Author Topic: Why do you use a slug vs a rifle for deer? (Read 10322 times)

beerhunter · « **Reply #30 on:** November 04, 2007, 07:36:48 PM »

I live in Michigan and i have never taken a deer over 75 yards and nothing will out do a slug for knock down power at that distance. I hunt shotgun and rifle zone I still prefer using slugs unless I am field hunting. I also like to use oobuck when i om stalking. (the thought of 16 32 caliber balls going after a running deer at close range =no tracking.) lol

12ptdroptine · « **Reply #31 on:** November 07, 2007, 06:46:46 AM »

I live in Illinois and that dictate's why...However with todays guns and loads they are rapidly approaching the 200yd mark....................

pigguy · « **Reply #32 on:** November 08, 2007, 02:22:04 PM »

where I hunt in south east oklahoma,we can have very THICK woods during modern gun season,to the point where you cant see further than 50-60 yds in the woods.This makes a slug gun a great choice.That and i am shooting a mossberg 835 with a fully rifled slug barrel.Being fast with this gun from chasing rabbits with my beagles,it is second nature for fast aiming at deer going thru thick cover!But I still love my 308 NEF.

slim rem 7 · « **Reply #33 on:** August 09, 2009, 04:39:11 PM »

i always jump deer going to the stand... i plan on using 3 inch 2b mag buckshot going an coming
to my stand if im not field hunting...then switch to sluggs for stand hunting...
its kinda wierd to me... ive got a 110 06,savage that i can use for field hunting long shots...
but where i see more game is coming an going... when i found the fed mag 2 b buck shot shell...
my 20 gauge became my more options on game in close cover favorite.... i had decided not to do this unless i found 20ga. in 2b ....but i did,,, an bought all i could afford as id never seen it before...
it completly changed how i ll hunt... im thinking ,slim
ps the 3bb doesn t compare in my 28 inch barrel to this mag 2bb...
i shot an cat scratch post i made with 3/4 ply base ,,with 2by 4 bolted to the base an wrapped in carpet......the carpet held the 2by togather but it ripped a 3-4 inch section out of the plyboard base...
i believe this is plenty knockdn power to take jumped deer at 25-30 yrds ...slim

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #34 on:** August 10, 2009, 03:24:16 AM »

We can't find the #2 buck for 20 ga anymore , the # 3 will work as well to 40 yards . look at how many are killed with #4 in a 12 ga. at 1200 FPS the deer or shot has no idea of the ga.

Drilling Man · « **Reply #35 on:** August 10, 2009, 03:57:09 AM »

Quote from: dougk on July 05, 2007, 12:36:11 AM

Why do you use a slug gun (smooth or rifled) vs a rifle for deer?

Thanks
Doug

I wouldn't! I'd choose a properly loaded rifle EVERY time!

It amazes me that's there still folks that think one gun (bullet or slug) is better in brush than another... I'm talking a proper deer bullets here, not compareing a varmit bullet to bullet with a proper SD for big game.

DM

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #36 on:** August 10, 2009, 04:58:12 AM »

Drilling man , Guess you never hunt where the law say NO RIFLE PERIOD or BUCKSHOT ONLY FOR DEER HUNTING . Or maybe you have never had the plesure of hunting deer with hounds . I point these reasons out not in a smart azz way but to point out its not always ones first choice .

Drilling Man · « **Reply #37 on:** August 10, 2009, 07:32:54 AM »

Quote from: SHOOTALL on August 10, 2009, 04:58:12 AM

Drilling man , Guess you never hunt where the law say NO RIFLE PERIOD or BUCKSHOT ONLY FOR DEER HUNTING . Or maybe you have never had the plesure of hunting deer with hounds . I point these reasons out not in a smart azz way but to point out its not always ones first choice .

Your right i don't, and i'm so glad it's hasn't come to that where i live! Also, i wouldn't care to use dogs for deer, even if they were legal to use...

DM

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #38 on:** August 10, 2009, 07:45:22 AM »

I respect that , but add if you have never tried it its a blast to have anywhere from one to 20+ deer file by your stand with a pack of good hounds on their butts singing to the top of their lungs . Its a group affair like dove shoots . I also hunt where we can with a rifle but enjoy a shotgun also many places its no handicap and in some conditions a help . More so from an aiming point than a penitration stand point . Although 000 buck in dense vegitation is hard to beat .
Good hunting

Jimbo47 · « **Reply #39 on:** August 12, 2009, 06:01:59 PM »

Here in Texas there are certain areas that only allow bow or shotguns for deer, but in south Texas it's pretty much rifle of your choice, but I'm having to hunt with a slug gun this year because the landowner is leasing his land for bow or shotgun only.

It's not a large lease at only 200 acres but there are a couple of farm houses on opposite corners that the owner is concerned with, and won't lease it but only under those conditions, of bow or shotgun.

I tried to talk him into letting me use my .357 Mag, reamed to maximum rifle, but he wouldn't go for it.

Oh well, I'm looking forward to it, as I've never hunted deer with slugs, and the layout of the land is perfect for close range hunting, so it should be an interesting season.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #40 on:** August 13, 2009, 02:43:54 AM »

Either Iowa or a state near them did a study on the danger of hunting with rifle (30-06) , slug gun (12ga.) and handgun round in a rifle ( can't remember ) . The slug was the worst for hitting something and bouncing off and keeping on going . The handgun was the safest and that is why you are seeing states start to allow there use in slug gun only areas . The study was the result of a court case . Seems everyone assumed the slug/shotgun combo was safest but no one ever did the checking . "Gun and ammo or one of the other magazines run the story last year so maybe you could look it up and get a copy. Might be interesting reading for the guy and help you .

jjas · « **Reply #41 on:** August 13, 2009, 09:24:05 AM »

I live in Indiana and we can use either a slug gun (in 12,16,20 or .410), pistol cartridge rifles (from .357 up as long as the case is a certain length), muzzleloaders or handguns. Now here's the rub. The handguns can be chambered in .243, .35 remington, 30-30, .270 etc) but we can't use rifles chambered in those calibers....How's that for goofy?

I've used a .44 mag in the past, but this year a guy was looking for a .44 mag rifle, couldn't find one and offered me more than I paid for mine(way over). Needless to say, he's carrying that this year.

I'm thinking about maybe buying a ruger 77/44 (if I can find one of the new ones) . If I can't find one , I'll carry a slug gun loaded w/ inexpensive fiocchi slugs (since every deer I've killed with a gun has been under 75 yards anyway) and the times when I sit in areas that may afford a possible longer shot, I'll use my muzzleloader.

Graybeard · « **Reply #42 on:** August 13, 2009, 09:26:44 AM »

I don't.

slim rem 7 · « **Reply #43 on:** August 17, 2009, 05:28:18 PM »

certain areas the slugs are just as sure..i think

my 20 with 1oz buckhammer is gonna knock the deer down out to 70 yrds sure..i ll go a hundred..

i may get a surprize but i know 5/8 oz will kill a deer.. when this 1oz hits him its gonna knock the

crap out ofem ,,,im thinking... slim

spikehorn · « **Reply #44 on:** August 29, 2009, 04:58:57 PM »

Here in my part of New York (Tompkins County) it's shotgun, ML, or handgun for regular deer season. We have a camp in the northern zone where there is an early ML season that starts the same day as bow in the southern zone, and then rifle starts in the northern zone one week later. I hunt with what is legal for where I am. I don't hunt with ML during shotgun season because I like the quick follow up if needed especialy when putting on drives. Where as one of my hunting buddies only uses ML in the sothern zone because of its accuracy. Since he got his ML I've never seen his sluggun in his hands.

GLHolmes · « **Reply #45 on:** September 23, 2009, 08:45:33 AM »

Here in southern Michigan, it's the law; I don't, however, have a huge problem with it, other than the complete pointlessness of the law. Scoped slug guns with rifled barrels are a far cry from the shotguns of yesteryear.

stevinator · « **Reply #46 on:** September 23, 2009, 04:13:08 PM »

Can't use a rifle in Illinois Deer Season.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #47 on:** September 28, 2009, 02:41:03 AM »

I really don't see the disadvantage with a slug gun in many hunts . Where i hunt a shot is most often inside 100 yards . My 210 savage slug gun will shoot into a 6 inch circle out to 150 yards from most field positions all day and maybe to 200 yards . Of the deer i have taken with it the longest shot was in the 80 yard range . Other than the kick i feel i see no disadvantage , well the front shoulders aren't much good after a slug hit .

Drilling Man · « **Reply #48 on:** September 28, 2009, 03:17:40 AM »

Quote from: SHOOTALL on September 28, 2009, 02:41:03 AM

I really don't see the disadvantage with a slug gun in many hunts . Where i hunt a shot is most often inside 100 yards . My 210 savage slug gun will shoot into a 6 inch circle out to 150 yards from most field positions all day and maybe to 200 yards . Of the deer i have taken with it the longest shot was in the 80 yard range . Other than the kick i feel i see no disadvantage , well the front shoulders aren't much good after a slug hit .

How can a slug gun shooter get good with a slug gun, with all the recoil and at 3 to 5 bucks a shot? Guess the average guy doesn't practise much.

A shot gun with slugs is a last resort for me.

DM

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #49 on:** September 28, 2009, 04:00:10 AM »

Well guess that depends on the gun and the man . I shot mine about 30 times to sight in and get it down . I shoot it about 5 times to recheck zero each season .
I suggest anyone shooting a slug gun check out Tarhunt.com - on how to shoot a slug gun . It is a really good read .
I also suggest alot of dry fire . With ammo cost what they are some rifle ammo is in the same boat these days . I once read about a guy who wanted to shoot skeet and compete but had little money . Another big name shooter told him to sight the gun following the lines formed where a cieling and wall meet to get his swing down and dry fire to get his trigger control . I also dry fire rifles and handguns to help gain these skills .
Although shooting lots of ammo is the best way those of us not flush enough to support lots of live fire can gain skill in other ways if we really want to .

jjas · « **Reply #50 on:** September 28, 2009, 06:13:01 AM »

DM,

The answer may lie in what Shootall said. Of the deer he's taken with his 210, the longest shot was in the 80 yard range. I think that's true of many people.

It certainly holds true for me, as I've never killed a deer past 75 yards. Where I hunt tends to keep shots short and in that particular situation why shoot heavy recoiling, expensive saboted loads?

This year, I've been playing around with a Mossberg 500 I use for turkey hunting. I mounted a scope on it, bought a carlon's screw in rifled choke tube and am shooting fiocchi reduced recoil slugs out of it. The accuracy is good way past 75 yards, the energy is plenty out to 75 yards or so and the recoil is very easy on the shoulder.

But, the best part is I've shot over 80 rounds this year and have spent less than $100.00 on
ammo.

If I do hunt an area that affords me a longer shot, I'll just grab my muzzleloader.

Jim

spikehorn · « **Reply #51 on:** September 28, 2009, 07:45:07 AM »

Here in my part of central N.Y. Regular deer season is shotgun, handgun and ML. I use a rifled slug gun and have only ever taken one deer over 100yds and that was an open field shot. Shootall said it the most expensive part of sabots is finding out what your gun like to shoot and then sighting it in. Once thats done all I do is recheck zero each year. I'll bet while I'm actually hunting I shoot less than two boxes each season. Some years not even one box.

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #52 on:** September 28, 2009, 08:03:07 AM »

For me I guess it depends on Distance.
In the West it is a rifle.
In NC on the Farm it depends on what and where?
If I am on my way back from the swamp and duck hunting I swap out the #4 Heavy shot for 00 buck for my walk back to the barn and throw on my orange hat.
I have taken the shotgun for deer when using dogs for that fast swing shot as deer will sprint by.
With the new rifled barrels and sabot slug combination they are 12, or 20 ga rifles that are highly accurate out past the 100 yards slugs have always been known.
When I have hunted in NJ Slugs were illegal unless you were X feet off the ground and Buck was the rule.
On dad's friend's farm in NY rifles were the Norm and the kids used slugs out of their shotguns.
In most places I have shot deer it was well under 75 Yards and most were taken with a rifle but a shotgun would have worked perfectly.
Heck up till I started deer hunting out West my longest kill on a deer was with a 2 3/4" 00 Buck load out of a Win 1897 Riot model at 75 paces.

Drilling Man · « **Reply #53 on:** September 28, 2009, 11:02:42 AM »

Do you guys have your deer fenced into certain area's, so you know exactly how far away you will have to shoot? lol

I may sit where i can't shoot over 50 or 100 yards, but i may see a nice buck while walking out there, and only have a 200+ yard shot. Now, what do i do? Well, in MY case with my gun, i push one lever foreward and drop the buck,

BUT, what do you guys do, run back to your car for a different gun??

This is why i don't use ANY short range gun, rifle or shotgun, as i NEVER know when i'll see what i'm after, and my "long range" gun kills them just as good at short range, but my 44 mag. doesn't kill them nearly so well at 200 plus! So, why carry my short range weapon when i'm serious about getting meat?

I'm NOT picking on shotguns, i'm picking on short range weapons! I do hunt with a handgun, but NOT when i'm serious about getting meat for my freezer!

I feel bad for folks who HAVE to use a shotgun to deer hunt with...

DM

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #54 on:** September 28, 2009, 12:02:40 PM »

16X16 or 12X12
over what Flanged?

billy_56081 · « **Reply #55 on:** September 28, 2009, 03:15:35 PM »

Quote from: Drilling Man on September 28, 2009, 11:02:42 AM

Do you guys have your deer fenced into certain area's, so you know exactly how far away you will have to shoot? lol

I may sit where i can't shoot over 50 or 100 yards, but i may see a nice buck while walking out there, and only have a 200+ yard shot. Now, what do i do? Well, in MY case with my gun, i push one lever foreward and drop the buck,

BUT, what do you guys do, run back to your car for a different gun??

This is why i don't use ANY short range gun, rifle or shotgun, as i NEVER know when i'll see what i'm after, and my "long range" gun kills them just as good at short range, but my 44 mag. doesn't kill them nearly so well at 200 plus! So, why carry my short range weapon when i'm serious about getting meat?

I'm NOT picking on shotguns, i'm picking on short range weapons! I do hunt with a handgun, but NOT when i'm serious about getting meat for my freezer!

I feel bad for folks who HAVE to use a shotgun to deer hunt with...

DM

Hunting with bottleneck cartridge rifles in southern MN would take away alot of the sport out of it.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #56 on:** September 29, 2009, 08:35:56 AM »

DM please don't feel sorry , we can shoot a deer or 2 every day of a 9 week season ( 7 reg gun and 2 ML ) , buck 3 or doe unlimited with bonous stamps in some counties ! We hunt places so thick only with the help of dogs we can get them out . We do have to deal with snakes and such some days but not all . But i wouldn't trade it . We live in a target rich area . I hunt most everyday on the way to work and on the way home on the days i work instead of hunt . I know some like the week long horse back hunt and it might be nice but a week in the saddle for a maybe vs a shot a day more often than not ain't me . BTW I really love to shoot a shotgun anyway .

Drilling Man · « **Reply #57 on:** September 29, 2009, 11:15:44 AM »

My "go to gun's" rifle bbl is 8x57jrs...

I can shoot pretty much all the deer i want here, too, but i rarely harvest more than two a year. That's about all i care to eat, so that's all i take. I do share some meat each year with a couple folks that REALLY need it too...

DM

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #58 on:** September 30, 2009, 03:43:14 AM »

I have a bunch who want meat and a bunch who want the deer gone . I hunt with a rifle also where legal some . But the shotgun works well where we hunt also .
People talk long range and feel sorry for alot of us in the South ( God's country ) . They forget the bean field rifle was invented in the South ( God's country ) . Nothing like siting back in a heated blind with shooting stations and a cook stove and ref. . While watching a bean field that streaches to a 1000 yards in several directions . No I haven't done it either but i did do the Plumbing and Heating for the " HUNTING LODGE " that went with it for a place to stay on weekends .

JimFromTN · « **Reply #59 on:** October 02, 2009, 04:31:26 AM »

I have been hunting in TN since 1984 and I have never had the opportunity to shoot at a deer past about 80 yds except on 2 occassions. One opportunity was at a 12 pt at about 150 yds but that was during bow season and I really did not feel confident to take the shot and I had another opportunity at another 12pt or bigger at about 400 yds but that was during ML season and again I did not trust my abilities with my TC Hawkin at that range. My biggest deer was a 12pt at 40yds with a remington slugger. My 2nd biggest deer was an 8 pt at 80yds with a remington slugger. My closest deer was a 7pt at less than 10 ft with a ML from a ground blind. I thought I would see how close he would get before I pulled the trigger. I have killed 2 bucks with a 300 win mag but both of them were within 20 yds. My average shot is about 30 to 40 yds. I like slugs because they make big holes and the deer fall down dead where I shoot them.

I don't feel sorry for myself for not being able to hunt long range. Its a major rush to let a deer get within 10 to 15 ft of you before you pull the trigger especially when you are sitting on the ground. Last year I had a doe run right up to me and stop literally an arms length from me. Had I had a pistol at the time, I think I could have gotten her.