20 guage too light for deer right?
#31
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Blissfield MI USA
Posts: 5,293
RE: 20 guage too light for deer right?
I would go as far as to say that there isn't a shotgun slug or shotgun on the market that can outshoot a modern inline muzzleloader that has been fine tuned with the right loose powder load and sabot bullet.
The modern loads for a 20 ga shoot the exact same bullets a .50 cal inline uses, they have simular twist rates and shoot them at simular velocities. I have seen some that are very accurate, like sub MOA at 100 yards. And I have seen several 12 gauges that will shoot 1 inch groups at 100 yards, with a heavier bullet at the same speeds or faster. The problem is the expense of finding the right load.
For target shooting and pure accuracy I will agree the Inlines still have the edge, they are great weapons. However for hunting a decent slug gun with the newer loads is more than accurate enough to kill deer at 100 yards and beyond, and is easier and more convenient to shoot. Not to mention easier to clean.
I hunt with both, I have a remington 700Ml and an H&R ultra slug gun. Both will shoot one inch groups at 100 yards. The 700ml is a deadly weapon out to 150 yards, but so is the slug gun for the most part and is much nicer to shoot and maintain. Not to mention easier to get a second shot off if I had to. 5 or 6 years ago the inline was the better weapon hands down, but the slug technology is catching up fast.
Heck my H&R will shoot some cheap 2 dollar rifled slugs into a 3 inch group that measures less than 2 inches. That is 3 shots into one large ragged hole.
Paul
#34
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Plymouth WI
Posts: 533
RE: 20 guage too light for deer right?
Just to let you know. A 50. muzzleloader is about the same size as a 20 ga. So it really is not at all to small. My friend shot a big buck last year with one. The deer didnt live long.
#36
RE: 20 guage too light for deer right?
Yep Paul's right.I just bought a 20gaH&R Ultra Slug andI love it.I met a guy last year who had one,and the deer in his truck thought it was plenty of gun.The H&R 20ga is heavy,I could only imagine how heavy the 12ga H&R is.The gun is well balanced though.It is accurate as well.Very little recoil.As mentioned in some other posts the 20ga seem to be a little more accurate.The H&R 20's are 1:28" twist,and the H&R 12's are 1:34" twist.From all of my research it seems like the faster turning 20's like the fast slugs(1900-2000fps),and the slightly slower turning 12's like the slower slugs.I'll let you know how mine does on a hog if I'm lucky in the morning.Hopefully I'll get a chance at a deer later on.You know you can trust me Travis...it's RC.
#37
Spike
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location:
Posts: 93
RE: 20 guage too light for deer right?
I have a 12ga H&R. I would put it up to any 20 gauge out there. It is just as accurate. At 100yds I can shoot hole for hole. I have killed deer at 225yds. I have alot of kills between 150 and 180yds. It all is about what ammo you use.
#38
RE: 20 guage too light for deer right?
ORIGINAL: Bambeklr
I have a 12ga H&R. I would put it up to any 20 gauge out there. It is just as accurate. At 100yds I can shoot hole for hole. I have killed deer at 225yds. I have alot of kills between 150 and 180yds. It all is about what ammo you use.
I have a 12ga H&R. I would put it up to any 20 gauge out there. It is just as accurate. At 100yds I can shoot hole for hole. I have killed deer at 225yds. I have alot of kills between 150 and 180yds. It all is about what ammo you use.