20 gauge options for deer

[willmartin]

Hey guys, have a 20 gauge and am just wondering about somethings in terms of hunting Whitetail in the Maine woods. What is the best 20 gauge slug for a smoothbore? Is getting a rifled barrel and spending $3 per sabot slug really worth it? Most shots in the Maine woods are between 50-75 yards, maaaaybe out to 100. Obviously a rifle in .308/.30-06 would be the best choice, but I've got to work with what I have.

 

[45crittergitter]

Try Federal TruBall.

 

[janobles14]

any rifled slug will do you just fine. simply find the one that shoots the best at 75 yds.

so long as that same round will hit 1" high or so at 25 yds then you are on the money and ready to slay the beast.

 

[gvnwst]

I used to use regular federal foster type, and it worked well enough, now the truball works even better.

 

[Bezoar]

the sabot loads from remington can be good. the corlokt one is really good.
Now, you can get highpowered stuff that you can use on dangerous game in africa for 12 and 20 guage even.
the question is, what shotgun are you using? Some of the saboted stuff will need some serious sightin with a good scope, and that my not happen if you cant use a scope.

 

[willmartin]

I have a remington 870 but I need the scope mount and scope.

 

[Lon371]

The remington 870 is a sweet shooter. I use a Mossberg because it is what I have. I also shoot a smooth barrel, for the last 10 years. I have only taken about 30 deer with it, shots from 15 to 80 yards. I shoot what used to be the cheap brenneke rifled slugs. My gun shoots them well.

The rifled barrels are a little more accurate with more expensive (than rifled) slugs.

Which ever you choose. Buy several brands and see what your gun likes. There is no real great bullet that works in every gun of the same brand, caliber, or type of barrel. You have to shoot different types to determine the best.

Good luck and go shoot!

Lonny

 

[Dr. Tad Hussein Winslow]

The Remington Buckhammer is another good (premium) choice.

http://www.remington.com/products/ammunition/shotshell/slugs/buckhammer.asp