3" 20 gauge ammo

[Star1pup]

I have a Savage 220 that shoots a nice group with Hornady 3" tipped sabots, but these shells are tough to find in my area of Ohio.  There are always 2 3/4" shells available, but I hate to give up the extra push of the 3".  However, it might happen that I have to settle for 2 3/4".  Has anyone had experience with testing both lengths to assess the difference?

[LanceR]

I can tell you that your results are best determined by allowing the rifle to tell you what it likes.  I have a 220 that positively loves the Federal/Barnes 3" 5/8oz tipped Expanders.  It shoots them into 1 MOA or a bit less whenever I do my job.

My gunsmith (Dave Klotz) who has an international reputation for making slug guns shoot well and who has multiple patents in that arena bought one, too.  His won't hold 4" with the same slugs mine likes.  The slugs his like shoot downright ugly groups in mine.  Go figure.

Since slug rifles are such particular critters I'd advise finding what yours shoot best and, if needed, mail order enough for a few years.

Lance

[swiftman]

Have you tried Remington Accutips   They come in 3 inch and 2 3/4  They shoot really well in my friends 220

[Redhawk1]

I bought a new Savage 220 myself, I have tested 3 inch and 2 /4 inch rounds, and found the 3 inch gives me better groups. What works best in my 220 is the 3 inch Remington Accutips with 1 to 1 1/4 inch groups at 100yards followed by the 3 inch Federal Barnes Expanders with 1 1/2 inch groups at 100 yards.  I tried the 2 3/4 inch Accutips and my groups opened to 2 1/2 inches at 100 yards, still a deer killer but not as accurate as the 3 inch.  Also tried the 2 3/4 inch Remington 260 gr. Premium copper slugs, and my groups were about 4 inch's at 100 yards.  I did not try the Hornady or Winchester slugs at all. I kind of stuck with what Savage recommends in the Savage 220.   Some people claimed the Lightfields shoot well in theirs, but I have not seen anyone shoot them.  Now all I have to do is see how the Remington Accutips perform on game, as well as the Federal Barnes Expanders.  Once I see how they perform I will decide which slug I will stick with, and buy a case of them.

[SHOOTALL]

Have you tried Lightfield slugs ? I have the Savage in 12 ga and it shoots the red box lightfields really well. As for length , mine seems to shoot the 3 inch shell better.

[Redhawk1]

Shootall, I have used them in my son's Remington 870 20 guage slug gun, and they worked very well. But I have not shot them out of the Savage 220.  Now I have shot a ton of them out of my 12 guage slug guns, and they are some deer & bear killers!

[SHOOTALL]

I have been thinking about a 220 . The 210 is big , kicks like a mule , hard to load but very accurate .

[Redhawk1]

I have been thinking about a 220 . The 210 is big , kicks like a mule , hard to load but very accurate .

 
Had a 210 12 gauge and loved it, wish I never sold it.  This 20 gauge is a pussy cat compared to the 12 gauge from Savage.

[SHOOTALL]

They look good .