! Take care

[@rubenc7858]

Ahhh....Your first F bomb on the channel. Great vids 👍

[@mixup98]

Yes indeed, that was my first and hopefully my last 👍😁

[@irafowlerjr.7492]

Great pictures and video of the rattlesnake, really enjoyed, thanks

[@joea5810]

Even on screen I'm shaking!!! Great work with the Mossberg.

[@357Addict]

"Oh ____" according to closed captioning. If there is a time for that word to slip out, a rattler will do it.

[@johnbearross]

That would have made a fine hat band! Be safe out there, Mix!

[@Dan-yw9sg]

I think that people really under estimate the power of a simple shotgun! Also the advantages. Thanks for the video. I need to find some of those shoe ties!

[@scenicdriveways6708]

I can relate, that really sucks when a rattler surprises you. I can tell you how many times I almost stepped on a prairie rattler while hunting cottontails out on the Wyoming prairie. Great video guys. Thanks for sharing it. JT

[@JoeHTX]

You were a lot more merciful to that snake than I would have been... Now it's going to go get it's mate and make a bunch more little rattlesnakes... I think I'll have to try some of those mini-shells now after watching this.

[@DRAGONRIDER385]

The mini shells are fun to fling. 😁 Thanks for the video.

[@barackmycat9448]

Well that was exciting. I was curious how the penetration test might coincide with the snake.

[@8626John]

Thanks for posting this. I always wondered about those mini shells. Impressive. And thanks for leaving the snake alone.

[@mixup98]

You are very welcome John and thank you for watching our video.

[@tropocal2343]

*It's nice to see there are still normal people in the world who aren't afraid of a snake, and aware of their benefit to nature.* 👍

[@johnwarren1445]

Thank you so much for the entertaining video (as always) and thank you so much not harming that beautiful Rattlesnake.Much respect from a fan in the U,K.

[@mixup98]

Hello John. We are glad that you found our video entertaining and it's always good to hear from you. Take care my friend.

[@TheRange7]

Oh man, that snake was coiling. I have a great fear of snakes in general, you did good. I was quite surprised at the hitting power of those mini shells. Great video. I was thinking, I've watched a ton of your vids and that old truck. Never recall a snake being anywhere around it before. Whew!!!!

[@Cr0wmagnum]

One of my favorite 12ga rounds got to like them. Keep them in the camp for the usual critters. Love the lower recoil and they are just handy to keep in a pocket. Keep the videos coming and thank you.

[@mixup98]

You are very welcome and thank you for being a four-year subscriber to my channel.

[@ReversePolarity5]

Glad to see you two back in the saddle and making videos again. Hopefully the extreme heat has calmed down. Guess that snake figured the truck was safe to move in while you guys were gone. Stay safe.

[@antondahl8945]

Good on you for not harming the snake! And yes mini shells are excellent! I have a Maverick 88 Cruiser and a Security.😊

[@richardrogers8254]

Yep, that will definitely jack your blood pressure up. Wow, I would have never thought that mini shells would have that much destructive capability! Would be viable for self defense of the home, with the insert to shotgun for reliability of course. Love your videos and how well you work together. Excellent cinematography. Son took some great photos of that rattlesnake and wowsers, you got pretty close to it before stopping. Scary stuff. Might better bring a set of snake tongs or a garden rake and relocate that thing to a hillside safely away from where you're walking at. ❤

[@theoriginalOSOK]

Another good one! Those minis look like a good option for your pump (with that little thingy installed) for home defense. Just don't shoot towards your loved ones in the house unless they're in a safe room! SSSSnake!!! lol yep we have those here in Texas too... and yeah if you encounter one out in the brush = just leave it be. As you can see they don't chase after you... that would be a chicken snake or a rat snake - they will come after you - but they're no poisonous.

[@erolkavlakverizon6112]

So glad noone got bit. I have diamond back rattlesnake here in southern Alabama as well as copperhead and cottonmouth. Be careful. Love those little shells. I need one of those adapters.

[@michaelblacktree]

7:40 That'll get your attention! Glad nobody was hurt.

[@carlossalomon-o3k]

🇨🇱🤝🇺🇸saludos mr mixup gran demostracion de los mini shells que para ser pequeños tienen una muy buena pegada y lo mejor aumentan la capacidad de las escopetas ĺo mejor fue dejar ir a la cascabel por que son unas sobrevivientes extremas dignas de admiración pero de cuidado un abrazo a usted y su hijo🤗🤗🤗

[@mixup98]

Saludos Carlos, esa serpiente de cascabel me llamó mucho la atención pero me alegro de que no hayamos tenido que matarla. Que tengas un buen fin de semana y un abrazo para ti y tu familia.

[@joegilbert7661]

Great shots of the snake! Great video!

[@mixup98]

Many thanks!

[@BubbaBigDude]

Dad you gonna go home and change your underwear? 🤣

[@shawthackston9723]

Good to see you back testing. Enjoyed it!

[@mixup98]

Thanks again!

[@araneaetvelivolum1086]

There is a new player in the mini slug market. Sterling 1.96" 1oz Slug 1380fps 10 Rounds. They are a little longer than the Federal and Aguila shorties so you get only 11 into the tube instead of 12. Cycle well with the Opsol adapter in my Mav88. Cost is a little lower than the 2 other brands. Maybe you can give them a try 😉

[@mixup98]

Thanks for the heads-up on the Sterling shells. I will look for them and do a review if I can get my hands on a box or two.

[@araneaetvelivolum1086]

​@@mixup98took my 88 to the range. To my surprise the Sterling minis cycled without the Opsol adapter. I wonder if that makes them work in a 870 or similar shotgun. I have a 88 only so I can't try .

[@mixup98]

@@araneaetvelivolum1086 Wow....that is good to know. I will get online and see if I can order some of these Sterling shells. I also have an 870 and a Stevens 320 pump shotgun that I can test. Thanks again for the suggestion.

[@greenbroccolistudios1275]

Rattlesnake jake approved!!! Character from Rango!

[@William-n1b]

Mini shells are my standard round in my Mossberg Shockwave. 2 3/4” in the 590.

[@Thafuface]

The tunes with the snake was pretty cool. Surprised how much penetration those things get

[@MrTurbo64]

Whoa fudge, holy shhoot.? Surprise in every episode. Thanks for the great videos.

[@scottmorgan1016]

Great video and snake was too close for comfort. I have shot the Aguilla,Federal and Challenger brand shorties. Have heard there is some Sterling brand shorties but have not come across them yet. Stay safe and take care

[@jimeckenrode1271]

I am impressed with the results of your testing. I think I may try some in my pump but not sure it would work without that little gadget you had to install.

[@PastorPete-x3f]

Thank you for sharing. Always enjoy your videos.

[@mixup98]

Thanks for watching!

[@regsparkes6507]

I'd imagine seeing that Rattler would get the ol' ticker racing a bit. Those shells impressed me!

[@cocoman12]

You guys always put out great videos. 👍 Thank you 😊

[@CapnSchep]

Great demonstration ..!

[@Bob-lq9ys]

I was wondering when you would run into a good old buzz-tail, great video showing what the mini shells can do

[@mixup98]

That was my second rattlesnake that I have come across in the last five or six years. Fortunately they are rather scarce around here.

[@RAWBOT301]

Defender tactical minishell adapter for mossberg pump action has worked flawlessly for me. it will cycle mini shells up to 3". Haven't had a single malfunction. Way better than the opsol adapter that wont cycle 3" shells.

[@hitmanhank8444]

Wow that's a big rattler. Glad you saw him before getting too close. Be careful holding the cardboard up next to Ed, they look so familiar that I nearly got them MIXED UP!. Stay safe you guy's.

[@mixup98]

Hello hitmanhank. It's always good to hear from you. And yes, I laughed at your comment! 👍😁

[@Pipesandstooges]

Mixup!! great to see you and your son back out there again well, I’ll tell you. I didn’t think there was anything that would startle mixup 98.😂😂 but I can see why take care out there. See you again soon.🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@mixup98]

Honestly, I don't get startled very easy but a rattlesnake will certainly bring out the cuss in me 😁

[@marzcapone9939]

The Federal mini slugs are accurate from my Shockwave turned SBS. I have a table, standing height, and resting my elbows on that table, I can hit steel targets at 75 yards. The recoil is light, compared to most 2 3/4" 1 oz slugs at 1600 fps.

[@11bravo27]

I Thank God NEITHER Of You Were Bit, And You Guy"s CONTINUE To BE CAREFULL. God Bless You BOTH!!!

[@christopherbishop4927]

Great video I love the Federal mini Buck All these years watching I can't believe that was the first rattler you have shown us I grew up in Southern New Mexico, I've seen a whole lotta rattlesnakes

[@mixup98]

I have several videos here on youtube showing rattlesnakes and other critters that we have come across over the years. Here is one of those videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3aWY41uiK55mMU

[@gwidwock]

I like the mini sells. I have Federal Punch OO Buck in my home defense. I probably would have to change my shorts after seeing that snake. 🤣🤣🤠🤠

[@tropocal2343]

*Real cool looking rattler, looks just like the ground; it sure wanted that water....lickin it up; **7:58*

[@KaiButtner]

Thanks for the video.... and it´s a real cool snake 😎

[@mixup98]

Thanks for watching!

[@apeters911]

Never heard Dad swear before… I know I would have said worse. That reminds me of the Christmas Story scene , where Ralphy helps his dad with the spare tire . O Fudge 😂 Great video guys !

[@mixup98]

Trust me, I said worse once I turned off the camera. 😁 And yes, I watch Christmas Story every December.

[@davidjernigan8161]

I like the defender tactical kit with the lifter and follower better. It's more expensive than the opsol, but it doesn't have to be removed for full length shells.

[@bmaxse]

That sounds good. Tell us more about it.

[@rbedwar12]

Them shells are nice... got to watch for snakes every where

[@ericbergfield6451]

I exclusively use 4-Buck minishells in my Mossberg 590 with the OpSol adapter. These shells also function in KelTec's KS7, & Standard Manufacturing DP-12 [both] without any modifications - they're both semi-autos

[@Americanstruggle]

9mm is my primary for apartment defense, but I also have mini shells loaded in my shotgun. Its all about the task at hand, or the surroundings for choice of caliber.

[@michaeldunn7716]

Great video. I would have jumped about the snake too!😅😅😅 Thanks for the experiment! I had questions about these. God bless all here.😊😊😊

[@mixup98]

Thanks for watching, Michael.....much appreciated!

[@JG-xt9io]

Mini shotgun shells are fun to shoot , and they're light recoiling , for new or inexperienced shooters . Have come across a couple timber rattlers ,copperheads and massasuga , usually just leave them . Years ago I was unboxing cactus from out west , down in the corner found a small rattle snake , only a few inches long . We called someone who took him away .

[@raytribble8075]

That 8 shot is devastating. The snake will thank you later.

[@RANDY12764]

LOL! That was funny! Money I spent on my 88 well worth every penny! I did like the colorization of that snake 🐍.

[@jeffraber9110]

That's what they call a speckled rattlesnake- he's a big one and really great colorization. Other common species in that area are red diamondbacks and green mojaves (for which there is no antivenom) . I knew a guy who got bit on the finger by a mojave- necrosis set in and he had to have it amputated. He wore his fingerbones, wired together, as a necklace.

[@ramondominguezb.4411]

we need to do a ballistic forensic analysis on that rusty truck

[@Salieri47]

I know from previous vids y'all don't kill the wildlife, even the reptiles. I hope that rattler lives a long, happy life. I'm also glad that rattler didn't lunge at Ed.

[@kurtp5379]

FYI, there is an improved adaptor available from, Defender Tactical. Once installed in a Mossberg pump, you can load any size shell, not only the mini's.

[@DecepticonRon]

I'm surprised you haven't came across a lot of them being in that valley. It actually seemed peaceful. Continue to be safe 🐍🐍🐍

[@ForgetU]

I had an incident 3 days ago, I said “Oh-Shit”. Never seen a snake really up close like that before. It was all coiled up, looked like a rattler and about the size of a honey bun. I still got the hell away from it. Central Illinois.

[@hoffpbass]

When I was a kid before we got real rifles, my cousins and I coming back from fishing -- I stepped through a barbed wire fence and my foot was right next to a curled up copperhead 😵 I moved real slow to get away from that situation. Then we went back and shot him with a BB Gun and child-toy bow and arrow which finally took it out. BB Gun was worthless except to make it mad. Then the farm dogs took over from there. That's is a memory seared from the 70s that's going nowhere. Have some other encounters too. And that's why I always take the 12ga fishing.

[@mixup98]

I have stepped right next to several diamondback and sidewinder rattlesnakes over the years, and they too were quickly dispatched, usually with a .22 rimfire pistol or rifle.

[@michaelpage4199]

You weren’t the only one who went ohhhhh duck. I have never seen one in the wild. Would have needed a quick trip to the car wash. lol.

[@myfavoritemartian1]

To walk upon a snake is one thing, to walk upon a snake looking through a camera is something else. While occupied filming it takes an extra instant to recognize the danger. A little bit more startling. Glad you are not hurt.

[@robertruark4051]

I would have had to clean my drawers after that LOL. Those little mini shells ain't no joke.

[@everydaycarrymonkey2691]

Yikes! I almost stepped on a snake at the range yesterday, but it just ended up being an ATF agent looking for "illegal" SBR's...

[@marstondavis]

Rattlesnakes are beautiful when viewed from 15-20 feet away.

[@JohnNewton-wq2xl]

love. your shotgun videos. Defender Tactical makes a ‘’universal cartridge adapter’ that lets you use any mix of shells in the mag, mini up through 3”. Works like a champ. I replaced my Opsol with it in my Mav88 and my son’s 590.

[@Yetified_Mayhem]

Great content as usual. I didn't know about the adapter, pretty cool!

[@latigomorgan]

Jake the Snake: "You gonna shoot some more hominy to bait in those mice and ground squirrels? I'm feeling a bit peckish."

[@ShawnShipstad]

Fantastic video. The only thing I shot was a snake with bird shot. The thing was 4-5 feet coming at , I was afraid for my safety and life. It was bird shot. Nothing left. I was in Minnesota with a friend. I was not going into the woods with oit a gun of some type. I was very happy I had something. The guy I was with-it was his treefarm. He asked why I did it. Fresh for Los Angeles. who in their right mind would have stood around to find out. I do not think there was a hospital with anti-venom anywhere close. That was my first and only kill.

[@BA-hk3ct]

I'd love to see a comparison to full size and magnum shells

[@timsmith9645]

Great video nice maverick 88 shotgun and becareful out there thanks for sharing mixup98 and son

[@dgunearthed7859]

Mixup98: "yeah we're going to.let ot live so it can take out our competition for this shooting area!" Lol