Ok so turns out where I will be hunting the max range is about 40-50 yards. I am now looking into a slug gun, I was looking at t

[DranDran]

Ok so turns out where I will be hunting the max range is about 40-50 yards. I am now looking into a slug gun, I was looking at the H&R; Tracker II with iron sights because I am not big on scope for shotguns. 20 or 12 gauge is my real question and if anybody has expierience with it how do you like it? Sorry

[DranDran]

Wont let me edit the qestion sorry if its miscategorized

[DEER30]

I killed my first deer with a 12 guage slug from a smooth bore Remmington. At 12 feet, thats right feet, it doesn't really matter what its down range accuracy is.

But I practiced on a piece of firewood in the backyard at 40 yards and hit the same hole with two shots.

At such a short range, either will serve you well. But my personal preference is a 12ga.

[habben97]

I have shot 4 deer with 20 gauges. the first was shot in the neck, and she dropped. second in the shoulder, and he dropped. third was quartering towards me and I shot through a blowdown and he ran 30 yards and was done. finally, the fourth was hit a little low but he ran 50-70 yards until he fell over, and he left a pretty good blood trail. it is good enough for what you will use it for

[mike0714]

Both are powerful enough to take any size deer at that distance. It just matters on wether you want to shoot a 12 or 20 gauge based on recoil and cost of shooting/availability of ammo where you live.

[DranDran]

It shoots up to 3" shells. I told someone I mow for what he thought and he said it comes down to if I want the snot kicked out of me or not. I think I am going with 20 gauge, are 3" any better than 23/4"?

[Treestand]

With 12Ga or 20Ga, 2 3/4" Slugs will do the JOB at the short ranges, My pick would be a 20Ga with Brenneke Slugs. Safe Hunting~Good Luck.

[DranDran]

They have rifled barrels so is there a specific type of slugs I should use?

[habben97]

you will need to use sabot slugs.

[DranDran]

Thank you

[Trapper Vic]

I've got the HR. in 20 ga.Didn't get to hunt last fall, had some issues sighting it in. I bought a led sled this winter and will start over soon! Good looking gun for the price,I read some where about gun smiths shortening the barrel to dial them in.

[DranDran]

@Trapper Vic, it's the iron sights? if I have trouble with it I have my uncle to help me who's been hunting for about 62 years i'm sure he has a trick lol

[DakotaMan]

At that range both will work fine. The trick, as always, is to put the slug in the right place and then there is no question about which is better. I prefer the 12 gauge myself because of a larger diameter hole. A shotgun does not have nearly as much shocking power as a rifle so penetration and wound size count. The heavier, larger diameter slug always made sense to me and always worked fine too.