12 gauge lead slug effectiveness large game

[markj]

Think of the slug as hitting your target over the head with a brick and the deep penetrating bullet as stabbing him.

Well having killed large deer with both Imust say the damage caused was greater with the slugs. I used a 150 gr 30-06 and of course my winchester 1300 with the rifled barrel. I have also shot deer with a smoothbore (earl years), most went completly thru the deer as did the 30-06 but having a larger face the slug did a lot more damage to the deer. Dont use kinetic energy stuff or scientific explaintions, just my life exp.

I shot a wheel rim with both the slug tore a hole in it the 06? not so much...

 

[Gunplummer]

I shot two deer this year with 12 gauge Federal lead slugs. Hit them both broadside and both went completely through the "Soft area". Both hit at least one lung and clipped the heart. I am new to shotgun hunting and was impressed with the entrance hole. Apparently the Federal lead slugs really expand with little resistance.

 

[zippy13]

Think of the slug as hitting your target over the head with a brick and the deep penetrating bullet as stabbing him.

Well having killed large deer with both Imust say the damage caused was greater with the slugs. I used a 150 gr 30-06 and of course my winchester 1300 with the rifled barrel. I have also shot deer with a smoothbore (earl years), most went completly thru the deer as did the 30-06 but having a larger face the slug did a lot more damage to the deer. Dont use kinetic energy stuff or scientific explaintions, just my life exp.

Markj, it seems your experience confirms my description: the slug messed it up and the bullet stabbed its way through.

 

[L_Killkenny]

Kilkenny,something that starts out just under .75" doesn't need much expansion to transfer oodles of energy.

I've a few dozen deer behind me also, and most died humanely and fast within 50 yards of impact.

Some slugs were recovered. They looked like silver dollars, so expansion does occur sometimes.

Forster slug work very well on deer sized game. For hogs, bears and the odd Smilodon I'd go with Rottweil Brenekkes.

Dave, you're right a foster slug does kill a deer although I've never seen expansion of any sort. But a .75" hole is gonna leave a mark. My issue is with the lack of shock transmitted to the deer. When compared to wound channels of deer shot with centerfire rifles or even handguns for that matter very little tissue disruption occurs to surounding area with a foster slug. Neat hole thru what ever it hits. Good if you're saving meat, bad if shot is even the least bit questionable. IMO, that combined with questionable penetration means the foster slug despite it's large diameter and ooddles of energy is not a very efficient killer compared to the competition. Note, I didn't say it wouldn't get the job done. Been doing for years. But it's not the best despite the numbers.

LK

BTW, IMO it's inefficiencies is also why a good percentage of deer hunting related shootings here in Iowa result with the victim living. It's amazes me how many hunters get shot COM here during the deer season and live.

 

[Dave McC]

LK, some shots were straight through and through, I doubt much expansion occured though death was swift and humane.

OTOH, I recall one yearling shot quartering in. The Rottweil Brenekke struck at the point of the left shoulder and broke the right hip after, say 2 feet of penetration.Dead in 10 yards and 30 seconds.

IMO, Forster style slugs are adequate for Md Whitetail and similar. Less so for say, Manitoba giants and larger thin skinned prey. There, go to the '06 or Brenekkes....

 

[markj]

Markj, it seems your experience confirms my description: the slug messed it up and the bullet stabbed its way through

Yes the bullet goes thru and takes its energy with it, the slug dumps most into the animal causeing a huge hurting.

I shot a deer was on a doe doing his thing with a slug, knocked him off her. Shot deer the year before wit hthe 06, went clean thru not much of an exit wound he run about 250 yards then collapsed.

Now one time I saw or found I should say, a deer had a arrow in its back. Deer had lung out its mouth ran itself to death with the arrow slapping its back......I want a clean kill, this was over 20 years ago, it impressed me a lot.

 

[theblakester]

Regarding the OP.
Rifled barrel with Sabot slugs. I shoot torphy boars 250+ lbs and drop em with sabot slugs. penetration and knockdown power. plus theyre more accurate than rifled slugs. more expensive too......