all i shoot for deer is 2 3/4" shells. try riffled barrel. i use winchest platinum series 2 3/4" slugs. knocks thier dick in the dirt and has good range also. i have open sites and will take 100 to 125 yard shot if deer is standing still. no problem dropping them at that distance. i shot 2 doe this year one on the run sher dropped in her tracks( hit the neck) the other at about 85 to 90 yrds. shot in chest head on dropped her where she stood.