Slug vs buckshot for <50 yds, and which?

[cbrewton]

I found a new set up this year on a thick deer trail w/ the max shot of 40-50 yds, most likely 10-30 yds.  I have winchester 1300 12 ga turkey gun but was thinking this would be a good set up to use it for deer. I have never used a shotgun for deer hunting and do not know whether to use buckshot or slugs or which kind of either to use. I'm open to any and all advice.  Thanks!

[eye shot]

Tested on a peice of sheet metal. The slug put a big dent in it, the buck shot ripped a hole in it at 10yds.

[Dinny]

cbrewton,
  I think that decision can only be made by considering what your State laws are.  If they permit you to use buckshot, then I would recommend the Dixie Tri-ball buckshot. Crude iron sights can be effectively used with the Tri-ball.  If you only have a ribbed barrel, there are rifle sights made to clip onto the ventilated rib.  The combination of a good choke, the Tru-Glo gobbler sights along with the Tri-Ball is hard to beat for close range deer or hogs. Check out their website, you'll likely find that they shoot plenty good enough for deer within 50 yds.

www.dixieslugs.com

Thanks, Dinny

[Oldtimer]

I have used the magnetic sights on my shotgun and they work well.  The front sight indexes on the front bead, but a good bump can move the rear sight, so it makes sense to mark the vent rib to be able to index the sight if it does move.

[dougk]

For me I would go with a slug over buck for deer, but given the application my choice would be my new Marlin 1894 in .44 mag.

[hunt-m-up]

Slug over buckshot for better penetration on deer at any distance. Buckshot may be good if you're running them with dogs and need to hit moving targets, but I've party hunted a lot and hit many moving deer with slugs. If you're really talking only distances that short, sights aren't even a factor, just know where your gun hits at 30-40 yards.

[RMc]

cbrewton,
  I think that decision can only be made by considering what your State laws are.  If they permit you to use buckshot, then I would recommend the Dixie Tri-ball buckshot. Crude iron sights can be effectively used with the Tri-ball.  If you only have a ribbed barrel, there are rifle sights made to clip onto the ventilated rib.  The combination of a good choke, the Tru-Glo gobbler sights along with the Tri-Ball is hard to beat for close range deer or hogs. Check out their website, you'll likely find that they shoot plenty good enough for deer within 50 yds.

www.dixieslugs.com

Thanks, Dinny

Dinny,

I have done a great deal of testing with Dixie Tri-Ball 12Ga 3" (.60" pellets, 3/4 ounce each) and seldom get a pattern greater than 4-5" at 40 yards (Briley .695 extended full choke). Further, my 26" VR 870 Express shoots this load to point of aim at 40yards with just the bead on the vent rib.
I feel completely comfortable using this fast and simple fixed sight system out to 50 yards.

RMc