Author Topic: Smooth bore 20 ga.  (Read 825 times)

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Offline hungrybare

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Smooth bore 20 ga.
« on: November 08, 2011, 12:07:28 PM »
I just picked up an Ithaca featherlight 20 ga. with a smooth slug barrel with 2-3/4" cahmber. I was just wondering which slug has the most knockdown power for a 20 smooth bore.
Thanx for the help !!!!!!!!

Offline tacklebury

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Re: Smooth bore 20 ga.
« Reply #1 on: November 08, 2011, 02:18:42 PM »
Think if you can find them probably the Brenneke Magnum
http://www.brennekeusa.com/cms/h_magnum.html
Tacklebury --}>>>>>    Multi-Barrel: .223 Superlite, 7mm-08 22", .30-40 Krag M158, .357 Maximum 16-1/4 HB, .45 Colt, .45-70 22" irons, 32" .45-70 Peeps, 12 Ga. 3-1/2 w/ Chokes, .410 Smooth slugger, .45 Cal Muzzy, .50 Cal Muzzy, .58 Cal Muzzy

also classics: M903 9-shot Target .22 Revolver, 1926 .410 Single, 1915 38 S&W Break top Revolver and 7-shot H&R Trapper .22 6" bbl.


Offline LanceR

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Re: Smooth bore 20 ga.
« Reply #2 on: November 09, 2011, 02:06:54 AM »
You don't mention what you are hunting but I'd guess it's white tailed deer.  Any 20 gauge slug will cleanly take any deer so I suggest that accuracy should trump ultimate power.

Slug guns are about the most finicky of cartridge loading firearms and the difference in accuracy between different slug loads can be pretty dramatic.  MidwayUSA.com lists loads from Rotweil, Brenneke, Winchester, Lightfield etc.  They range from 3/4 to 1 ounce and from 1476 FPS for the heaviest to 1800 FPS for the lightest.  No deer can live on the difference. 

The loads with skirts or wads that stay attached seem to have pretty good reputations for holding tight groups downrange.

I recommend that you grab a box each of several loads and see what groups best at the longest range you expect to hunt at. Then I'd shoot what my shotgun tells me it likes best.

Good luck and happy hunting.

Lance

Offline spikehorn

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Re: Smooth bore 20 ga.
« Reply #3 on: November 09, 2011, 03:24:15 PM »
I would just buy a few different brands and see which ones group the best and yse those. pretty much all 20ga slugs will kill deer.
308 win                 45-70                       12ga         
30-30                    223 stainless steel   20ga TDC
44 mag                  Tracker II 20ga        20ga
45-70 Manlicher     20ga USH                28ga
                                                              410ga

Offline NautiBuoys

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Re: Smooth bore 20 ga.
« Reply #4 on: November 11, 2011, 01:14:09 AM »
MyIthaca 37 smooth ore likes the Win Fosters; one big ragged hole at 50 yds. The Brenneke keyholes  me at same range.

Offline atitagain

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Re: Smooth bore 20 ga.
« Reply #5 on: November 12, 2011, 03:58:07 PM »
Try several brands, and keep in mind the weight of the slugs.  Some barrels prefer lighter slugs, and some prefer heavier.
I carry a single shot.
'cause it only takes one shot.