New to shotguns

[SimplyChad]

I have untold numbers of rifles and pistols but only one shotgun. Its is, as I understand the most quintessential of the non break actions, a Remington 870 express magnum. It has what appears to be a 28 in smooth bore. My question is what ammo would best be served here for deer and hog hunting. Can I use slugs or would it be shot only? (Bird buck or target)

 

[Bobson]

Depends on the range you intend to hunt at, and how your shotgun patterns buckshot.

Odds are you wouldn't want to hunt deer with buckshot much beyond 50 yards, because it's likely to be a significant spread by then, and while a clean kill is still certainly possible, you'll just damage meat unnecessarily. Again, the only way to properly/accurately determine the range limit is to pattern your shotgun with the buckshot you think you'd like to use. A slug may be a better option regardless of the range, for deer. If you do choose a slug, you'll want a rifled slug, as opposed to a sabot. Here's some info on rifled versus sabot slugs, in rifled barrels versus smoothbore barrels, courtesy Box o' Truth.

I assume by the magnum in the shotgun model, your shotgun can handle 3.5" shells. If so, you may want to consider a rifled slug in a magnum load (3.5" shell), but it might not be necessary. Obviously, as with any firearm you would use for hunting, you'll want to compare different brands of ammo to find what works best in your particular shotgun.

As for hogs, it depends on the conditions you expect. Many people who use shotguns for hog hunting like using buckshot, because it makes them feel more confident in dispatching an aggressive hog, if you should run into one. That's worth considering. Either a slug or buckshot will do the job - again, depending on your range. Keep in mind that less-expensive buckshot has a tendency to have softer pellets, meaning they'll be more prone to "smushing" on impact. Conversely, higher quality buckshot tends to have harder pellets, which would result in deeper penetration. OTOH, if you're gonna be up in a stand, a slug might make more sense.

(Bird buck or target)

Just noticed this. If you use shot, you'll want buckshot. I'll try to find the shot-size chart for your viewing pleasure.

ETA:

Note that BB in the top row is the same size as BB in the middle row, along with any others that are listed twice. The bottom row is all "buckshot." You wouldn't want to hunt big game with anything in the top two rows. Generally, "target" loads are limited to size 7.5, 8, or 9 shot.

Also, this is a THR thread about using buckshot for deer hunting. It's worth a read.

 

[Virginian]

The Magnum is 3" maximum. 3-1/2" is SuperMag. I prefer slugs, but find out where your gun shoots what slug. There is no other way to know for sure. With a little effort you can almost assuredly find a 75 yard combination, probably 100 yard. I have seen way too many wounded animals with buckshot. Animals are 10 times tougher than humans. I don't like coyotes, but I won't even take a chance of a gut shot on one of them.

 

[oneounceload]

Do you need to use a shotgun with slugs or buckshot for deer and hogs where you live? If not, then do not bother, use your rifles that you are familiar with - better ballistics and range

 

[SimplyChad]

I don't need shot gun for deer or hogs. In texas im not there is anything we cant use on hogs. With that said eventually I plan on hunting dove and such. Thank you for the diagram I guess ill just go hang some sheets at different ranges and see how it prints. Another thing how does a choke work?

 

[Virginian]

Everything you ever wanted to know about chokes.
www.briley.com

 

[oneounceload]

A choke is a constriction at the end of the barrel that varies in its constriction - that variance from more open (cylinder) to tight (full) will help the pattern stay together longer for a further distance. Depending on the use (targets/hunting/HD) different chokes tend to be better suited for certain applications.

For doves anything from IC to IM will be the ticket - depending on whether they are coming in close or staying away......

 

[rcmodel]

3" Magnums, and 3 1/2" Super Magnums??

With the possible exception of sky-busting at out of range geese with mandatory steel shot.

If you can't kill it with a 2 3/4" 12 field or Magnum shell?
You had no business shooting at it in the first place.

That's my story, and I'm sticking too it!

rc

 

[LeonCarr]

Stickied at the top of the list of Shotgun Forum threads are some posts/threads by the late great Dave McCracken. Read them, and you will be exponentially wiser in the use of the shotgun for two legged varmints, four legged varmints, and things that fly.

In the area you live in (I grew up North of there in Huntsville) there are lots of forests and heavy cover areas that are made to order for hunting deer and hogs with shotguns.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[SimplyChad]

Leon I walk out my back yard into Sam Natl Dense underbrush.

 

[LeonCarr]

I wish I had a dollar for every good time I've had in them "Guvmint Woods".

Hunting, Shooting, Fishing, Mudding, Exploring...lots of good times.

If you are that close to the woods, put a feeder in your backyard and stay up late on the weekends...you will probably have more pork in your freezer than you can stand .

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[SimplyChad]

No hogs this far south in the park. I literally live less than a mile away on 105/Fostoria with a lot of woods but No Sign whatsoever this year. No deer or hogs. Go up to Shepherd and its everywhere.

 

[LeonCarr]

The Stubblefield Lake area off of 1375 is overrun with hogs, along with the Four Notch area between Phelps and New Waverly. When I was in Junior High School an 11 year old boy shot a 14 point buck out near Phelps. Used a .222 and broke its neck at 100 yards...his first deer.

You are bringing back good memories Chad. To keep from thread drifting, that thick heavy cover is made to order for Buckshot and Slugs.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr