Pro Hunter 20ga slug gun?

[benny]

Hello,
Have been kicking around the idea of a slug gun for many of the areas in SW PA, close to home, that are shotgun only.  Was wondering if any had some experience with the encore pro hunter 20ga slug gun?  I have read good things about the savage 220 bolt action, but prefer a single shot.
Don't really have any experience hunting with a slug gun (only once as a kid).  I would imagine the 20ga modern slugs are good to 150-200 yds for deer???  What type of accuracy is generally atainable with slugs in the pro hunter?
Thanks for any help!
 

[IOWA DON]

I can't comment on the Savage 220 since my experience with 20-ga slugs is with a TCR-87 with a custom barrel, but suspect accuracy would be similar. I used to get 2-1/2 to 3-inch groups at 100 yards but my last couple 100-yard groups were less then 2 inches with Hornaday SST sabot slugs. I previously used Winchester Platinum slugs but now use the Hornaday slugs because of their pointed plastic tips. I've killed 40 to 50 deer with the gun, some from 150 to over 200 yards. My last buck was shot at 167 yards and ran 150 to 200 yards before falling with a shot through both lungs. However, I've shot two does with my .338-378 Weatherby that ran at least that far with shots through both lungs so figure that is what happens some times. Anyway, I see no need for a 12-ga for deer as long as one uses the best sabot slugs available. - DON

[abolt-fan]

Benny,
First let me say that I would not discourage you purchasing an Encore 20 ga. barrel if that's what you want.

Secondly, I've found the 20 ga. slug gun to be fully capable of being a 200 yard deer gun.  My daughter and I both use them.  They are accurate and perform very well on game.  They compare ballistics wise with the .50 cal. muzzleloader.  Find the load it likes and your ready to go.

And finally to the main point of my response.  I have both Encores and H&R Handis.  I would never give up my Encores but before you spend the money on a Prohunter barrel I encourage you to consider the H&R 20 ga. Ultra.  You can buy the complete gun for about 2/3 the price of the Prohunter barrel.  My daughter and I both have them and they are scary accurate.  I've shot groups at 100 yards that are one big hole.  My daughter will shoot hers against her boyfriend with his 12 ga. autoloader at 150 yards and beat him every time.  I know at least 10 people with the H&R and they love them.  Anyway, just some thoughts I wanted to pass on.  Later, Robert.

[jbj-displays]

I bought one of the 24" blued Encore 20ga barrels for my Wife to deer hunt with here in Iowa. I shot all the sabots that I could find just to see which ones this barrel liked the best. This photo is taken after all shots fired at 100 yards. What was really cool was that they all shot almost in the same spot. The Remington Accu Tip group is 7/8" and the Lightfield 1" but much slower. I went with the Remington's and will hit 8" plate at 200 all day long.
Wife shot a nice 8pt with it too. One Good Shot but was a 50 yard chip shot.
Justin

[sk330lc]

I Love my 28" Pro Hunter 20ga.  groups are 1" and under with 2 3/4" Winchester Dual bonds and 3"Remington Buckhammers ( no longer made)  =(   have taken deer from 20 yards to 130ish yards.  Love the way it handles.