deer hunting

[fordman650]

hi guys happy friday
i am going to try something new this year but have a few questions maybe i can get some input,in Oregon we rifle hunt deer and this year i wanted to try my luck with a shotgun (but will take o6 for the long shots) i have a 870 express with chokes from mod to turkey. if i use buckshot which buck shot do i use and what choke? or can i shoot slugs with out a slug barrel and which choke would i use. we have upland bird and turkey open at the same time so this is why im thinking shotgun this year as long as i don't confuse my shells:banghead:

 

[1911 guy]

Rifled slugs and a barrel that isn't.

Hey there, fordman 650.
We use shotguns predominantly here in Ohio. If you've got a modified choke tube you're in. An improved cylinder may be better, but not always. Since you don't already have one, just use the modified.

Buy several brands of Rifled Slugs. These have small stabilization "fins" built into them to give them a slow spin when fired from a smoothbore. Do not use Sabot Slugs, as these are smooth and require a rifled barrel, which you didn't mention having, to shoot accurately. From a bench, yes it's gonna beat you up, shoot every brand you can find to see which your shotgun happens to like. I'm lucky, my 12ga will shoot the cheap Winchester Super X pretty well. The 20ga I had as a kid liked Federal. Once you find your guns preference, buy several more boxes and try them at 25, 50, 75 and 100 yards to get a feel for the trajectory. Trust me, it's a lot different than rifle shooting. Past 100 yards, most shotgun slugs fly like bricks.

Oh, after finding the guns preference, abandon bench shooting. Your shoulder will thank you.

 

[fordman650]

im sorry i have modified,improved cylinder,full and turkey chokes if this will help

 

[1911 guy]

Choke tubes.

Try the Modified and Improved Cylinder. Those are usually the best bet. Many swear by I.C., my shottie likes Mod. It just takes a little experimenting, like finding an accurate load for a rifle.

 

[Lennyjoe]

Any reason why you want to try the shottie over the -06? If its up close action you desire then pitch them both and get a bow.

I've shot deer with bow, rifle and shotgun and bow hunting is by far the biggest rush.

Either way, enjoy the hunt.

 

[fordman650]

i've been using the 06 for 10 years ,30-30 before that just wanted to change
it up and put some added adventue in to the hunt

 

[22-rimfire]

As you probably figured out, don't use buck shot.

A few years back I also wanted to put the adventure back into deer hunting again. Since I mostly hunt in the woods, I went with a handgun. At first I still carried the rifle... year No. 1 (Big Zip) although I did pass up a small buck; Year No. 2: 6pt with rifle; Decided that I was not going to take the rifle the next year. Year No. 3-7pt with handgun.

You can start archery hunting and accomplish the same thing. Very cool, but you spend a lot of time in the woods. I don't have the time.

 

[swampdog]

I'd get a set of sights that will clamp on your vent rib. It will really improve your accuracy with slugs. Tru-glo makes a set for turkey hunters.
I was forced to use shotguns for deer for the first ten years I hunted. I would never hunt deer with a shotgun again, by choice. I do hunt in the Dismal Swamp Park during their special season where you have to use slugs.
Shotguns are heavy. I can't see myself carrying a shotgun and a 30/06. If you want a challenge, lose the scope on the '06. Handgun and bowhunting are also very challenging. Bow season starts here next Friday.

Good Luck

 

[redneck2]

Ditto on the "forget the buckshot". No matter what the name of the shot, it's way inferior to slugs. Had a neighbor in Michigan that shot a big buck at about 25 yards with "00". Never did find the deer. Maybe OK for the little deer down south.

If I could use a 30-06 there's no way I'd use a shotgun. I've got a rifled barrel 870 that shoots tennis ball sized groups at 125 with sabots. No way ever I'd take that over a center fire.

 

[fordman650]

thanks for all the input i most likely will use the 06 ,but will have the shot gun with me also,will let you know how it comes out

 

[danurve]

Just another 2-cents, but if you do find some buck-shot that patterns decent it does make a good coyote load.