20-Gauge Slug

The 20-gauge slug is the best-kept secret of shotgun-zone deer hunting: modern 20ga sabots from rifled barrels deliver what 12-gauge Fosters delivered a generation ago - honest 125-yard accuracy and deer-flattening energy - while kicking like a light rifle instead of a heavyweight. For young hunters and everyone's shoulders, it's frequently the smarter buy.

What it is

The 12's lighter sibling: 250-275gr saboted slugs at ~1,800-1,900 fps from rifled 20ga barrels (Foster options for smoothbores), in lighter, faster-handling guns.

What it hunts best

Whitetails in shotgun zones out to ~125 yards - the youth-hunter standard and an adult favorite among those who've done the recoil math.

Trajectory & energy

Sabot zeroed at 100: ~5" low at 125, workable to 150 with practice. ~1,800-2,000 ft-lb muzzle - deer-ample through the practical envelope.

Recoil & shootability

~17-22 ft-lb versus the 12's 30-45 - the entire argument in one number; shooters place 20ga slugs better because they aren't braced for pain.

Rifles & ammo on the shelf

Dedicated 20ga slug guns from all makers (many youth-stocked); sabot selection strong and improving yearly.

Bottom line

Inside 125 yards a deer cannot tell the gauges apart - but your shoulder and your shot placement can. The honest pick for a huge share of slug-zone hunting.