Buck Shot or Slugs?

[jtl85]

What is your opinion on which is better for close range(under 40 yards) deer hunting. This is without on eof those fully rifled slug barrels?

[BlueWater]

JT-
If you have ever seen anything shot with 00 buck you whould go for the slugs. Buck shot will cut the meat up bad. The only thing 00 is good for is pest control. In a smooth bore you should go with the regular rifle slugs and a modified choke. Buy a box or two or three and then spend some time at the range. You will most likely find there efectivness and limits quickly. When something is hit good with a slug though it don't live long and can kill game. One more thing. I have read that the saboted slugs are for rifled barrels and do not help out at all in smooth bores. Enjoy but I would still hint with a rifle for deer given the choice.

BlueWater.

[Dogfish]

Howdy,

I would suggest paying $85-150 for a used rifled slug barrel for your gun, depening upon the make. I have one for both of my Mossbergs, a 500 and an 835. This will increase your effective range out to over 100 yards.

The choice between slug and buckshot is simple if you are after deer. Go with the Foster style slug. This is the all lead cheap slug that usually costs about $2.50 a box. Sabots are not for smoothbores. Slugs should not be used in an 835, unless you have a slug barrel, as the smooth bore barrels are overbored and the slug can cant in the tube, causing a barrel obstruction, and serious injury to you and onyone else nearby.

If you are after coyotes, go with #4 buckshot. It drops them in their tracks out to 50 yards.

I took a deer at 67 yards with a slug from a smooth bore gun, so they can be accurate enough to get the job done.

Last of all, practice before you go out. The ammo is cheap, and you'll feel better knowing where to aim to take your game.