Abstract: An apparatus and method of use for a cartridge-type animal stunner comprising an elongated stunner housing having a muzzle and a breech with a cartridge chamber for receiving an explosive charge. A captive penetrating-type stunning rod capable of being propelled forward is received in the bore. The stunning rod has an opening throughout the entire length thereof. Upon placement of the housing forward end against an animal and activation of a trigger, a firing pin moves to impact a cartridge in the cartridge chamber, causing explosion of the cartridge. The stunning rod is propelled forward to penetrate the animal head to a brain. Simultaneously, a portion of combustion products from explosion of the cartridge travel into the stunning rod opening at a rearward end, along the length of the rod, and out of the stunning rod forward end into the animal brain to cause rapid lethal damage thereto.