Shotgun Slugs?

[257Robt]

I'll admit that I know very little about shotgun slugs so I have to ask this question.

I was told that a 12 and 20 gauge will both shoot as far, but the 20 does it with flatter trajectory. If this is true, does this explain why it seems as if many people are shooting 20 gauge slug guns. Obviously recoil has alot to do with it also. Also, what is the effective range of 12 and 20 gauge slugs. I have never really hunted with them so I am unsure.

[mountainview]

Trajectory will depend on the velocity where higher velocity = flatter trajectory/more range. A point you also need to consider is sabot vs. foster. While there are also other factors, Foster slugs out of a smoothbore generally are good out to 50-60 yards (on average) while sabots from a rifled barrel are good out to 100+ yards (also on average).

I suspect that some people shoot 20 gauge slugs for flatter trajectory but all in all I personally never felt that the difference was that significant to make a worthwhile difference at usual hunting distances in the woods. Recoil on the other hand, there is a very significant difference in what the shooter feels from 12 to 20 gauge and is what I suspect is the main driver for your observation regarding 20 gauge slug shooters.

[Ramrod]

mountainview explained it very well. Only thing I can add is that the vast majority of slugs sold are 12 gauge. Just like with rifles, a little more velocity is a poor substitute for bullet weight when it comes to killing power. Deer can't read balistic charts.

[257Robt]

Thanks for the info. I am asking because I am figuring out a setup for my nephew for the fall of '06. We will be trying to get him in on a youth hunt that requires shotguns. The 20 gauge will be what I will most likely go with. I have an 870 that I might use. I am debating whether or not to spend the extra money for a Hastings cantilever barrel or just get a Remington rifle sighted barrel. The other problem is I am looking for a new muzzleloader and really like the Encore. I saw the 20 gauge slug gun Encore and am wondering if I should get that instead. The easiest route would be the Remington slug barrel, but I don't know enough about slugs to justify which one to get. Any thoughts?

[mountainview]

257,
Is your nephew an experienced open sight shooter or willing to practice until proficient? If yes, the Rem 20 gauge barrel w/ sights is a reasonable choice and not as pricey if $$$ are a concern. If no, go with a cantilever set-up and scope. My son is not a good shooter w/ open sights so I went with a cantilever setup and scope for him even though it was more money but gave him far better accuracy and confidence and helped maintain his interest in the sport.

Sabots vs. Foster - If the shooting distance is 60 yards or under, smoothbore will do the job. If your nephew may take a longer shot at the Buckhorn hunt, the extra cost of sabots (quite a bit more than foster slugs) are worth it.

[Daveinthebush]

I would go with the standard slug barrel for the 20 gauge with rifle sights.  If he can not hit well with the rifle sights, add a B-square scoupe mount and a scope.  It is sturdier than the cantilever scope mount.  And in addition, if on a trip the scope failed the scope could be removed and the open sights used.  

Also buy 4-5 different types of slugs and shoot them.  Different guns like different loads and the only way to tell is to shoot a variety of slugs.

[257Robt]

This evening I kinda feel into a new firearm. Tomorrow I'll be getting an Encore 50 cal ML. My father found the one I wanted almost by accident. I really like the looks of the Encore slug gun, so I am guessing I'll go with that instead. I have wanted a decent slug gun set-up and this should do well for myself. The nice part is if my nephew gets chosen for the Buckhorn hunt, he'll be able to use a great shotgun which will hopefully help for a memorable hunt. He has shot my fathers Marlin in 44 mag with the 16 1/2" barrel and loves it. He does well with a scope. Thanks for the feedback.

[jcchartboy]

I was told that a 12 and 20 gauge will both shoot as far, but the 20 does it with flatter trajectory.

Not true...

While clearly the reduced recoil of 20ga shotgun slugs make utilizing the gauge attractive relative the 12 ga alternative the ballistics performance of 20 slugs needs to be thoroughly considered before making any decisions to purchase a gun for big game hunting.

In virtually all lines of modern sabot slugs the 12 ammo has not only a flatter trajectory(albeit minor), but in most cases it is actually more resistant to wind drift.

Having had compared virtually all modern slug designs, from various manufacturers, the only reason I would actually advise against using a 20ga is the ballistics.

The 12 ga versions of virtually all modern sabot designs not only have flatter trajectories, and better wind deflection, but they also carry substantially better downrange energy than their respective 20 ga counterparts.(In all likely hood the most important element for the average whitetail hunter)

While I will admit that the differences in performance will be of little consequence to the average shooter, I am simply looking to clarify the facts.

For example here is the wind deflection #'s for the Barnes Expander sabots from Federal. (One of the only manufacturers that publishes this data).(Both ga's are 2-3/4)

Wind Drift in Inches 10 MPH Crosswind

............25...50...75...100..125
12ga...(.02)(.09)(2.0)(3.6)(5.6)
20ga...(.02)(.09)(2.1)(3.9)(6.1)


Clearly the 12ga version of this model is significantly better ballistically in every way than the 20ga version. While the #'s will vary slightly from manufacturer to manufacturer in virtually all cases the 12 ga models will trump the 20 ga's in trajectory, energy, and wind drift.

[brianrull]

Does your state allow the use of muzzleloaders during shotgun season?  If so, you should consider letting him use the .50 cal. as it will be far more accurate than a 20ga slug. It will also teach him to make that first shot count.

I have a scoped Encore .50 cal and it shoots <1" groups at 100 yards w/ 120gr 777 and a 250 gr. precision rifle dead center bullet/sabot.  I hunt deer in IL and if I am hunting the thick brush, I use my 11-87 w/ scoped cantilever and a red dot sight (holosight).  However, if I am stand hunting fencelines or field edges, I use the Encore exclusively.  I practiced quite a bit with this gun and can consistently hit paper plates at 250 yds.  I chrony'd the load at 1975 fps.  I'd feel comfortable taking a shot out to 250, although I have never had to shoot more than half that distance.

[Lost Okie]

If you gave your nephew's age, I missed it.  Consider the NEF Ultra Slug Hunter, single shot rifled barrel, tapped for scope, priced close to $200, then you could send the receiver in and have a 50 cal fast twist barrel added for around $100.  USH weighs in around 8 lbs but is extremely accurate out to 100 yrds.