Can I use a mossberg 500 for a slug gun for deer? It doesnt have a rifled barrel should get 1 or use 00 buck?
December 26th, 2009 by eranio
I am new to hunting and hope to go hunting in the fall. I have a mossberg shotgun. I was wondering if I can use this for a slug gun or should i purchase a diffrent barrel. Or can I just use 00 buck. Also what it the effective range with both. Also since im new to the whole hunting thing where exactly should I shoot the deer?
Posted in mossberg shotguns
December 26th, 2009 at 8:01 am
Slug or buckshot depends on where your hunting. Here in Indiana you can use slugs, but not buckshot.
A smooth bore Mossberg 500 can be used as a slug gun if you stick with a foster type or Brenekke slug (So called rifled slugs), as long as you use an open choke.
You can purchase a rifled barrel and then use sabot slugs or get a smooth bore with rifled sights and use rifled slugs if you so choose.
Buckshot will limit you to about 45 yards for a long shot more like 30yards or closer. Your shotgun will let you know what kind of pattern you can get from it when you test (pattern) your load you plan to hunt with. The slug will easily reach out to 75 if not 100 yards.
For aiming: broadside, I like to aim behind the the front shoulder middle of the chest. Any angle away I try to place the path of the bullet through both lung. Facing me I aim high over the spine and try to go through the neck or just not take the shot. I don’t take shots with the deers rump facing me. Now from a tree stand I still try to go for the lungs.
December 26th, 2009 at 8:01 am
use the 500 i do. i just buy rifled slugs. cause in my state buck shots illegal
December 26th, 2009 at 8:01 am
I am new to hunting also.Last year I used a 50 caliber tripod mount on the roof of a Cadillac.I cut the roof from behind the front seats back.I shot a 14 point buck but when I got done it was a 4 point and there wasnt anything left to tie to my trunk.
December 26th, 2009 at 8:01 am
You will learn a lot once you take your hunter safety course, which a lot, if not all states require for you to go hunting.
For the shotgun, you will be perfectly fine using a smoothbore barrel with slugs(the regular 500) just make sure you put in an improved cylinder choke for best results.
when the deer is perpindicular to you and your sights, hit em right behind the shoulder
December 26th, 2009 at 8:01 am
I don’t think you will get the deer with the slug gun. If you are on the high on the tree you may get one. most the time you will shoot from
long range ,you need a rifle . but if the gun has rifling in the barrel then it is ok to use it. But for long distance you need a deer rifle.
December 26th, 2009 at 8:01 am
Hers what I think and you can take it or leave it but it has worked for me. I do alot of hunting with a shotgun and have found that it mostly depends on the terrain that you are in. if its mostly open then yes use a slug (rifled in your case) if its thick use 00buck, But where I hunt I usually have the 1st shot a slug and then the second and third as 00buck they work great for a follow up shot.
As far as the accuracy of the rifled slugs i have no problem placing them within a 3 inch group at 100yds.
December 26th, 2009 at 8:01 am
People did OK for a long time using slugs in smoothbores. Having separate rifled barrels is a pretty new phenomenon. 75 yards is a comfortable range with a Brenneke or Foster slug, and 100 is well within its capabilities. Get used to deer anatomy and go for heart shots. You should be able to make a mental picture of where the heart is no matter the angle at which the deer presents itself. People will tell you things like "just behind the shoulder," but that presumes a nearly exact broadside presentation, and doesn’t hold if the deer is quartering towards or away from you.
December 26th, 2009 at 8:01 am
If it is a cylinder or improved cylinder choke on your shotgun you can use rifled slugs in the barrel you have now.* It is not necessary to buy another rifled barrel. Use Remington Brand Sluggers for your Mossberg, I do.* Do not use 00 Buck shot.* For best accuracy, and to not damage the barrel manufacturers recommend you Only shoot rifled slugs from a shotgun with either a cylinder or improved cylinder choke.* Always aim for the heart & lung area of the Deer, never the neck or head.* It is your responsibility to know where the heart and lung area is located before going Hunting.* That is your assignment.*