Slugs vs. Straight wall cartridge, which should you choose
Shotguns vs. Rifles for Deer Hunting
Steve and Caleb from Brownells discuss a question many deer hunters face: keep using shotgun slugs or switch to a rifle cartridge such as 350 Legend or 450 Bushmaster?
Their answer depends on where you hunt, what you shoot comfortably, and how familiar you are with your firearm. Both options can serve deer hunters well.
Rifle Cartridge Options in Restricted States
The conversation begins with the expansion of rifle options in states traditionally associated with shotgun deer seasons. Steve and Caleb discuss straight-wall cartridges and mention that some regulations also permit certain other rifle cartridges.
Allowed cartridges vary by state and season. Check current hunting regulations before selecting your ammunition.
Keeping Your Familiar Hunting Shotgun
Already owning a suitable shotgun is a practical reason to keep using it. Familiar handling and family tradition matter, too. Taking a deer with a trusted shotgun or a firearm passed down from a relative can be part of the experience.
Steve and Caleb emphasize that hunters who enjoy using shotguns have good reasons to continue.
Slug Barrels, Sights, and Optics
Dedicated slug barrels, rifle sights, and optics mounting options give hunters several ways to configure a shotgun for deer season. Depending on the model, an interchangeable barrel can let one shotgun serve both bird hunting and deer hunting roles.
The discussion also covers matching ammunition to the barrel. Rifled slugs and sabot slugs serve different applications, so barrel and ammunition compatibility matters.
Comparing Recoil
Recoil is one of the biggest differences Steve and Caleb discuss. Heavy shotgun slug loads can make extended practice and sighting in uncomfortable.
Caleb favors 350 Legend partly because of its lighter recoil. Actual recoil depends on the firearm’s weight, ammunition, and configuration, so the comparison will vary between setups.
Practice and Staying on Target
A comfortable hunting firearm encourages practice. Steve and Caleb also discuss how lighter recoil can help a shooter maintain the sight picture through an optic.
For younger hunters, recoil deserves particular attention. Caleb describes his lightweight, suppressed 350 Legend rifle as an especially comfortable setup to shoot.
Woods Hunting vs. Open Fields
In thick woods, familiarity with a shotgun can be an advantage. Steve notes that someone who regularly uses a pump shotgun may handle it more naturally than a bolt-action rifle used only during deer season.
Across open fields, rifle cartridges may offer advantages in trajectory and wind drift, depending on the loads being compared. Hunting terrain and realistic shot distances help determine which option fits the situation.
Choosing Your Deer Hunting Firearm
Steve and Caleb leave room for both shotguns and rifles. Consider your hunting conditions, recoil tolerance, firearm familiarity, and demonstrated accuracy when making the choice.
What keeps you hunting with shotgun slugs, or what convinced you to switch to a rifle? Share your experience in the comments.
