How many of you guys have used .410 for deer? What are the advantages/disadvantages? We are not allowed to use the .410 in Iowa for big game, so I don't know much about them. Is there any data listed anywhere for ballistics on .410 slugs? I haven't had much success finding any on the web, But I don't know if I am looking in the right place. thanks.

DGK

I've killed a few deer with my 410. It really isn't nearly as ineffective as some people think. I've killed them out to 50 yards and most all shots were behind the shoulder. Sometimes they didn't pass through, most of the time they did. The times they didn't were all on hard quartering shots and the slugs were recovered just under the skin on the opposet side of the deer.

There are many better choices for deer, but if you can put the slug right behind the shoulder at fairly close ranges (50 yards or so) then the 410 will consistantly put meat on the table.

As far as advantages or disadvantages, there aren't many advantages. Low recoil, lower muzzle blast, easy to carry, shells don't take up much room, and the guns themselves are fairly inexpencive.

Disadvantages would be not much "knockdown" power (hit's more like a .45 handgun and a shotgun), shells are expencive, shorter effective range, not many optics options, no ability to hunt anything larger than deer, just a general lack of power.

Within it's limits it's a passible deer gun. All the major ammo makers have 410 slugs, you may try looking through thier sites for ballistic tables. Much of it is largly dependent on your individual firearm. Try several brands of slugs and hunt with the one that shoots best.