Shotgun Slugs for Deer Hunting and Bush Defense
BY Herschel Smith
16 hours, 18 minutes ago
He does a good job in this video of answering the obvious questions concerning what happens in a shotgun when a Sabot slug is shot through a smooth bore barrel, what happens when a rifled slug is shot through a smooth barrel, and what happens when a rifled slug is shot through a rifled barrel.
I found the results less than impressive. I’m embedding another video below concerning the use of a rifled choke which are quite impressive.
Frankly I find this whole conversation a bit awkward and oddball. First, it seems to me that shotgun-only deer hunting states, by encouraging the use of a less than accurate weapon, are actually encouraging unethical shots and potential pain and suffering of the game animal. To me, that’s an awful outcome. I think the regulators in those states should grow up and do the right thing.
Then again, this also makes me wonder why someone would take a shotgun shooting slugs into the bush as personal defense against dangerous game. Why not just carry a 45-70? The bullets begin at over 300 grains and go up to 400 grains. Why would it be better to shot shotgun slugs than a round from a 45-70? The rifle will be more accurate.
Perhaps loyal readers like TheAlaskan who live the life of dangerous game defense can educate us. I respect his views.
First, the generalized video on different kinds of slugs from different shotguns.
Second, the video on use of the rifled choke. Once again, his results are extremely impressive.
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On February 9, 2025 at 9:55 pm, Dan said:
With shotguns it’s imperative that you pattern your gun so your KNOW what it can and can’t do and how far it can do it. Slugs are included in that testing. Each gun is different.
On February 9, 2025 at 11:47 pm, Georgiaboy61 said:
I am not a bear hunter, but have friends who have spent a great deal of time in Alaska as field biologists, hunters and guides. My understanding is that many pro hunters and guides prefer semi-auto 12-ga. shotguns as their medicine of choice firing bear slugs, due to the combination of enormous muzzle energy and the ability to get off multiple shots very quickly should it be necessary. An experienced field man can get off multiple shots accurately and quickly with a 45-70 lever-action, but probably not as quickly as a semi-auto 12-gauge shotgun.
Your choice of weapons and loads for them is dictated in part by the terrain, and whether you expect to encounter a bear at medium to longer range – in which case a bolt-action might be the choice – or at short or very short range, in which case the shotgun or lever-gun might be your best bet.
On February 9, 2025 at 11:55 pm, X said:
“…it seems to me that shotgun-only deer hunting states, by encouraging the use of a less than accurate weapon, are actually encouraging unethical shots and potential pain and suffering of the game animal.”
You would think, but that was not my personal experience. I hunted in a shotgun-only jurisdiction for over 10 years before they allowed rifles, and I never lost a deer that I’d hit until after rifles were allowed.
I hunted with a smoothbore 12 gauge, and almost everything was WELL within 50 yards, I think I took one deer at about 70 was the max. It made a hell of a difference to see a deer and wonder “Is he 40 yards away or 60?”
The shotgun was such a vicious instrument that even a poorly-hit deer (say a liver shot) would be dead within 10 yards anyway. I never hit and wounded a deer (that I knew of) or had to track a deer I’d hit with a shotgun. Of course I saw a lot of deer I couldn’t shoot at, too, because they were out of range.
With rifles shot placement was far more critical (especially at longer distances like 200 yards), as was bullet. I tried 125 and 150 grain in .30-06 with less than 100% results and settled on 165 grain. A good trigger made a significant difference, my Remington 700 only became my go-to, guaranteed meat-getter after I scrapped the factory trigger and put a Timney on it.
I would never go back to a shotgun if I could help it, but there was a definite learning curve in transitioning to rifles that cost me 3-4 wounded deer.
I will also say this, a lot of guys who hunt with shotguns will lead a running deer and pump five slugs at it. I NEVER did this, ever. Surely a lot of deer must get wounded by that technique, though.
On February 10, 2025 at 12:23 am, Chris Mallory said:
I was always told the rationale for the Slugs Only Deer Seasons was due to the 12 ga slug, older ones anyway, losing velocity rather quickly making the range not as long as a rifle. They wanted a round that would be in the dirt or close to it by 400-500 yards. Yes, I know, shooting at a 45degree angle will get you more range.
On February 10, 2025 at 1:14 am, Nosmo said:
How much difference is there in slug type? I’ve used Brenneke slugs exclusively and found accuracy out to 100+ yards excellent. But, just because one can hit a target out to 100-120 yards doesn’t mean one should, because trajectory, and retained energy; Point of Aim vs Point of Impact varies quite substantially with slugs of any type at all distances beyond about 35 yards because of projectile weight, velocity and air resistance. I suspect very few shotgun hunters have done POA / POI testing in 10-yard increments, and uniformly, the ability to accurately judge distances is not something most humans are good at.
On February 10, 2025 at 8:52 am, Latigo Morgan said:
At self-defense ranges, a shotgun is quite effective vs. a .45-70 and a whole lot cheaper. You can get into a decent shotgun and slugs for under $400. For a working man with a family, that’s better than the ~$1,000 plus the cost of ammo for a .45-70.
You aren’t going to get away with explaining to Mr. Game Warden you had to take a 100 yard shot because the grizzly looked in your direction. Not even 50 yards.
On February 10, 2025 at 11:44 am, Beast5 said:
Politics of the state you’re living in, hunting in, or traveling through matter. Idaho changed a rifle zone I was going to hunt to a shotgun only zone and I had to adapt-but I couldn’t procure an accurate enough slug in time (no online sales allowed) for the hunt so I scrapped that portion. I’m not a huge shotgun fan, but usually carry a one for predator/pest control, and self defense (in addition to a G26). After coming upon a large drug operation adjacent to a ranch I managed, I upgraded my trusty .410 to a modern pump 12 ga. with a fancy all weather coating. It helps to not have all the rust that accumulates on a truck gun or 3 different long guns in the truck when you can carry one and three different ammo types. And who wants to lose a cherished rifle or expensive firearm to theft? A $350 shotgun can get a lot of work done and it’s not a huge loss if someone steals it.