Slug gun or Muzzleloader for deer?

[HighCountry]

I have a chance to go on a firearm hunt in Illinois this year so I am trying to decide which would be better, slug gun or muzzleloader? What kind of accuracy and range do the new slug guns produce?

Slug guns have been used for years in Illinois. Shotgun slugs and slug guns have come along way in the last few years. ML are also allowed with or without scopes. Most inline ML's now are pretty easy to work up a load with enough accuracy to take deer here in Illinois at the distance most shots are taken. I use both and never know from one day to the next which one I will decide to take. It depends on where I am going to be hunting mostly. If its more open crop land I will tend to lean toward the ML because of the distance advantage it gives. If in the timber or thick brush I usually go with the rifled slug barrel. If you have any questions please feel free to email or send me a pm. I would be happy to talk to you.

[Athens Thumper]

I just got a T/C Impact ML for under $250.00 and shot it yesterday, 1" off the bulls eye at 100 yrds with the fiber optics sight. This is my very first gun for deer, always shot a bow, I have only good things to say about this gun and it didn't kill my wallet.

[Huntingnut]

I'm a smokepole shooter. You gotta love the old weapons. So, if it were me I would be taking my Thompson Center .50 Renegade. Good Luck!

[Uncle Saggy]

A smoke pole is way more old school than a slug gun. Nothing against the sluggers but their is just something about seeing the smoke makes me smile and makes me feel all warm and bubbly

That would be a true statement had it referenced a BP and a caplock....I would not call a modern in-line "old school".

[Winman]

Yeah, ML all the way. I have shot deer with my CVA at 275yds and more. 250gr Sabot, 3-Trip7pellets and a Nikon Omega BDC scope.

WOW.....I hesitate to shoot that far with my 300 Win Mag....275 real yards is a heck of a long shot. What kind of a bullet drop do you have at that range??

[bu2herndog]

I shoot a T/C Encore Endeavor and love it. I have only taken out 2 deer with it and the farthest being about 60 yards, but I can get about a 1" group of three @ 100 yards. I like it more than my deer rifle and that is what I used all season. Can't go wrong with a T/C in my opinion.

[deep n the heat]

Thanks for all the input. I think I am leaning towards a ML. I believe 1 shot is all I need, if not it's my fault. Looking forward to the hunt.

[Txbhunter1]

About 2ft of drop at that range. The last deer I shot at that distance was down in south Tx at Seminole Canyon on a state hunt. Ranged the 8pt the last time at 275yds across the canyon and he walked another 10 before I took the shot. Prone and with a good rest. Absolutely deadly!!!!!!!! One shot is all it takes if you know your gun, same as any other weapon.

[J-J Matt]

WOW.....I hesitate to shoot that far with my 300 Win Mag....275 real yards is a heck of a long shot. What kind of a bullet drop do you have at that range??

A bunch. That is way to far for me to try with a ML.

[wellingtontx]

Muzzleloader

[volsfan969]

I have an 870 pump with a 24" rifled barrel and scope--accurate, but limited to about 100 yards or so---holy cr*p the ammo is expensive. Also, shoot a T/C Pro hunter sometimes for fun--haven't killed an animal with it in a few years--super accurate and less expensive. With a rest, 200 is no problem for me.

[Reaper]

scoped ML is good out to 250 no problem