Choice to make before Deer Season

[graywolf]

Most of you probably know I been using a 410 shotgun with slugs, specifically the Rossi lever action, for my deer hunting last few years. Well, that's one of my guns I've passed down the line. Now I got to decide which of these 3 I'll use starting this season. The Rossi single shot 410 Turkey, the Mossberg pump 410 Turkey, or the Henry 410X. Unless one of them really stands out shooting slugs its going to be a tough choice. I like all 3.

Don

[The Happy Kaboomer]

I would never take a 410 to the deer woods. Get a decent centerfire rifle or a bigger shotgun with slugs.....I've saw penetration test on wood with 410 slugs. Not good and not very accurate.........You owe it yourself and the deer.

[PJM]

I agree. Big deer need a heavier load, with more energy and range. Recommend 30-30 , .35 Rem, 308 etc. If you are in straight case wall country,.44 nag in rifle is good, If you are in shotgun country a 12 gauge with slugs is good too.

[Sir Henry]

I agree in theory. However if your track record is good then stick with it. Just because I can’t get close enough to a deer to humanely harvest it that doesn’t mean you can’t.

Do think about the higher calibers though. A 30-30 is not all that expensive and greatly increases your possibilities.

[Vaquero]

Like you've said before, keeping your shoots under 50 yds. you've had good success.
I would shoot all three and whichever groups the best consistently would be my choice.

I myself if hunting where the average shot will be under 50 yds. I'd be carrying at least one of the pistol caliber rifles.
Good luck to you sir.

RP

[graywolf]

I understand everyone's thinking. I could get one of my deer rifles back from grandkids if I really wanted to. My first deer Rifle was a 30-06. Son has it. Went down from there. .260, .243, then .223. I only hunt here and these woods are thick. My stands are set up where I can't shoot one over 25-30 yards. If I was missing, or wounded them, I would quit in a heartbeat. I used to keep lanes bushhogged for deer hunting, but haven't been able to keep them cut lately. My longest shot on a deer here has only been about 85 yards. My Rossi lever grouped the Winchester slugs in 3 inches at 25 yds. If one of these will do that, I will feel good about it.

[daytime dave]

I'm rooting for the Henry myself. I hope that they all group well for you and you get a nice deer this year.
I have too many choices myself. I need to get to shoot a couple to see which one I'll use this fall too.

Good luck with the testing.

[Hatchdog]

Is the Henry X a 3” chamber? My wood stocked 410 is only 2.5”. I vote for the Henry just because we’re talking about it here.

[markiver54]

More important than caliber is shot placement.

[Vaquero]

Is the Henry X a 3” chamber? My wood stocked 410 is only 2.5”. I vote for the Henry just because we’re talking about it here.

The X is 2.5" only as is most lever action 410's.
So I'd take the Mossy, with a 3" slug.

RP