Author Topic: BOLT ACTION SHOTGUN for deer hunting-tri ball shotshell  (Read 1809 times)

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Offline ratherbefishin

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BOLT ACTION SHOTGUN for deer hunting-tri ball shotshell
« on: August 01, 2008, 10:55:38 AM »
I have an opportunity to hunt a farm but the area is ''shotguns with shot only-single projectile prohibited''.I just learned about the ''tri ball ''shotshell-which seems to offer some advantages over the traditional SSG-good accuracy and better penetration.I have a savage 58#bolt action shotgun that I bought specifically for deer hunting with shot-but this model is 2 3/4 ''shells-the tri ball shot is 3 and 3  1/2 shells .I have no problem with a bolt action shotgun for deer hunting -it may not be as quick as a pump-but  3 shots is plenty
any opinions/experiance with either a bolt actionshotgun for deer hunting-or the tri ball shot shell?

Offline IOWA DON

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Re: BOLT ACTION SHOTGUN for deer hunting-tri ball shotshell
« Reply #1 on: August 05, 2008, 04:27:27 PM »
I would be very interested in how they pattern. I loaded up some .50-140 Sharps ammo with three .50 caliber balls. With a muzzle velocity of about 1,200 fps they make about a 5-inch pattern at 50 yards. I would like to try them out on deer. - DON

Offline MGMorden

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Re: BOLT ACTION SHOTGUN for deer hunting-tri ball shotshell
« Reply #2 on: August 05, 2008, 05:01:29 PM »
Never used a bolt action shotgun hunting, but it should shoot pretty much like the rest (I've used single shots, pumps, and autos).

No info on the tri-ball, but I have used regular 3" 00 and 000 quite a bit deer hunting.  Down here in the south dog driving for deer is extremely popular (I started dog hunting 4 or 5 years before I got into still hunting), and with dog driving you're required to use buckshot.  Range is a LOT shorter than what you're going to get with a rifle, but if you keep your shots at around 35 yards or under, 12 ga 3" 00 will do wonders on deer.  Generally take the same shots as a rifle - kill zone right behind the front shoulder (or in the neck if you prefer - most that I've shot in the neck dropped right where they stood). 

As a matter of fact the first deer I ever took was with 20ga #3 Buckshot out of a single shot NEF Pardner. I was 9 years old at the time.  That's the only deer I got with the 20ga before moving up to 12ga, but even with those shells he didn't make it but about 40-50 yards before going down.


As to your gun being 2 3/4" only - it shouldn't be a big problem.  I know a lot of people that hunt with 2 3/4" buckshot on those dog drives and they do fine.  My dad uses a 1970's vintage Remington 870 Wingmaster which is also 2 3/4" only and he's never noticed any problems - just a few less pellets (he normally uses the 00 magnum loads or #1 loads).  He even owns several other guns that can shoot 3" shells but has always preferred to stick with his old 870.

Offline ratherbefishin

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Re: BOLT ACTION SHOTGUN for deer hunting-tri ball shotshell
« Reply #3 on: August 09, 2008, 06:08:03 AM »
actually, about 90% of all the deer I've taken with a rifle were within 40 yards-shot gun range,although I've only taken one with SSG.I'm really interested in this new tri-ball load for deer or bear in ''shotguns with shot only''  only areas though.A 5''pattern at 50 yards is excellent,and I would think the heavier shot would have better penetration than SSG.Dixie slugs-who markets the tri-ball load-only offers it in 3'' and 3 1/2'' shells,with 60. cal balls so I'll have to load some for myself if I want it in my 2 3/4 '' .I have some 50.cal ball for my muzzle loader,so that might work .I think they said it had to be buffered,so some type of filler would be needed.

Offline brasskeeper

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Re: BOLT ACTION SHOTGUN for deer hunting-tri ball shotshell
« Reply #4 on: September 19, 2008, 01:50:57 PM »
Seems like your main problem is the shells are 3" and you have 2 3/4" gun. You either need to change guns or change ammo.

Browning made an " A-Bolt"  bolt action shot gun, it may have had a 3" chamber I'm not sure. You would have to buy a used one and they are expesive. >$1000.00

I would think 2 3/4" buck shot would work good in your savage.

Offline Maritime Storm

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Re: BOLT ACTION SHOTGUN for deer hunting-tri ball shotshell
« Reply #5 on: December 13, 2008, 07:01:49 AM »
Another option, Marlin 55. I've used a 55GDL with the barrel shortned to 25" for most of my hunting over the past 10 years. They made an upland version, a goose version(which is what mine was originally) and a slug version. All in 3" chamber for around $400. This may be a better option for you if "need" to use this load.
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