Has anyone here ever used a 410 slug for deer hunting? I was looking at the Winchester 9410 today and it looked kind of fun, but I was wondering what it would actually be good for. I was looking at the ballistics of the 410 slug, and it seemed pretty anemic.

Pete

Not enough power nor is it legal in most states. Check your states regulations.

When it comes to deer-sized game, don't even consider it. Unless you are in a survuval situation and have nothing else available, there are much better options.

Some may argue for low-recoil performance, but if you can handle the recoil of a .410, you can handle the likes of a .250 Savage as well -- and the Savage affords superior accuracy and terminal performance.

As a major deer killer no. But if one wants to go kill a deer with it why not. If one is willing to handicap oneself and limit the range ect. It well kill deer.

I wouldn't take it on a trophy hunt or one where I had to kill a deer now. But with time one would get a deer in the proper place and range then bang one dead deer.

I heard somewhere they are very leathal on deer. Slug isn't as big as a 12 gauge but it's not a small slug. Think about it, they make guns that shoot the .410 and the .45 Colt. The .45 Colt isn't a small bullet and I've seen people who use a .45ACP on deer. But I wouldn't do it. I'd rather stick with my 12 gauge or when I want something different my 20 gauge.

quote:

Slug isn't as big as a 12 gauge but it's not a small slug

Strongly disagree with this.....the 410 slug is 1/5th Oz which is 85 grains.
Yes it's been used to hunt deer.....but it's about as worthless as teats on a boar. Use at least a 20 Ga slug for deer.

That seems to follow with what I was thinking. So why would winchester bring out this gun? They must have had some niche in mind when they did. I can't imagine that it's much good as a bird bun because of hot it's laid out.

Pete

I have seen a guy shooting skeet with the 9410 - using #9 shot. He did very well with it.

Might make a decent rabbit/squirrel gun. with #4,5 or 6.

I learned to shoot as a kid using a .410/.22 over and under. The .410 is a great size shotgun for a smaller child to use because of the absence of recoil, and is certainly enough to use for small game.

No way would I use it for deer, however. In my state it's illegal anyway.

I think they came out with it as a novelty that really caught on better than hoped. It's a fine small game gun and very familiar to the tens of thousands who hunt with a 30-30.

Properly handloaded you could come up with something much better than the factory 410 slug loads but it would still be much less than appropriate for deer. Good fox or coyote gun.

quote:

Originally posted by talentrec:
That seems to follow with what I was thinking. So why would winchester bring out this gun? They must have had some niche in mind when they did. I can't imagine that it's much good as a bird bun because of hot it's laid out.

Pete

Actually the only one I ever saw was knocking quail down like mad. I was impressed with the guys performance with his 9410 shotgun.

The 9410 appears to be smooth bore - another big strike in my book for any slug gun. Nothing less than 20-gauge allowed in NY for deer anyways.

I overheard a man the other day at a gun shop looking to use a .45 Long Colt shell in a 410 shotgun for deer hunting in NY - can't imagine that you could hit the broad side of a barn with that either.

Anyhow, the 9410 might be a great challenge at the skeet range for those who have mastered using the 28!

quote:

Originally posted by vapodog:

quote:

Slug isn't as big as a 12 gauge but it's not a small slug

Strongly disagree with this.....the 410 slug is 1/5th Oz which is 85 grains.
Yes it's been used to hunt deer.....but it's about as worthless as teats on a boar. Use at least a 20 Ga slug for deer.

Just to make it clear I was refering to the diameter. But I do agree that a .410 is n't a fine choice for deer.