Slug guns vs. Rifle for deer
 

I posted this at another forum but only got one response, what would you use in this case, I live in michigan and hunt in a swamp, there is very thick brush around...i have always used a rifle but the maximum range for a shot is probably 130 yards, most deer are taken within 100 yards though, there are lots of little branches and sticks in the way...and shooting light 100 grain bullets those branches and sticks become a problem when you take a little bit extended shots, I have just gotten a Ultra Slug hunter with a 1.5-4.5x scope on it, it shoots 1 1/2" to 2" groups at 50 yards using sabot slugs, anyways...what would be the pros and cons to using a sabot slug instead of a rifle in this type of hunting, also it is froma tree stand, what would you use, i want to use the new gun but i want other peoples opinions on this... what would you use in this situation, slug or rifle?

RE: Slug guns vs. Rifle for deer
 

simple for me anyway.the slug gun in thick brush hands down.As far as I'm concerned all pros for the slugger in thicket.

RE: Slug guns vs. Rifle for deer
 

If I could use a rifle I would. Makes no difference what I'm hunting, thick or open country. A rifle like a 308, or any deer rifle really, hits harder than a slug. You may want to consider setting the rifle up for the area you hunt, kind of like the low power scope setup you have on the slug gun, or even a peep sight.

You can usually find a hole to sneak a bullet through, and I think I'd rather try to make a 75 - 100 yd shot with a rifle. That's my opinion.

RE: Slug guns vs. Rifle for deer
 

What type of rifle do you shoot? From the 100 grain bullets you talked about, I'm guessing a .243 Win? If you were shooting a slightly beefier rifle, I would say the rifle. The accuracy is better and that makes a difference, even at short range. Plus, you can't beat the hydrostatic shock imparted by a high powered rifle. Shot placement is everything, but a bullet mushrooming in the lungs and heart at 3000fps sure knocks their socks off.

RE: Slug guns vs. Rifle for deer
 

Im shooting a 6mm reminton, i like it but every deer ive shot, it shoots right through it and it runs a lil ways so i figure i cant do any worse with a slug gun, i just bought the slug gun and figured that its so think and its not open fields that the slug gun would do just fine, i do like using the rifle though but i just don't like how the bullet goes through the deer everytime

RE: Slug guns vs. Rifle for deer
 

I like the slugs for thicker cover! It seems to take a bit more to nock them off course from what Ive seen.... When I rifle hunt I use a Marlin 35. It also is a pretty good brush buster!....Good luck!

RE: Slug guns vs. Rifle for deer
 

Uncle, Not trying to be a idiot,but My slug gun anyway puts holes in the deer like golf ball size on the exit. Blows lung material out on to trees. With a good rifled slug gun and the fast 2000 FPS slugs they put down deer better then my 30:06. Now I'm not talking 200 yArds.

RE: Slug guns vs. Rifle for deer
 

45/70 ..

RE: Slug guns vs. Rifle for deer
 

With the .244/6mm you'll put the deer down with a shot through the shoulder, but heart/lung shot deer are going to run aways before going down. The 12ga. slug is compatiable with the 69cal. musket round.

RE: Slug guns vs. Rifle for deer
 

Ib would us my 444 marlin

RE: Slug guns vs. Rifle for deer
 

No such thing as a brush gun, all guns will deflect on brush or branches. this is myth that I wish someone had not started, the same as knock-down power, another myth.
Your 6 mil would be my choice as for reasons stated above.

RE: Slug guns vs. Rifle for deer
 

by" brush gun " an ounce of lead will have less deflection than a smaller cal. bullet like the 6mm personally I'd go with the slug or maybe 30/30

RE: Slug guns vs. Rifle for deer
 

johnl yes the smaller bullet will have more deflection but it is also sneaks though a lot of brush that a 30 cal. would hit.

i would use the rifle over the slug in the thick stuff. but i would try for a high shoulder shot, neck shot, or a spinal shot, all three will drop them in there tracks

RE: Slug guns vs. Rifle for deer
 

I love my slug gun. Smoothbore, and I shoot clover leaf groups at 50. If the range is short, thats my preference.

RE: Slug guns vs. Rifle for deer
 

I'd go with the slugs. more weight thru the brush

RE: Slug guns vs. Rifle for deer
 

If i was you i would use a rifle. It also depends on the caliber you are shooting. I shoot 165 grain 30-06 and i have no problem with brush. also my dad shoots a 30-30 which is a really nice brush gun. But i personaly think that 100 gr. is to little and would suggest to use a higher such as 130 or 140 if u still wanna shoot low grain. if you dont care i would suggest 150 or 165 grain.

RE: Slug guns vs. Rifle for deer
 

The 6mm or slug gun are both adequate for the job. In fact the 6mm vs. a standard sabot slug have very similar energy up to 100 yds. My vote is for the shotgun but with a premium bullet like Federal's Barnes Expander, Winchester Partition Gold, or Remington Ultra Core Lokt. FYI the Partition Gold kicks like a mule. I just switched to the Barnes Expander. Good luck.

RE: Slug guns vs. Rifle for deer
 

If you shoot the slug gun well out to your max ranges by all means use it, otherwise stay with your rifle.

RE: Slug guns vs. Rifle for deer
 

I live in Central Indiana. In Indiana it is illeagal to use rifles. So i have to use my slug gun. Where i hunt it is pretty thick in most places. I use my remington 870 express magnum. I have never used a rifle to hunt deer so i can't really judge them. But I always have had great luck with my slug gun in the thick stuff. I haven't had to track one yet. Drops them right in there tracks.

RE: Slug guns vs. Rifle for deer
 

ruger,
I love my 2 sluggers,have taken many many deer with both. Great guns in woods if 00 is legal in your state.

I started deer hunting with a rifle. It spoils you after your forced to switch to a slug gun! By comparison all things considered a shotgun IMHO is a big panty waste. Every year I wish I had a good rifle in hand and in many cases could of taken shots on nice deer at 150-200 yrds. I then look down and there sits the old slugger.

RE: Slug guns vs. Rifle for deer
 

Holy cow, cardeer, where do you find 2000fps slugs? I have tried the remington and winchester 1850fps slugs and accuracy is so so. I have taken dozens of deer with a slug gun, and its effective, but if you butcher alot, you will notice the damage inside isn't near like a 06. And I primarily hunt with a slug gun.

I am still shocked on how many people still go with the bruch gun theory. Shooting thru heavy brush is plain irresponcible. Hunt the deer, wait for the shot. If not let him walk. What will it hurt.

RE: Slug guns vs. Rifle for deer
 

For one in reply to the email ruger sent me. For one rifles are ileagal to use in Indiana. Yeah if i had a choice i would use a rifle, so remember some of us are not lucky enough to be able to use a rifle. And to this last article. with some people thats the only kind of shots there able to get. I have shot plenty of deer with my "slug gun" in brushy areas mainly because thats all there is. I have yet to miss one. and if you know were to shoot a deer you are not going to tear up hardly any meat!

RE: Slug guns vs. Rifle for deer
 

I apologise to ruger it was A--- something that sent that to me

RE: Slug guns vs. Rifle for deer
 

Is the slug gun barrel rifled ?

If it is a rifled barrel,

Then lighfield sabots will knock there socks off at 200 yards or better.

If you click here you can even see clips of how well the Lightfield Slugs work.

Click Here - Lightfield Slugs - Click Here

I just wish I had a rifled slug barrel for my shoot gun.

Good Luck

jrbsr

RE: Slug guns vs. Rifle for deer
 

Yeah shes rifled, its a NEF Tracker II Plus (basically a delux H&R ultra slug hunter with the NEF emblem in the stock) I have it sighted in with winchester BRI sabots...they shoot well, I feel very confident with my slug gun and would rather use that than the rifle in my opinion...i just wanted other peoples opinions, so far i have heard a lot of both sides, keep the info coming ppl!...lol Thank-You!
P.S. I have been thinking about the lightfields, what other slugs does everyone else use that work good for them?

RE: Slug guns vs. Rifle for deer
 

My H&R loves the lightfield Hybrid EXP's , it a 12ga Ultra. Had it at the range today , still 3" groups at 100yds. Was thinking about trying the new 3" lightfield commandos.