What is the best gauge shotgun for deer hunting?

What is the best gauge shotgun for deer hunting?

12-Gauge
Go with 12-Gauge or Larger for Deer This means most hunters will be best served by a 12-gauge. 16-gauges gauges can get the job done, and 20-gauge shotguns are easier for smaller hunters, but almost every deer hunter during shotgun season is toting a 12-gauge shotgun, while some will go even larger with a 10-gauge.

Is a shotgun good for hunting deer?

A lot of deer hunters have opted for the shotgun loaded with buckshot when in pursuit of fast-moving deer on deer drives over the years. They also make for easy handling when slipping through brush on a spot-n-stalk hunt in the timber, or when making adjustments in the tight confines of a trees and or hunting blind.

How far can you shoot a deer with a 20-gauge?

Now, understand the 260-grain AccuTip slug, or any other 20-gauge slug, is well beyond its effective range — in fact, bereft of lethal energy — at 250 yards. But the exercise provided testimony as to the remarkable accuracy of the scope/slug/shotgun combination.

How far can I shoot a deer with a 12-gauge?

The short answer however, is up to 200 yards if your shotgun can group as tight at 3-4 inches at 100 yards with the right load your gun happens to like.

Can you use a 12-gauge shotgun for deer hunting?

Shotguns used for deer or bear must be 10 gauge, 12 gauge, 16 gauge, or 20 gauge and shoot slugs or #1 or larger buckshot. 10-gauge and 12-gauge shotguns using slugs may be used to hunt elk, goats, sheep, or moose. Shotguns used for waterfowl hunting must use approved non-toxic shot ammunition.

Do police use buckshot or slugs?

Buckshot remains the most commonly utilized police shotgun ammunition. The typical round of 2-3/4 inch 12 gauge buckshot contains 9 pellets approximately . 32 caliber in diameter. Today, all of the major manufacturers are turning out reduced recoil or tactical loads optimized for law enforcement.

Is 20ga good for deer hunting?

An old rule of thumb is that it takes 1,000 ft-lbs of energy to kill a deer. The 20 gauge has plenty of energy. For example, the Winchester Supreme 2¾” 20-gauge Partition Gold load uses a 260-grain bullet with a muzzle velocity of 1,900 fps and a muzzle energy of 2084 ft lbs. This is more muzzle energy than any .