The Hornady SST 300 grain load moves out at 2000fps....Ok, most 150 grain black powder loads move 250-300 grain SST's at around 2000-2150fps??? Many of us shoot our .50's at 200 yds with a load like that. If you have a shotgun that delivers the needed accuracy at a tested 200 yds, what's the difference between them? Not a thing if you ask me.
Granted, some shotguns aren't going to deliver the needed accuracy, because the barrel attachment for those shotguns isn't the best for consistent shooting. BUT, if you had an Encore, an H&R Ultra, or one of the bolt actions that provide a stiff, solid, support base, as long as you put in the time, shooting 200 yds shouldn't be a problem with the SST slug.
The load itself is a big issue, because lets face it, most of the slug loads you buy aren't the most aerodynamic bullets available. They are sledgehammers, not lasers. The shotgun slug concept was developed so that people had a more effective deer/game load for the guns that they already owned and were familiar with, with a better range than buckshot. The key is a better range, not long range. Buckshot isn't worth a thing past 30-40 yds, while the slug got you 100 yds. When slugs were brought out, people didn't buy them to shoot past 150 yds, they were hunting the woods and thickets, and wanted a big hole in the animal. Most of the slug guns I've shot were regular pumps and semi's, some with a rifled barrel, some with a rifles choke, and some were the plain old smooth bore. With these guns, most of them were at best 3"-4" at 100yds. Some were twice that.
As for 5" at 200 yds, well, that's up to you to decide if you are comfortable with that. If you can get that from field rests, I'd be fine with it. If that's from the bench, I'd have to think about it, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't use it. I find it humorous that some say that's not good enough accuracy, but I've seen many a lever action 30-30 that shot 3" at 100 yds and is considered a 150-200 yd gun. JMHO.
