Currently use a 12ga Winchester 1300 Slug Gun (rifled barrel) for whitetail here on the east coast (Maryland). Pondering the idea of purchasing a 20ga H&R Ultra Slug Gun. From what I understand they will drive a tack at 100yds when using Lightfields.

Real question: Has anyone regreted using a 20ga for whitetails? Very little chance I would have the opportunity to take a deer at 100yds, but say given the opportunity to take a deer at 50yds or in, what is your experience with using a 20ga?

Thanks for your comments in advance,

MD Piney

While I have never hunted with a shotgun for deer (I'm a muzzleloader guy, at least until I get out to a rifle state), but my dad hunted for many years with a shotgun before switching to muzzleloaders, and the gun he used exclusively (because it was the only one he had) was a Remington 870 Wingmaster 20 gauge with the fixed choke smooth bore barrel. He used Remington Sluggers because they were the only slugs he could afford, and he killed many dozen deer with that gun as dead as dead can be.

Look at it like this; and hit that will kill a deer with a 12 gauge will kill a deer with a 20, period. It's still a big chunk of lead making a big hole. As long as you don't push the ranges much past 100 yards, you'll be fine.

Mike

Never hunted with a 20ga. myself, but know of others that have when I used to hunt in
New Jersey (shotgun only). Most, like myself, used 12ga., 2-3/4", and of course, this was before the rifled barrel came along. Anyway, those using the lighter 20ga. didn't seem to have any problem. And, for the ranges you're talking about (50yds. +/-), a
20ga slug will do the job.

I've killed deer with my 20 ga. in MA., CT, and RI after switching from a 12 ga. I have no regrets and the deer certainly didn't like it.

No need for concern A 20 ga. will do just fine!

A 12 or 20 will kill out to 100 yards with no problem. A dead deer is a dead deer. We have H&R Ultra's in 12 Deluxe (mine) and 20 Standard (boys).

His 20 is a tack driver with Remington Copper Solids. Mine gets nothing but Brenneke 3-inch Gold Magnums (1 3/8oz) and Brenneke 2 -3/4" Heavy Field Magnums.

Uncle Matt (in IL)

The 20 is a fine ga.....please don't use the .410 however....

The 20 ga is fine for the conditions you have mentioned. I would ask why the H&R Ultra and why 20ga though? They are excellent guns no question. However for the situation you mentioned it would not be my first choice,(unless the price is the major concern).
This guns accuracy comes with two drawbacks. First obviously is the fact that it is a single shot. That means your unlikely to get a second shot in the close cover you mentioned. No big deal if the first shot was where you intended of course.
Second and more important is the weight. I assume you have shouldered one of these guns. If you have not, you should. In my opinion these guns are unnecessarily heavy for a close range woods gun. If you primarily stand hunt, then it is Ok, but i would not want carrry this gun when stalking for any amount of time.
Of course none of this matters if you must have a 20ga. As the Ultra is really the only choice there. But why not consider staying with a 12ga. That gives you much better options as far accuracy vs utility.
I don't want to get off topic here....so If you would consider looking at 12ga's and want more info let me know and I will follow up with my thoughts there.

Not flaming you, just adding some thoughts that happen to be different than yours.

Single shot is not too much of a draw back. Just think of all the black powder hunter out there. With the H&R's easy break action, ejector (not extractor), and maybe back-up shells on the stock with a shell holder, a second shot can come in about 2 seconds.

As for weight, I've heard complaints about H&R's and NEF's being too light to manage recoil!! Of course rifles slug barrels are HUGE. With a scope and extra shells, weight could be a problem.

dont let anyone tell you any thing bad about these guns. my best friende droped a very large doe at 160 yards with a h&r ultra slug hunter and lightfields. and as far as the close range thing goes my buddy shot 3 deer in the same spot out of thwe same group at about 80 yards. buy a one of thoses ammo carriers that slip on the stock of the gun. for 20ga's my father and i have used an Ithaca 37 w/ the longer 26inch deerslayer barrel for years and droped almost every deer in their tracks. if money is not a concern buy a Remington 1100 LT-20 w/ the 21 inch rifled barrel. use a b squared mount and a decent 3x9. my father just bought one about 3 of years ago and has killed about 20 deer with it. the thing is accurate and deadly. one thing to keep in mind w/ the b squared mounts is make sure the bolt does not hit the mount. throws the scope off. after that my father has never had a problem. good luck and dont buy a 12ga theres no need