Opinion Thread: Best weapon for Deer in shotgun Territory?

[kapa1]

I current'y hunt in the thumb with a .50 muzzle loader for it's accuracy and range, but I've been considering other options lately.

In your opinion what is the best gun for deer hunting in shotgun territory?

I would say the criteria would be accuracy, range, and knock down power.

[Rolex Dr.]

you have the gun already


the .50 ML is far more accurate then most slug guns can be (unless spending huge $$$$)

i just finished building a 20ga slug gun for my encore frame and still have to test it out

but for the price of good slugs at 10-25 per box of 5 the ML is far better on the wallet

JD

[RPMO6]

In your opinion what is the best gun for deer hunting in shotgun territory?

I hunt with a Remington 870, 20 gauge, cantilever rifled barrel, with a Nikon Slughunter BDC 200 scope. I can kill a paper plate out to 200 yards without a problem with Hornady SST slugs.
Farthest kill shot to date: 65 yards.
Two shots/two bucks/dropped in their tracks. Shot placement is key.

Remy...$315
Nikon...$250
Slugs...$12/5
Total...$577

Love the set up. I will NEVER use a 12 gauge slug gun again! Ever!

I also hunt with a scoped .50 cal Remington MLS. Love it. Shotgun is much nicer due to cleaning, unloading, reliability in downpours/***** weather and carry weight.

My slug gun isn't any more accurate than my ML out to 150 yards IMHO.

[AMG08]

i have a muzzle loader, and i have a slug gun. the slug gun hasnt left the closet in 2 years. go with the muzzleloader. much more accurate and cheaper to shoot and practice with.

[wadevb1]

I have two rifled slug guns that are MOA deer heart at 100 yards with better knock down energy not to mention follow-up shops unlike a MZ. With that being said, I still carry my MZ exclusively.

Carry what you have confidence in, everything else will fall into place.

[postban]

Gotta go with slug gun, in my case Rem 1187 with 21" smoothbore bbl and rifled choke. I have had really good results with it using low cost Brenekke MP slugs.

I also have a common problem to the Southern Lower, small piece of property to hunt on. I have to make sure the animal stops on my property so regardless of the quality of my first hit additional shots may be required. This unalert walking doe was hit 3/4 head on in the shoulder at 90yds and swapped ends right back to where she came from and I hit her again 95yds, lower chest through the heart. It still went 40yds more leaking out four 72 cal through-and-through holes.

95 yd doe here;
http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f49/postban/postban/th_1187deathray.jpg (http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f49/postban/postban/1187deathray.jpg)

If you feel comfortable with one shot, do it. If you have enough room for them to expire after a good shot, do it. If you have a situation like I do, use as amny shots as required to humanely take the game.

I also have a nice muzzleloader, T/C Omega, had it out for BP season but did not see a critter.

BP for BP season, absolutely.
BP for firearm, nope I prefer SG.

[richarr9]

Muzzleloader is probably the best bet since you already have it. I shoot a H&R ultra slug hunter 20ga. Extremely accurate, and well priced when compared to buying a rifled barrel for a 870 or something. My two brothers both have this same gun, we all have great luck with it, my older brother puts a notch on the stock for ever deer he gets, and I think he is up towards 20 or so. The only downside it the price of bullets, I shoot core loks but it is worth it.

[barnumb]

T/C Encore 209x45 super mag 200gr Hornady sabot. If you do your part 300 yards is realistic.

[Ol` Joe]

IMO your muzzleloader is the best choice, this from a guy that uses a scoped 870. The range and accuracy of the front stuffers today is twice what you`ll see with a slug, especially past 75 or so yards.

[tenthumbs]

I current'y hunt in the thumb with a .50 muzzle loader for it's accuracy and range, but I've been considering other options lately.

In your opinion what is the best gun for deer hunting in shotgun territory?

I would say the criteria would be accuracy, range, and knock down power.


It seems that everyone is presuming you have an inline M/L. Is that correct?

My experience with inline with sabots vs percussion sidelock patched ball are quite different.

[pbnationrc]

the street sweeper!

[kapa1]

It seems that everyone is presuming you have an inline M/L. Is that correct?

My experience with inline with sabots vs percussion sidelock patched ball are quite different.


I do shoot an inline.

[kapa1]

Thanks for all the input thus far.

I'd really like to put a 20 gauge high $ slug against a ML at the range to really compare.

I have access to a brand new in the box H and R 20gauge for about $160.00. I may just buy it and try it out.

[PhotoTom]

Thread moved to "General Hunting" forum

- Mod

[huntmeister]

Bolt action, fully rifled slug gun with Sabot pronounced "SA-bow" slugs and a 3x9x40 scope.

I use and swear by my Mossberg 695 and 2 3/4 Lightfield EXP hybrids.

These are also some prospects to look at.
savage 210 slug worrior,bolt action

single shot
NEF / H&R Slug Hunter

[kframe357]

.44 mag wheelgun, you pick the flavor: S&W, Ruger, Taurus..... :brow:

[kapa1]

.44 mag wheelgun, you pick the flavor: S&W, Ruger, Taurus..... :brow:

Oh yeah? And I see you so conviently have one for sale....

But seriuosly, can you use a big bore revolver like that for deer? What kind of range do you get out of it?

[remingtondude58]

I use a Mossberg 500 rifled w/ Bushnell 1.75-4 and a CVA Kodiak

I don't have any experience with them but these (http://www.tarhunt.com/tarhunt/ecatalog/index.cfm?id=1&cfid=20895531&cftoken=94665408) are probably best



But seriuosly, can you use a big bore revolver like that for deer?

Absolutely!

[protectionisamust]

I have always hunted in the "shotgun only" zone and have always used my 12ga. browning BPS Deer/Turkey pump gun with a 4 " external rifled choke topped with a Bushnell Elite 3-9-50 shooting 3" 1oz Winchester Supreme Hi-Impact hollow points. I bought a new TC Triumph last year but have not pulled it out of the box yet. I guess its hard to let go of the trusty 12 ga. that I have accuratly shot and taken many deer with.

The reason I bought the TC was because I hunt on alot of open farm land and thought I could try farther shots (250+ yards).

But to be honest, every deer I have taken has been within 100 yards.

[bear300us]

Id rather have a good scoped rifeled barrel shotgun most deer are killed within 70yards follow up shots are nice.

[countryboy3248]

my buddies dad has a 45-70 that looks like a .410. He uses that on his private property....and carries some .410 ammo with him just in case.

There is no point in talking about "laws" or "morals" or "what if's"....I dont agree with his point of view, and I dont think its a good idea...however...it works for him....

If i ever even thought about it, DNR would bust me...thats the way it works out i guess....lol:hang:

[Rolex Dr.]

my buddies dad has a 45-70 that looks like a .410. He uses that on his private property....and carries some .410 ammo with him just in case.

There is no point in talking about "laws" or "morals" or "what if's"....I dont agree with his point of view, and I dont think its a good idea...however...it works for him....

If i ever even thought about it, DNR would bust me...thats the way it works out i guess....lol:hang:


i hunt in shotgun only zone and the neighbor uses old 06 and still shoots from the tractor, many times aided by lights

but the dnr doesn't seem to care especaily since for the 4 county area there are 4 officers

[Toledo Kid]

T/C Encore 209x45 super mag 200gr Hornady sabot. If you do your part 300 yards is realistic.Tell me about it!!! I have a TC Encore 50 and I am here to tell ya they work better then any slug gun I ever owned!!!
Buddy and I were messing around at lunch time sitting on the back of the truck and a few doe's pop out across a stubble field about 230yds+ from us according to the laser. We watch them for a few minutes.
My buddy says: " see what that TC 50 will do with 3 pellets and that XTP Bullet."
I loaded it up threw my day pack down, put the cross hair two inches below her back and hit the switch...
Took forever and a day to get there(hahaha :sleep:) but that 50 dropped that 140lbs doe like lightning!!!
I clipped the back side of her shoulder blade and that thing came out the other side size of a Plum!!!

TC Encore 50 Smoke Pole for me folks in Southern Michigan!!! :thumbup:

[kframe357]

But seriuosly, can you use a big bore revolver like that for deer? What kind of range do you get out of it?

I use them downstate. I have no hesitation at 50 yds. Confident at 75 with a scope. Never really get a far shot in the swamps though....

[Odinsworn]

How about one of those henry rifles that is chambered for big bore pistol rounds, would that meet the letter of the law?

[RPMO6]

How about one of those henry rifles that is chambered for big bore pistol rounds, would that meet the letter of the law?

I'm thinking no. I'm pretty sure a center fire long gun (non-shotgun) in the shotgun zone is illegal.
If it's not, I'd like to see the law in writing. I've wanted to use a CX4 Storm in 45acp for a long time...I had a friend that used to hunt with a small lever action 45acp (maybe a marlin?) up north many years ago and never considered using it below the shotgun line.

[remingtondude58]

I'm thinking no.

You are correct, unfortunately

http://midnr.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/MiDNR.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_sid=bLkI_ssj&p_lva=&p_faqid=1805&p_created=1031010644&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9ncmlkc29ydD0mcF9yb3dfY250PTEyO SZwX3NlYXJjaF90ZXh0PWhhbmRndW4gY2FsaWJlciBjYXJiaW5 lJnBfcHJvZF9sdmwxPX5hbnl_JnBfcHJvZF9sdmwyPX5hbnl_J nBfcGFnZT0x&p_li=

[RPMO6]

You are correct, unfortunately

http://midnr.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/MiDNR.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_sid=bLkI_ssj&p_lva=&p_faqid=1805&p_created=1031010644&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9ncmlkc29ydD0mcF9yb3dfY250PTEyO SZwX3NlYXJjaF90ZXh0PWhhbmRndW4gY2FsaWJlciBjYXJiaW5 lJnBfcHJvZF9sdmwxPX5hbnl_JnBfcHJvZF9sdmwyPX5hbnl_J nBfcGFnZT0x&p_li=

Thank you remingtondude, it's nice to see it in print so I don't have to assume...

[Odinsworn]

You are correct, unfortunately

midnr.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/MiDNR.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_sid=bLkI_ssj&p_lva=&p_faqid=1805&p_created=1031010644&p_sp=cF9zcmNoPTEmcF9ncmlkc29ydD0mcF9yb3dfY250PTEyO


Yeah, thanks for the link, I suspected as well. I couldn't find anything addressing it on the DNR's website, though. Shouldn't a pistol caliber round, pretty much be a pistol caliber round, regardless of the vehicle? I would think that most of the advantage of a gun such as that would be the control and accuracy of a rifle, not some gigantic jump in the ballistic performance. But, that's just conjecture on my part, I've never fired such a gun, nor have I seen a report on how much the long barrel effects the cartridge's performance. More importantly I guess, the law is the law, all possible logic be damned!:mrgreen:

[HAWKEYE50ML]

I'd like to see a shotgun do 220yd groups like my Encore ML. Go to the Smokepole forum, way down at the bottom of the listed forums. Shotgun PREMIUM Sabot's are just plain expensive.

[pike_mazter]

I'd like to see a shotgun do 220yd groups like my Encore ML. Go to the Smokepole forum, way down at the bottom of the listed forums. Shotgun PREMIUM Sabot's are just plain expensive.

I wouldn't compare the groupings at 220 but I have kept shots on the center of a paper plate at 200 with my H&R Ultra Slug Hunter using high end sabots. I don't know that I would ever take a whack out that far but I guess knowing that I possibly could is reassuring. 12ga sabots are insanly expensive, last year I shot the Hornady's at $13-$20 a box. (the hornadays are junk IMO, I will never use those again) For the price go with the encore.

To date my farthest kill shot with the H&R is 70 yards, farthest all time would be 100 yards with a smooth bore 870. It was a VERY young doe back when I was 18 years old. Took 10 shots to drop her, yes that is right I had to reload once. After the first five I thought the deer was dumb as rocks as it didn't hear the shots at all and kept on eating. Took another 5 shots aiming above her back and she fell on the 10th shot. Amateur mistake on my part but it worked out in the end. After I go back to the house the neighbor said he watched the whole thing from his blind and thought maybe I was shooting at one of the DNR's robot deer. He still laughs about it to this day.

[HAWKEYE50ML]

I think it would be highly unlikely for me to attempt a 200yd shot on a deer, for two reasons. The first being that until I can do a penetration test to determine that the animal would be humanely dispatched. Second, I'll need to shoot a whole heck of a lot of lead downrange before I am ready to consider the shot on game.
And I agree about the high cost of shotgun sabot's. the deer season before this one, I had to pass on a 40yd shot due to a lack of practice with the expensive 12ga. sabots through my 870. After the season, I purchased my 209x50 Encore.

[The_Dude_Abides]

My contender with a 35 remington super 14 barrel and a 4x scope.

[OpenSights]

Remington Premier AccuTip Bonded Sabot Slugs PRA12M, 12 GA, 3", 385 grains, 1900 fps, Designed for use in fully-rifled barrels only, 5 Rd/bx

don't know about knock down power yet, but I'll let ya know...

[bow7907]

I have killed deer every year since I can remember. The early years with a Remington 1100 with a hastings smooth bore with rifle sights then the past 10 years with a Remington 11-87 cantelever rifled slug barrel with Leoupold scope. My favorite round is the Winchester Supreme partition Gold 2 3/4" 385 grain 1900 fps that have taken deer from ranges of 10- 150 yards

[Sargeyork]

Use your muzzleloader with the heaviest bullet you can accurately shoot or Lightfield Hybred Elite 3 inch in the orange box out of a 12 gauge rifled barrel with scope.:getsum2: :torch: :pump:

[Groo]

I'm thinking no. I'm pretty sure a center fire long gun (non-shotgun) in the shotgun zone is illegal.
If it's not, I'd like to see the law in writing. I've wanted to use a CX4 Storm in 45acp for a long time...I had a friend that used to hunt with a small lever action 45acp (maybe a marlin?) up north many years ago and never considered using it below the shotgun line.

What about Michigan messed up defination of a Pistol?

a Carbine under 30" is a pistol. once a pistol, always a pistol. (assuming its not an SBR)

http://www.mechtechsys.com/1911.html
one of these in 10mm or 460 Roland would do the trick.

[Marvin Hunter]

My contender with a 35 remington super 14 barrel and a 4x scope.

Not to split hairs, but I don't think that is a straight-walled cartridge is it?

I don't agree with their mindset but here it is: http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10366_37141_37706-31578--,00.html

[Edward]

I use a rem.870 12ga. sp deer.Smooth barrel,2.5 fixed power scope.Pretty odd,but I get my best groups with the old win.1oz. sabot slugs.Not recomended for smooth-bores,but they out-shoot all the other slugs i've tryed(and i've tryed just about all of them lol!!!)Give me a shot out to 100yds,and its a dead deer.Its worked very well for me over the years,so never had a reason to change.

[mechredd]

IMO, any shotgun with a Hastings Paradox barrel.

An H&R Ultra would be my next choice.

[Will-IB-Ready]

How about a van? I've had real good luck with one. Or a truck. Trucks work well...

[papabear]

I used a motorcycle once, not for the faint of heart

[Mainspring]

I heard rumors of a rule change allowing straight-walled pistol caliber rifles being allowed in zone 3 for taking deer, or a debate about them being allowed, or the thought of a debate about them being allowed. Has anyone heard of this?

[556fanatic]

Remington 870 with a slug barrel and low powered optic would be the best bet

[themancmt]

MOSSBERG 500 24" fully rifled barrel (on sale at gander mnt. for $200) i have one and so far that is the best for me. i shoot the sabot hornady shells and get 2" groupings at 100 yards (im no where near a marksman) with a tasco 1.5-5x32 scope (junk). i got mine sighted in for 100 yards with the hornady shells u can pull off a 200 yard shot. good luck.

[RifleGuy]

I have used my old Mossberg 500 w/ a rifled slug barrel & open sights for many years. I shoot sabot slugs, prefer Remington Copper Solids (bought a case years ago, still using them) but do just fine with several brands.
With this set-up, I can hold 3 shots in a 3" group from a standing rest (fence post, tree branch, etc.,) at 75 yards, better from a seated rest.

There is ample power to drop a deer out to 150 yards, probably further, but my eyes are no longer reliable at that range. If I break down and add a scope to this setup, I would feel comfortable shooting to 125 yards.

[RifleGuy]

How about a van? I've had real good luck with one. Or a truck. Trucks work well...
I bagged several deer with a '92 F-250... yeah, trucks have tremendous put-down power!! :hick:

[bullnose]

I heard rumors of a rule change allowing straight-walled pistol caliber rifles being allowed in zone 3 for taking deer, or a debate about them being allowed, or the thought of a debate about them being allowed. Has anyone heard of this?

Yup - it's house bill 5416 of 2009. It was introduced on the 17th of September. I doubt it's made much news yet.

legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2009-HB-5416

Here's the specific wording for the shotgun zone:

(d) A .35 caliber or larger rifle loaded with straight-walled
cartridges with a minimum case length of 1.16 inches and a maximum
case length of 1.80 inches.

[hunt-n-fool]

my '96 caravan did a great job on the largest buck of my hunting so far :hardhat:

[kapa1]

How about a van? I've had real good luck with one. Or a truck. Trucks work well...

Lol, I was waiting for someone to suggest that.

I actually took out a whole herd with a Dakota once. Only killed one that I know off. The rest just got clipped.

[gemihur]

Listen to the Dude Abides, centerfire in the contender or TC Encore in 209x50. Get a decent scope for it. Shoots like an 'o6
or get fancy with a custom barrel on a fireplughttps://i.postimg.cc/qMTqTnjK/375-Excessive.jpg

[DP425]

Listen to the Dude Abides, centerfire in the contender or TC Encore in 209x50. Get a decent scope for it. Shoots like an 'o6
or get fancy with a custom barrel on a fireplughttps://i.postimg.cc/qMTqTnjK/375-Excessive.jpg

Really? An 11 year old thread? Come on dude

[Mkc451]

I current'y hunt in the thumb with a .50 muzzle loader for it's accuracy and range, but I've been considering other options lately.

In your opinion what is the best gun for deer hunting in shotgun territory?

I would say the criteria would be accuracy, range, and knock down power.

Didn't notice the 11 year old thread till I typed out a reply -- would be curious to know if the OP was still around, if he stuck with a muzzle loader. I know I use one..

I hunt w/.50 cal muzzle CVA, 250gr hornady sst, w/2 pellets of IMR WhiteHot. Vortex 2-7 Crossfire on it. It's all I hunt whitetails with. Range out 150 yds, no problem. If it was nice day - no wind 200 yds is not out of the question. Plenty of knockdown power, never had a hit whitetail travel more than 10-15 yds. You can hunt any gun season, any region with it. If you aren't confident in having only one shot, practice. I do carry a 45LC Cattleman El Patron SA with me, but that is much more for protection from 2 legged varmints than deer. Plus it's a totally cool pistol look in a western holster belt when you are carrying a muzzle loader! It will take a deer too, 2 whitetails w/it in the last few years .. they were both close (under 20yds) and they were both DRT on the spot w/250gr RNFP - HC lead.

It's not like I don't have other choices in the safe including 45LC rifle, 12g semi-autos, 20g SxS .. all would work fine, but i like the muzzle loader.

[balrog006]

Listen to the Dude Abides, centerfire in the contender or TC Encore in 209x50. Get a decent scope for it. Shoots like an 'o6
or get fancy with a custom barrel on a fireplughttps://i.postimg.cc/qMTqTnjK/375-Excessive.jpg

Bottle neck rifle cartridge & way beyond the max OAL for lower MI zone. Nope, sorry.

[gman]

I guess when you're from Roanoke, VA. it would help a bit to know some of MI. laws before you post your opinion. Besides, as stated, it's an 11 year old thread, I'm sure the OP has chosen a gun by now, but he does have more options available to him since asking in '09. :wink: