Accuracy Expectations for Encore Slug Gun

[Booneandcrockett]

While I'm waiting for my 12 gauge Encore to arrive, I was wondering:

1) What type of accuracy can I expect?
2) Sabot slug recommendations?
3) I have a Leupold fixed 4X shotgun scope mounted on a Mossberg 695
with Leupold base and rings.    Can I use these on the Encore?

My Mossberg was accurate to the extreme.  I used Lightfield Hybrid 2-3/4" slugs and could hit clay birds out past 100 yards.  Wondering if I can expect the same type of accuracy with the TC.

Thanks

[Muddyboots]

First the 12 ga will come off the bench bag like a rattlesnake so hang and get at least 4" eye relief for your scope or your eyebrow will get peeled back like a fresh onion. I would lean towards the Federal Expander sabots. They have been pretty good for me with legitimate 2" groups at 100 yds. Having said that, I am now shooting 20 ga from custom shop and it shoots even better with Federal Expanders. The 20 still has 1,000 ftlbs at 100 yds and it doesn't quite have the same snottiness off the bench. Killed 6 pt last year with the 20 at 60 yds or so perfect shot behind shoulder so it goes where it is suppose to. If you like to try reloading for the 12 I had really good luck with Sabot Technologies  Hammerhead slug. Remington came out with copycat hammer head type slug last year so it does fly good. My son killed a 5 pt last year with the Hammerhead and it was pretty awesome terminal performance. I have a bull barrel 870 also that I use sometimes and it shoots the Hammerheads one hole at 50 yds. www.shotgunslugs.com Pretty easy to reload and I don't think I will ever buy another factory 12 ga slug as result. Reminder, scope eye relief is critical on the Encore for the slug guns but they really do shoot.
Muddy

[Gregory]

My 20 ga. Encore will pierce the primers on 3 of 5 of the Lightfield slugs. Best one I've found so far is Federal Premium 3" with the Barnes sabot slug. 4 shots in 1 7/8" the fifth opened the group to 4 1/8". Second best is Federal Premium 5/8 oz 2 3/4" sabot 4 shots in 3" and 5 in 5". These are 100 yd groups with a Leupold 3-9X scope at 9X.

[Booneandcrockett]

My 20 ga. Encore will pierce the primers on 3 of 5 of the Lightfield slugs. Best one I've found so far is Federal Premium 3" with the Barnes sabot slug. 4 shots in 1 7/8" the fifth opened the group to 4 1/8". Second best is Federal Premium 5/8 oz 2 3/4" sabot 4 shots in 3" and 5 in 5". These are 100 yd groups with a Leupold 3-9X scope at 9X.

Are you saying that the primers were pierced due to high pressure of the Lightfield slugs?  Were you usuing 3" ?  I noticed the 12 gauge slugs had a muzzle velocity of 1900 FPS.....way too hot for any shotgun in my opinion.

I bought some of those Sauvestre 12 gauge 3" disgarding sabot slugs
that were fin stabalized and based on  an anti-armor round fired in tank guns.  These things were SO HOT that I couldn't open the action of my Mossberg 695 without using a rubber hammer.  The primers were pierced and flattened.  These clocked at almost 2000 FPS.  I also tried them in an NEF single shot Ulti-Mag.  Same deal.  Wouldn't eject and had to be driven out with a wooden dowel.  

I tend to stay away from the magnum stuff.  Lightfield Hybrids (2-3/4") clock at over 1400 FPS.....more than enough for whotetail out to 100 yards.
That's what I used to take the deer in my profile picture but the distance was only about 25 feet.

[Steve E]

If I remember right the 20 Ga Slug barrel shot everything 1 3/4 to 3 inch at 100 yds except the Lightfield slugs which shot a pattern that looked like large diameter buck shot. Shot some 3 inch "High Velocity" slugs through my 835 Ulti-Mag that would really wake you up even with the recoil pad, I think they were Winchester. But I really like the Encore 20 Ga. Slug barrel.

                                                   Steve E.........

[Gregory]

My 20 ga. Encore will pierce the primers on 3 of 5 of the Lightfield slugs.

Are you saying that the primers were pierced due to high pressure of the Lightfield slugs?  Were you usuing 3" ?  I noticed the 12 gauge slugs had a muzzle velocity of 1900 FPS.....way too hot for any shotgun in my opinion.

When I contacted Lightfield they blamed the problem on the Encore firing pin.  They said the Encore has a "rifle" firing pin and they use rather soft primers and the Encore firing pin has a tendency to pierce their primers.  I sent the slugs back to Lightfield and they refunded my money.  I have no complaints about them as a company.  They handled the problem well.

[Tracker]

I just recently moved back to Maryland in a county where I have to use a slug for deer.  I am looking at the Encore so I can have the option of using it for muzzle loading season as well as general rifle for deer.   I have always used a 12 guage slug gun but am recosidering based on some of the posts here.  How about some opinions on which way to go.  Also anyone have any data on accuracy on the Encore .50 cal muzzle.