The weapon with the highest base damage per shot in Apex Legends is the Kraber.
The Kraber .50-Cal is a bolt-action sniper rifle obtained from care packages rather than ordinary ground loot. Its exceptional single-shot damage is balanced by scarce ammunition, a small magazine, a slow reload cycle, and a deliberate bolt-action firing rate.
Its damage depends on the hit location and the target's equipment. A body shot is already extremely powerful, while a headshot can immediately knock an unshielded or lightly protected opponent. That combination gives the Kraber its reputation as Apex Legends' signature long-range finishing weapon.
The Peacekeeper and Mastiff can deal heavy close-range damage, especially when many pellets connect, but they do not surpass the Kraber's standard damage for one precise shot. The Wingman is also powerful, yet its per-shot damage is lower and it is designed for faster repeated fire.