I'm about to buy the H&R ultra in the 12 gauge but after doing a lot of reading I am not sure if I should go with the 12 or the 20...if you can help at all i would appreciate it. How does the 20 gauge match up to the 12 in range, accuracy, kick, knock down, etc. Also if you have any input on which ammunition shoots the best out of the gun i would appreciate it...i know everyone is different and every gun may shoot different ammunition a little different but i would like to know where to start. Thanks guys!

I know the 12 kicks like a mule which could affect accuracy. Bout all I can tell you on this subject.

The 12 does have a stout recoil and is quite heavy. If you are deer hunting, the 20 would be just fine.

I went with the 20ga. after 25 years of hunting, I had enough of the 12ga. so 3 years ago I got it in 20ga. I have it topped off with a Leupold VX-II in 3-9x40, using Hornady SSTs. Let me say that this is a complete pleasure to shoot and is a track driver. Of course your gun may not like the SST slugs, so you might want to try a few differnt brands

It used to be that 20s were on the light side for deer. The newer 20 Ga slugs are perfect for deer.

From Federal's website, their 20 Ga slugs rated for 1900 fps retain more than 1000 ft lbs of energy at 150 yds. Sighted in about 2" high at 50, zero is 125 yds, and less than 3" low at 150 yds.

H&Rs are a heavy gun in general because of their thick-walled barrels. They use a 10 Ga barrel blank bored to 12 Ga, and the 20 Ga starts with a 12 Ga blank. This makes a stiff barrel and contributes to accuracy. But the gun is heavy. If the ballistics above meet your needs, then go with a 20 in the H&R. The 12 is only going to be a heavier gun.

I can tell you that the H&R USH 12 gauge does not kick nearly as much as a Mossberg or Remington pump. The weight simply soaks up more of the recoil.

12 or 20, once sighted in you don't have much of a need to shoot much anyway. Maybe a bow before season to make sure the zero is still there and then a slug per deer.

The 20 is a great slug gun but I shoulder a 12 because I like to deliver alot of lead.

Thanks guys for the input!...is there any advantage in the 12 gauge when it comes to the distance the slug will accurately travel or do they shoot about the same?

I have the 12 gauge and use Hornady SST slugs. Here are the ballistics from their website.

12 gauge at 200 yards.
1341 feet per second
1198 ft lbs of energy
6.7 inches of drop when sighted in at 150


20 gauge at 200 yards.
1212 feet per second
815 ft lbs of energy
8.2 inches of drop when sighted in at 150

Clearly the 12 gauge is better not that the 20 won't do the job

seriously, who will take a 200 yard shot at a deer? Paper targets are much easier then a deer, with a deer your blood pressure is rising, and also the recoil alone will put you off target with either a 12 or 20ga., the slightest move will knock you off target at 200 yards.

Get yourself the 20ga.

I have the 20 and recommend the same but when I know that my shots will be over 125 yrds I rather use a muzzleloader. Under 125 yrds the 20 will be just as good as the 12 and alot easier to carry. Better resale, at least here in NJ

BTW, you may want to wait for the new Savage 210 in 20 guage.